A conceptual framework for capturing supportability attributes of a mechanical system

Supportability is an essential element in the successful marketing of mechanical systems which depends upon a product's design and can be evaluated in term of support requirements throughout their operational life. In this paper, a conceptual framework pertaining to capture and evaluate the supportability attributes for a mechanical system has been presented. A case study for a reciprocating compressor, as a mechanical system, has been presented, to identify its supportability attributes. This work will be helpful to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), customers, academician, researchers, industrialists, or any other person concerned, in understanding the importance, severity and benefits obtained by the application and implementation of the supportability at the design stage.