Optimisation of flexibility according to an efficiency criterion: The example of the infrastructures for the new Eurofarad industrial site

Abstract

Abstract In an economic environment described as turbulent, flexibility is perceived as a key factor of success which companies need to maximize. Nevertheless, the notion of flexibility is often presented as a concept relative to the field studies. The result of this trend makes flexibility a difficult concept to take on board in a global manner. We therefore propose to introduce the notion of potentiality that we define as a common denominator to the various approaches to flexibility. Potentiality also enables to devise flexibility as a lever of action to be optimised rather than an absolute objective to maximize. We illustrate our statement with the optimisation of the flexibility of the water evacuation system for the new Eurofarad industrial site. We use the net present value like an efficiency criterion, through a Monte Carlo simulation to compare the alternative scenarios according to the differential assessment principle.