Bewertung der ökologischen Wertstromanalyse zur Optimierung der Ökobilanz in der individuellen Möbelfertigung

Abstract

The ecological optimization of production processes is gaining increasing importance. In the field of individual furniture manufacturing, specific challenges arise due to complex and highly variable workflows that are difficult to standardize. Against this background, the ecological value stream analysis proves highly relevant, as it combines economic efficiency with ecological responsibility. This thesis addresses the research question of how ecological value stream analysis and value stream design can contribute to the reduction of environmental impacts in individual furniture manufacturing. It further examines how newly introduced notation elements can make ecological burdens visible and which optimization potentials can be derived along the process chain. The motivation for the study was to develop a method that not only visualizes ecological impacts but also provides concrete guidance for improvement. Traditional value stream analyses focus primarily on economic indicators, while ecological factors such as energy consumption, CO2 emissions, or waste often remain neglected. This creates the need to extend established approaches and integrate ecological dimensions systematically. The research combines theoretical foundations with an empirical case study. Methods of process management, value stream analysis, and life cycle assessment were first reviewed. Building on this, the Haas GmbH was analyzed as a representative case. The as-is process was documented, mapped, and enhanced with ecological indicators. New symbols and a traffic-light logic were introduced to visualize critical environmental factors. The analysis was then extended into a value stream design that highlights concrete optimization opportunities. The results demonstrate that ecological value stream analysis can be successfully applied in practice and provides a robust instrument for identifying areas of improvement. Key findings include enhanced material utilization, reduced energy demand in critical processes, and lower setup and lead times. Overall, the study shows that extending value stream methods with ecological dimensions creates transparency, supports practical application, and offers a valuable contribution to sustainable process optimization in the furniture industry.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Harald Dobernig (Supervisor)