Applying Life Cycle Assessment within Discrete Event Simulation: Practical Application of the Milan/EcoFactory Material Flow Simulator

This paper reveals the experiences of the applicati on of a software tool that combines discrete event simulation (DES), material flow analysis (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) in a single simulation model. This view focuses not only on economic optimization but also on material flow analysis opening the door to sustain able production in the future. Thus, the software unifies the economic and environmental perspective on a manufac turing system and therefore can be used for sustainable decision making. The paper will highlight important developm ent phases, basic concept and important implementation issues a s well as its practical application in the manufact uring industry.

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