A Sustainability Assessment Framework for Dynamic Cloud-based Distributed Manufacturing

Abstract

Recent advancements in information technology have enabled a paradigm shift in product manufacturing. Specifically, cloud-based distributed manufacturing has become a viable service for small and medium companies and prosumers, since it caters to the needs of these stakeholders. Distributed manufacturing offers significant benefits, including reduced cost, shorter lead time, and increased supply-chain flexibility. With interest in these services on the rise, however, there have not been substantial efforts to assess the sustainability performance of cloud-based distributed manufacturing. Sustainability assessment tools are not able to accommodate the unique attributes of cloud-based manufacturing, including broad geographic distribution, real-time autonomous customer support, and dynamic supply chains and processes driven by customer preferences. Thus, this research aims to develop an adaptive sustainability assessment framework for evaluating cloud-based distributed manufacturing systems using an integrated sustainability indicator for environmental, economic, and social impacts. The framework is demonstrated for distributed additive manufacturing as a service.