Date of Award

2017

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Systems Engineering

Department

Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering

First Advisor

Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi

Abstract

In the recent years, global warming, a growing world population, and the development of global markets have raised the interest in a more sustainable development. Thus, sustainability has not only become an important issue in society, but also in manufacturing companies and research. The objective is to attune economic, ecological, and social aspects of the industrial manufacturing of products with one another. In this regard, the sustainability of a manufacturing system must also be taken into account when routing decisions are made to manufacture a product.

Therefore, this study presents the development of a method for routing decisions to improve a manufacturing system in terms of sustainability. The requirements for the approach are derived from a broad literature review regarding sustainable manufacturing. A case study is conducted to create an approach that is suitable for a practical application in manufacturing enterprises. Trade-offs between the dimensions of sustainability are found and the advantages of sustainable routing are emphasized. The method is generally designed to be used as guidance or sustainable routing decisions across manufacturing industries.

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