DESIGN & MANUFACTURE
“ If you think about how a product is going to be manufactured when you design it , then that ' s a much better and more holistic approach ,” says Barkman . A properly designed product will impact how sustainably that product can be manufactured .”
Not just how it is manufactured , either , Barkman reminds us , but also how a product is distributed , used , and recycled . “ Design can impact the cost of logistics , and ultimately also how the customer experiences the product , and how that product is recycled , reused , or returned to the earth ,” he adds .
How SAP is able to bring together the stages of design , planning , production , distribution and operation - and digitalise those processes and allow them to operate continuously with each other - “ is particularly interesting to me ,” Barkman says .
A properly designed product will impact how sustainably that product can be manufactured
He adds : “ For example , when you design a product , how do you design with sustainability and the circular economy in mind ? You have to think about whether the raw materials can be reused , or at least if they are biodegradable ?
“ Then , when it comes to manufacturing , you want to know you ’ re making it in the right place - that you ' re not generating too many emissions by transporting the raw material . Are you generating too much waste in the manufacturing process , and ensuring the health and safety of the workforce ?”
OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABILITY IN MANUFACTURING The manufacturing process also poses sustainability challenges , says Barkman : “ You have to be smart about keeping equipment properly maintained and serviced , so that you ’ re not constantly replacing and disposing of components . The aim is to extend the life of all of your supply chain assets .”
He adds : “ It can get complex , which is why SAP solutions are absolutely geared towards helping companies navigate through all of this , to make sure they ’ re always headed in the right direction .”
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