Planning of Eco-efficient Process Chains for Automotive Component Manufacturing

Book excerpt: This book includes the introduction of emerging manufacturing technologies and planning cases with established technologies. The planning of eco-efficient process chains is crucial for manufacturing companies. However, in the state-of-the-art planning, various barriers exist towards the integration of the environmental dimension. Against this background, a concept for the integration of classic lean and environmental criteria into the three planning phases of process chains is presented. During concept planning, the Technology Assessment Tool supports planners in the identification of eco-efficient technologies. During rough planning, the Value Stream Design Tool enables the derivation of a production line based on workpiece characteristics. For detailed planning, tools for eco-efficient machine and process chain configuration are provided. Three case studies from large-scale automotive component manufacturing with established and emerging technologies demonstrate the tool applicability.