Modeling a productive system incorporating elements of business sustainability

Abstract

This article builds and evaluates a business sustainability model for a manufacturing industry in which indicators of sustainable development are incorporated. The construction and analysis of the model is based on the system dynamics methodology. This methodology begins with the characterization of business sustainability and its indicators, models and applied methodologies are then reviewed, the production process of the analyzed company described, and the model is finally elaborated integrating the environmental, economic and social dimensions. The simulations of the model showed that the inventory of finished products accumulates over time and that the incorporation of energy saving technology is one that has a more effective impact on consumption, and the proportion of waste generated grows as the production order’s size increases. Finally, it is concluded that the designed model is useful for the evaluation of strategies and the definition of sustainability actions.