The literature on sustainability assessment abounds with different tools, methods, models and frameworks, and the amount of literature on sustainability assessment applied to the field of manufacturing is rapidly growing. This study aims to review the state of the art associated with the latter, synthesising and analysing the applicability of the different approaches with their practical applicability in real-world manufacturing at the heart of the discussion. Based on review of research trends within sustainability assessment, we identified a list of tools addressing three pillars of sustainability which all can be applied on company level. These tools were evaluated from a manufacturing company's point of view, including (1) reliability; (2) manufacturing company's context; (3) time and resources required for assessment; (4) point out problem areas; and (5) point out solutions. Finally, the sustainability assessment framework based on a value chain concept is proposed as a possible solution for handling challenges related to sustainability assessment in manufacturing.
Abstract:The existing body of knowledge in sustainability assessment of manufacturing indicates that although extensive research is going on, significant shortcomings remain unsolved. In this paper, the specific needs of a new sustainability assessment system are discussed. Systems thinking is suggested as an alternative to the reductionist approach which is commonly applied to sustainability assessment. Although previous research has recognized the potential of systems thinking applied to sustainability assessment, few practical examples have been demonstrated. Therefore, this article focuses on a practical application of systems thinking to the development of a sustainability assessment system of a manufacturing organization. A framework for development is proposed employing systems thinking. It is suggested that systems thinking reveals several aspects usually not addressed by the reductionist approaches. It is demonstrated that a combination of tools like analysis of multiple viewpoints, conceptagon, seven samurai, and model-based systems engineering can enhance a development of a suitable assessment systems.
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