WO2017109364A1 - System and method for aiding decision - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for computer and a system for aiding decision comprising: at least one information system configured to determine, as a function of at least one predetermined criterion, a plurality of possible modes of production for the manufacture of a product and to generate at least one request for evaluating the modes of production; a calculation device connected to the information system by way of a communication network, the device being configured to process the at least one evaluation request, the processing comprising, for each mode of production of the plurality, the calculation of the value of at least one environmental impact indicator characterizing the mode of production; the at least one information system furthermore being configured to obtain a subset of the modes of production of the plurality of modes of production, selected on the basis of calculated values of at least one environmental impact indicator.

Description

 FIELD OF THE INVENTION

 The invention relates to a decision support system and method, for example to determine an eco-responsible production method for the manufacture of a product meeting a specific need, in particular a paper-based product. It can be applied, in particular, to the automatic generation of eco-designed quotes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

 Ecodesign is a proactive approach that involves taking into account the environmental impacts (eg carbon footprint, water eutrophication or recyclability) of the materials and processes used in the design or improvement phase of the project. a product. Thus, an eco-designed product is a product that, when it is rendered substantially equivalent, has been manufactured in such a way as to reduce its environmental impacts, preferably throughout its life cycle (in particular from manufacture to recycling).

 Ecodesign support tools are available that, through environmental indicators, facilitate the choice of materials and processes that have a low impact on the environment while satisfying the industrial constraints related to the manufacture of the product as well as its use.

 However, the effectiveness of such tools is subordinated to the individual practices of each actor in the production chain. In addition, the multiplicity of available products, materials and processes often makes it difficult for intermediary actors to propose compromises to final customers, for example between the cost and environmental impacts of materials and processes used in manufacturing. of products.

 Thus, there is a need, particularly for intermediate actors in the production chain, to have a decision-making tool to reduce the environmental impact of the proposed materials and processes, while simplifying the task of providing advice. that they must accomplish with their customers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention thus aims to overcome at least one of these disadvantages. In this context, a first aspect of the invention relates to a decision support system comprising:

 at least one information system configured to determine, based on at least one predetermined criterion, a plurality of possible production modes for the manufacture of a product and to generate at least one evaluation request of the production modes;

 a computing device connected to the information system via a communication network, the device being configured to process the at least one evaluation request, the processing comprising, for each mode of production of the plurality, calculating the value of at least one environmental impact indicator characterizing the mode of production;

 the at least one information system being further configured to obtain a subset of the modes of production of the plurality of modes of production, selected from calculated values of at least one environmental impact indicator.

 Correlatively, a second aspect of the invention relates to a method for computer decision support. This method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

 determining, based on at least one predetermined criterion, a plurality of possible modes of production for the manufacture of a product;

 generating at least one request for evaluation of the modes of production; transmission of the at least one evaluation request;

 processing the at least one evaluation request comprising, for each production mode of the plurality, calculating the value of at least one environmental impact indicator characterizing the mode of production;

 obtaining a subset of the modes of production of the plurality of modes of production, selected from calculated values of at least one environmental impact indicator;

 receiving values of at least one calculated environmental impact indicator characterizing the mode (s) of production of the selected subset.

 Thus, at least one of the environmental impacts of the materials and processes proposed by an intermediate actor in the production line is reduced.

In addition, the task of advising the intermediary actor to perform with his clients is simplified. Thus, the joint implementation of the information system (s) and the computing device makes it possible to produce decision support for the choice of the production method for the eco-responsible manufacture of a product, having the advantage of simplifying the task of the intermediate actor responsible for proposing a solution (or a set of solutions) that meets the specific needs of its client, while taking into account the environmental impacts of this solution.

 Other features of the system and method according to embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

 In preferred embodiments, the subset of the modes of production is selected by the information system having issued the evaluation request (s), based on the values obtained from the computing device in response to the request of 'Evaluation.

 In a particular embodiment of the invention, the computing device is associated with at least one database comprising data characterizing materials used in the production modes and technical processes implemented in the production modes, the processing the at least one evaluation request comprising implementing at least one read instruction in the at least one database and at least one read data processing instruction.

 Correspondingly, the processing of the at least one evaluation request may comprise the implementation of at least one read instruction in at least one database comprising data characterizing materials used in the modes of production and technical methods implemented in the production modes, and at least one read data processing instruction.

 For example, the database (s) is a relational database in which data can be searched, added, modified or deleted based on queries including data manipulation language instructions, for example SQL (acronym for Structured! Query Language in English terminology).

 Thus, for example, the at least one read instruction is an SQL type instruction.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the decision support system further comprises at least one enrichment module connected to the computing device via a communication network and configured to to enrich the at least one database associated with the computing device by sending data characterizing materials used in the production modes or technical processes implemented in the production modes, to the computing device, the computing device being further configured to implement at least one write instruction in the at least one database to store the received data therein.

