The PROMISE DSS utilises data from the PDKM in order to make decisions related to an individual entity’s, or series of entities’ different life cycle phases: beginning, middle and end-of-life. The result of each decision may also be fed back into the PDKM to enhance the knowledge about any single instance, group of instances or an entire series.

A closely coupled DSS may have direct access to the databases of the PDKM, and may therefore be able to access and process very large amounts of information stored in the PDKM. A loosely coupled DSS can access the PDKM system via PROMISE Data Services, and, though it does not have same direct access as a closely coupled DSS, it can be located in the field close to the PEIDs for service and maintenance applications or be distributed between different nodes.

Up-to-date and accurate lifecycle information can, for example, have significant influence on residual life decisions regarding individual sub-assemblies or components and positively impact the environment through improved and more efficient recycling or refurbishment decisions. By feeding up-to-date lifecycle information back into, for example, design (Design for X) and production (adaptive production), modifications can be made which will have an immediate impact.