Simulation-based comparison of the material and energy efficiency of decentralized urban manufacturing systems

Abstract

Traditional centralized industrial mass-production systems facilitate the efficient use of resources such as time, labor and materials by making use of scale effects. However, centralized production systems can also lead to an increase in resource demands, e.g. due to overproduction of consumer goods. Therefore, decentralized production systems are increasingly receiving attention, especially in densely populated urban areas. Advantages can be the usage of locally sourced materials to substitute virgin raw materials, the proximity to customers and the targeted manufacturing of products according to the customers’ needs. But these approaches are in turn in conflict with scale effects. The question arises whether and how decentralized manufacturing systems can compensate for their expected efficiency disadvantages. This work examines relevant parameters of these manufacturing systems for various composures to identify favorable scenarios. The material and energy intensity of a production system for an exemplary case of an eyewear manufacturing system are investigated and analyzed by using a simulation approach.