On the integrated management of industrial resources incorporating finances

The paper addresses the opportunities to improve profit and reduce the investment cost through integrated management of resources such as electrical energy, steam and fresh water. To consider the incorporation of finances into resources management task, it is proposed the utilisation of Pinch principles. Cost composite curves are created to target the optimum profitability guiding the decision-making process and trade-offs. Following the historical practice to run the targeting procedure for combined resources through combined composites, the cost composites are considered as summarising curves of all resources (energy, water, etc.). A Grid diagram analogous to the one used for Water Pinch analysis is used to show the money flow that can ensure meeting the targets. This procedure provides an important combination of industrial and businesses resources management. The resulting money management flow diagram, that can be very useful in money management, commissioning and borrowing schedules, targets the minimisation of repayment times. It can assist in money borrowing and budgeting activities. A simple literature example illustrates the practicality of the proposed procedure and its usability as a decision support tool. The place of this conceptual design tool in the general decision-making process and logistics is discussed, by trying to find the best stage of its application in the engineering management domain.