A decision support system for life cycle management

An Internet-based environmentally conscious decision support tool (EcoDS) has been developed for product life cycle management. EcoDS, which is currently implemented in customized forms by various Fortune 100 companies, involves an initial vertical streamlining step, where the significant life cycle stages and impacts are selected. Since the streamlining is performed prior to the inventory, the approach expedites data collection. Comparisons between alternative product designs or manufacturing processes are based on two metrics-financial risk (or cost) and “residual” risk-permitting organizations to retain financial data in their analyses while not having to cost uncertain estimates. For purposes of evaluation these two indicators are individually aggregated using a user- or organization-specified value system. A salient feature of EcoDS is that this output can be condensed into a single summary matrix akin to a hybrid pro forma income statement or “environmental balance sheet”. The clear delineation between the tradeoffs involved in each alternative facilitates decision making by upper management. EcoDS´ output also identifies key econometrics for future monitoring. A case study on painting alternatives is presented to illustrate the methodology