There are many stages within the product lifecycle where efficiency can be lost, such as in development, planning, production and distribution. Considering the life cycle from one end to the other closes the cycle and allows to be aware of network effects in different processes. Development has to integrate the market and post-processing-view. Sales has to consider the development of follow-on products. Sealing off individual steps leads to communication problems and errors. Vertical integration enables more control across the lifecycle. In many cases, the focus shifts away from the product as a consumer good to a product as a service. Here, the life cycle does not end with the sale to the consumer. It is extended through follow-up, continuous improvement, maintenance, recycling and leasing.