Implementation of a software platform to support an eco-design methodology within a manufacturing firm. Issue 2 (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Favi, Claudio; Germani, Michele; Mandolini, Marco; Marconi, Marco
• Is Part Of: International journal of sustainable engineering. Volume 11:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Eco-design methodology -- eco-design software platform -- product environmental sustainability -- interoperability evaluation; BoM: Bill of Material -- CAD: Computer-Aided Design -- CAE: Computer-Assisted Engineering -- CAS: Computer-Aided Software -- CBR: Case Base Reasoning -- CREER: Cluster Research, Excellence in Ecodesign & Recycling -- DB: Database -- DfD: Design for Disassembly -- DfEE: Design for Energy Efficiency -- EDIMS: EcoDesign Integration Method for SMEs -- EoL: End of Life -- EPD: Environmental Product Declaration -- FMEA: Failure Mode and Effect Analysis -- G.EN.ESI: Green ENgineering dESIgn -- GUI: Graphic User Interface -- LCA: Life Cycle Assessment -- LCC: Life Cycle Costing -- LCT: Life Cycle Thinking -- LE: Large Enterprises -- LED: Light Emission Diode -- PDM: Product Data Management -- PDP: Product development Process -- PLM: Product Life cycle Management -- PMMA: Poly Methyl Methacrylate -- R&D: Research and Development -- REACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals -- RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances -- SME: Small and Medium Enterprises -- WEEE: Waste od Electric and Electronic Equipment -- XML: Extensible Markup Language; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; 620
• DOI: 10.1080/19397038.2018.1439121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1939-7038

Abstract

Abstract: The paper aims to explore the implementation of an eco-design methodology and the related software platform (G.EN.ESI – Green ENgineering dESIgn) within technical departments of a manufacturing firm. The G.EN.ESI eco-design methodology is based on the life cycle thinking concept and the software platform is conceived as a set of inter-operable software tools able to efficiently exchange data among them and with the traditional design systems (i.e. CAD, PDM and PLM). A multinational company, designing and producing household appliances, adopted the proposed methodology and related software platform for redesigning two cooker hood models with the aim to improve their environmental performances. Design and engineering departments evaluated the methodology and platform impact on the product development process, as well as the platform inter-operability with traditional design tools. The results indicate that methodology and software platform satisfy the requirements of the enterprise in terms of: (i) degree of expertise and training requirement on this subject, (ii) low impact in a consolidated design process and, (ii) good level of inter-operability among heterogeneous tools. However, the testing results highlight the necessity of a further platform optimisations in terms of software integration (single workbench made by integrated software tools with the same graphical user interface).