Strategic service management

Considers the need imposed by increased competition for manufacturers to move from a traditional, reactive service approach based on routine maintenance programmes towards a more strategic customer servicing philosophy based on strategic service management. Argues for a complete management audit of company service policies in order to implement a company‐wide service culture. Concludes that the implementation of a service mission developing all relevant factors can enable manufacturers themselves to out‐perform third‐party organizations, thus maximizing opportunities offered in the expanding industrial and business service market.