Simulation Based Assessment of Lean and Green Strategies in Manufacturing Systems

The increase of resource (energy and material) efficiency by eliminating unnecessary consumption represents the logical continuation from lean manufacturing to lean and green manufacturing. However, economic efficiency remains the primary decision criterion for the implementation of corresponding strategies. This paper presents a simulation based approach for monetary assessment of lean and green manufacturing systems considering non-monetary green limits. Inclusion of material and energy consumption as well as resulting greenhouse gas emissions enables planners to predict the overall economic performance of a factory. Furthermore, product variant specific footprints of material and energy demands as well as resulting emissions support in-depth analysis of value streams in manufacturing.