Supply chain eco-information sharing in the product development process through computer aided design software

As decisions made during the design of a product have a significant impact on environmental performance, it is imperative that environmental considerations become an integral part of the design process. The integrated software platform for Green Engineering Design and product sustainability (G.EN.ESI) project aims to develop a software platform, for use with CAD/PLM software, which simplifies the process of integrating environmental and economic requirements the design process. A key component, paramount to the success of the platform, is its ability to obtain eco-information directly from the supply chain through the use of a web based supply chain portal. This paper details the considerations and work undertaken in the early stages of the portal's development. Based on analysis of past and existing portals and data collected through a survey and a case study, possible architectures of the web portal, and their associated characteristics, were derived using scenario planning. Moving on, the next steps involve surveying more companies and using the insights gained, a detailed design brief for the portal which covers both technical and functional requirements will be created.