Functional Economy: A Revolution for Rental

What is the functional economy?

Say goodbye to the old world of consumption and welcome the functional economy.

It's much more than a new trend; it's a revolution that redefines the very meaning of rental and resource usage.

In this new paradigm, every aspect of rental acquires a new and dynamic dimension. This transformation fits into a circular economy logic where every resource is optimized.

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Rethinking our way of consuming

The functional economy involves rethinking our way of consuming and using goods.

This revolutionary approach places usage at the heart of value creation. Rather than acquiring a good to own it, companies access the functionalities they actually need.

Here, value no longer lies in simple possession, but in the intelligent and sustainable use of resources. This philosophy naturally extends to refurbishment and second-hand practices.

It's a model where usage-centered services take center stage, radically transforming our relationship with goods. IT equipment, for example, can be optimized through refit to extend their lifecycle.

The fundamental pillars of the model

The functional economy is based on several essential principles that distinguish it from traditional economic models:

Performance before possession:

• Focus is placed on results obtained rather than on ownership of means
• Performance indicators become central in value evaluation
• ROI measurement is based on actual resource usage

Extended supplier responsibility:

• The provider retains responsibility for the good throughout its lifecycle
• Continuous optimization becomes a direct economic issue
• Refurbishment practices naturally integrate into this logic

Integrated service economy:

• Support services are an integral part of the offer
• The client-supplier relationship evolves toward a long-term partnership
• Continuous innovation is stimulated by this relational proximity

Why now? A modern context

In a world where sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity, the functional economy becomes essential.

Companies face growing environmental challenges. According to ADEME, the functional economy could reduce the environmental impact of economic activities by 20 to 30%.

It responds to the urgency of sustainable consumption models, emphasizing efficiency optimization and innovative resource management.

This approach naturally favors the emergence of a more responsible circular economy. Take-back and second-hand practices fit perfectly into this dynamic.

This is the perfect time to embrace this transformation toward a more responsible circular economy. Environmental regulations reinforce this underlying trend.

Comparison of economic models

Criteria	Traditional Model	Functional Economy
Basic principle	Purchase = Ownership	Usage = Value
Cost structure	High acquisition cost	Pay-per-use
Maintenance responsibility	Owner's responsibility	Services included
Product approach	Planned obsolescence	Continuous optimization
Environmental impact	Strong environmental impact	Integrated sustainability
Flexibility	Investment rigidity	Needs adaptation
Supplier relationship	Transactional	Partnership-based
Innovation	Occasional	Continuous and collaborative
Risk management	Buyer's responsibility	Shared or transferred

Priority application sectors

The functional economy finds particularly relevant applications in several domains:

IT and office equipment:

• Rental of computers, servers, and peripherals
• Refit services to extend lifespan
• IT fleet management as a service

Mobility and transport:

• Shared mobility solutions
• Predictive fleet maintenance
• Journey and consumption optimization

Industrial equipment:

• Rental of machine tools and production equipment
• Integrated conditional maintenance
• Energy performance optimization

The functional economy: Beyond simple rental

Let's now see how the functional economy transcends the traditional notion of rental, bringing unprecedented added value to every transaction.

This revolutionary approach redefines traditional economic models by placing usage at the heart of the value proposition. It fits perfectly into a circular economy approach where every resource is optimized.

From possession to usage: a paradigm shift

The functional economy marks the transition from possession to usage. This fundamental transformation disrupts established commercial codes.

It's a paradigm shift where rental is no longer a simple transaction, but an enriching experience. Users access the desired function without ownership constraints.

Companies and consumers benefit from efficient resource usage, maximizing the value of each product. This optimization enables increased equipment sustainability and significant waste reduction.

Concrete benefits of this approach:

• Reduction of financial risks related to technological obsolescence
• Access to cutting-edge technologies without heavy initial investment
• Maintenance services included in the global offer
• Scalability according to changing business needs
• Positive impact on carbon footprint and sustainability
• Budget predictability through fixed monthly costs
• Transfer of maintenance responsibilities to the supplier

Creating added value through services

In this ecosystem, creating value isn't limited to providing a product, but to offering a complete experience. This holistic approach transforms the client-supplier relationship.

This includes ecological services and personalized solutions, addressing the specific challenges of each user. Support becomes a major differentiating element.

Take-back and valorization of equipment at the end of usage cycle naturally integrate into this sustainable approach. This circular economy maximizes the value of each component.

The pillars of value creation:

1. Personalization: Service adaptation to specific needs
2. Proactivity: Anticipating needs before they become critical
3. Transparency: Detailed reporting on usage and impact
4. Continuous innovation: Integration of latest technologies
5. Environmental responsibility: Product lifecycle optimization

This approach also optimizes second-hand flows, where equipment at the end of first cycle finds new life. Refit and refurbishment become strategic value creation levers.

Measurable performance impact:

• 30 to 50% reduction in total cost of ownership
• 25% improvement in equipment availability
• 40% decrease in carbon footprint
• 60% increase in user satisfaction