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Strategic Management of Spare Parts in Closed-Loop Supply Chains—A System Dynamics Approach

Department of Production Management, Institute for Economics and Business Administration, Braunschweig University of Technology, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
Department of Production Management, Institute for Economics and Business Administration, Braunschweig University of Technology, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
t.spengler{at}tu-bs.de
marcus.schroeter{at}tu-bs.de

We developed tools for information management and spare-parts management in closed-loop supply chains. Our Internet-based information and communication platform provides data relevant to recycling based on Agfa-Gevaert's concept of a "recycling passport." We defined what data is relevant based on the product-recovery strategy. Using system dynamics, we modeled an integrated production and recovery system for supplying spare parts to evaluate possible strategies for meeting spare-parts demand for electronic equipment in the end-of-life service period. We will implement these instruments and methods in a pilot study within our partner companies, Agfa-Gevaert AG and Electrocycling GmbH. Decision makers at Agfa-Gevaert will then be able to determine whether and how recovering components could reduce costs in spare-parts management in the end-of-life service period.

Key Words: Industries: computer; electronic. Simulation: system dynamics