Sustainable layout planning requirements by integration of Discrete Event Simulation analysis (DES) with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Abstract

Discrete Event Simulation (DES) provides computational models with different scenarios in which it is possible to check waste and capacityconstrained resources to generate comparative results. However, these analyses are guided by questions such as cost and production time without regard for wastes that impact on the environment. This paper examines how a tool of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can supplement DES in performing analyses of production systems taking into account environmental impacts, such as energy consumption and greenhouse emission. These ideas are demonstrated by a case study developed in an automotive company. The results ratify the importance of global projects with local solutions, even for layout planning. © IFIP International Federation for Information Processing 2013.