Resource-Efficient Manufacturing Through Enhanced Data Utilization

Licentiatavhandling, 2025

In the global transition towards sustainability, manufacturing companies are responsible for taking actions towards better resource efficiency. While many manufacturing companies have managed to find macro-level resource-efficient solutions, measuring resource efficiency at micro levels remains a challenge. Essential resource flows––material, energy, and waste––are often studied in isolated studies, and existing assessment methods are not always applicable to factory operations. Though many studies have worked on the role of industrial digitalization in improving resource efficiency and environmental impact reduction by addressing data-related issues, there is still a need for more concrete understanding regarding the development and application of assessment methods for resource efficiency.
As a part of this joint journey, this research focuses on understanding the challenges among manufacturing companies when working on resource efficiency and the opportunities for solving the challenges in a data-informed manner. A systematic literature review and two case studies, conducted using design research methodology, identified challenges in factory data readiness, reflecting that data from factories were not yet ready enough for resource efficiency assessments. Implementation factors, including enablers and barriers, were also identified for the effective resource efficiency assessment methods.
Based on these findings, a conceptual integration model was developed to connect resource efficiency assessments with production information systems. The model also includes a method library and a data readiness check to support practical applications. The findings highlight the importance of factory data readiness in embedding resource efficiency assessments into factory operations. Instead of creating new assessment methods or collecting a huge amount of data, enhancing the implementation of existing assessment methods is key to improving resource efficiency in manufacturing. Additionally, integrating resource efficiency assessments with production information systems ensures alignment with digital technologies from industrial digitalization.
This thesis contributes to a more consistent understanding of resource efficiency methods in the research area. The integration model and attached practical tools help manufacturing companies make data-informed decisions in resource efficiency assessments in both short and long terms. The thesis offers a foundation for resource efficiency improvement in manufacturing and potential through continuous work in the future.