In an Industry which produces innovative products in fully accordance to the nowadays market
needs the optimization of the technical processes is one of its most important actions. However,
the market needs go beyond the sole technical optimization. Sustainability has an important role
to the long-term business success. Thus, several available methods serve to describe, assess
and evaluate the optimization in reference to sustainable development and other dimensions like
the technical achievement of the optimization.
Consequently, the managers and engineers face the problem to have to choose each time the
Consequently, the managers and engineers face the problem to have to choose each time the
suitable for the set goal method. An early taken right decision is essential as it prevents the later
development of negative results and impacts.
The objective of this study was the development of an algorithm which supports the involved in the
process optimization actors to select for the several optimization procedure phases the most
appropriate decision supporting tool or method.
The algorithm is based on the systems engineering concept and was implemented in all the decision
steps of the process optimization as described in the German 4090 VDI guideline. For the algorithm
evolvement it was investigated the suitability of the proposed methods in accordance to the numerous
steps of the process optimization procedure.
In the algorithm are integrated several criteria which evaluate the decision supporting method in
accordance to the particular process optimization procedure step. The criteria were classified in
the overall criteria and in the specific criteria.
The overall criteria serves to determine if a methodical fulfill the general requirements in order to be
The overall criteria serves to determine if a methodical fulfill the general requirements in order to be
characterized as a method whereas the specific criteria evaluate the extent to which a method fulfills
the function of the process optimization procedure steps (case-study 4090 VDI guideline). The specific
criteria are further classified in the qualitative and the quantitative ones. The score of each criterion
contributes to the final method evaluation score out of which the decision maker classifies the
appropriateness of the method. The score of each criterion depends on its relevance or detail
level to the method.
level to the method.
The algorithm finally achieved its goal and set the frame within the several decision supporting
methods can be evaluated in accordance to the process optimization procedure steps of the 4090
VDI (Association of German Engineers) guideline[1]. Forthcoming research work focus on the
algorithm application extensions in specific industrial sectors by implementing more explicit defined criteria
algorithm application extensions in specific industrial sectors by implementing more explicit defined criteria
[1] Systems engineering methodology for
design and control of environmental
relevant processes in the operational area (VDI 4090 Guideline)
3rd International Life Cycle Management Conference,Zurich-Switzerland, 27-29 August 2007.
Keywords: LCA, Process Environmental Optimization