 Thus, advantageously, the database can be updated and enriched for example by recent and more detailed information. Such information is for example sent by the various actors involved in the manufacture or recycling of the product, through the enrichment modules they control.

 For example, this information is sent on request of the computing device. As a variant, this information is sent spontaneously, for example at regular intervals, in order to enrich the content of the database associated with the computing device.

 This information is for example data entered by the intermediary actors at the level of an interface provided on the enrichment modules. As a variant, these data may be derived from catalogs present in the form of databases provided by the intermediate actors.

 In a particular embodiment of the invention, the at least one information system is configured to access the computing device by means of an authentication key of its own.

 Advantageously, this key makes it possible to preserve the confidentiality of the information exchanged between each information system and the computing device.

 In a particular embodiment of the invention, the at least one predetermined criterion comprises a manufacturing amount of the product or a physical characteristic of the product or a criterion of geographical proximity.

 For example, this predetermined criterion is specified in the evaluation request to the computing device.

 In a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one environmental impact indicator is based on at least one of the following:

an estimate of the amount of the eco-contribution due for the product when it is manufactured according to the evaluated mode of production; an estimate of the quantity of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere during the production of the product according to the mode of production evaluated;

 an estimate of the impact on the aquatic environment of macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus generated during the production of the product according to the mode of production evaluated; and

 an estimate of the measurement of the photochemical oxidation caused by the manufacture of the product according to the mode of production evaluated.

 The advantages, aims and special characteristics of the process are similar to those of the above-mentioned system.

 In a particular embodiment, the various steps of the aforementioned method are determined by instructions of computer programs.

 Consequently, the invention also relates to a computer program on an information medium, this program being capable of being implemented by a microprocessor, this program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of the steps of the method such as than mentioned above.

 This program can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other form desirable shape.

 The invention is also directed to a microprocessor-readable information medium, and including instructions of a computer program as mentioned above.

 The information carrier may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise storage means, such as a ROM, for example a microcircuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a hard disk, or a flash memory.

 On the other hand, the information medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention may in particular be downloaded to a storage platform of an Internet type network.

Alternatively, the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question. The aforementioned information carrier and computer program have characteristics and advantages similar to the method they implement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

 Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below, illustrated by the accompanying figures which illustrate embodiments having no limiting character. In the figures:

 - Figure 1 schematically illustrates a decision support system according to embodiments of the invention;

 FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a diagram showing steps of a decision-support computer method according to embodiments of the invention; and

 FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary possible architecture for an information system, an enrichment module, and a device for calculating a decision support system in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

 In general, the present invention proposes a system and a method for computer conferring a decision support of a mode of production of a product (or article) likely to reduce the environmental impacts related to this product. In particular, it involves reducing the overall environmental impact of materials and processes used in the manufacture and recycling of this product.

 In principle, the invention makes it possible to automatically select one or more possible production modes for the manufacture of the (same) product, responding both to a specific need (as to the cost and / or the function of the product for example) end customer and low environmental impact constraints.

 Figure 1 schematically illustrates a decision support system according to embodiments of the invention.

The system 100 comprises at least one information system, at least one enrichment module, and a computing device (computing heart) 115. By way of illustration, the system 100 here comprises two information systems 105 and 105 'and two enrichment modules 110 and 110'. The information systems 105 and 105 ', the enrichment modules 110 and 110' and the computing device 115 respectively have a conventional computer architecture as shown in FIG. The computing device 115 is connected to the information systems 105 and 105 'as well as to the enhancement modules 110 and 110' via one or more communication networks (not shown). For example, the communication network may be the Internet network.

 Preferably, the connection 120 between the information systems 105 and 105 'and the computing device 115 is secured. For example, it requires an authentication key used, for example, in an API (Application Programming Interface in English terminology) specific to each information system and to identify its owner.

 By way of illustration, the authentication key can be obtained by implementing a hash function, for example SHA-256. It can be 32 characters long.

 Advantageously, this key makes it possible to preserve the confidentiality of the information exchanged between each information system 105/105 'and the computing device 115. Other means of protection of confidentiality can be used, for example the encryption of the exchanged data.

 The computing device 115 is configured to exchange data and requests with the information systems 105 and 105 '. In particular, it can receive requests for evaluation of modes of production for the manufacture of a product sent for example spontaneously {push in English terminology) by these information systems 105 and 105 '.

 It is recalled that a production method according to the invention takes into account several parameters such as the type of materials used for the manufacture of the product, the type of technical processes implemented during the manufacturing process as well as the machines used for this purpose. do, as well as the various actors likely to intervene in the manufacture. This list is not exhaustive and other parameters can be taken into account.

 Also, the computing device 115 can send to the information systems 105 and 105 ', responses to these evaluation requests. These different exchanges will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The computing device 115 is further configured to process the received data and requests. The processing of an evaluation request as mentioned above comprises for example the calculation of the values of at least one environmental impact indicator each characterizing one of the production methods referred to in the evaluation request. These calculations will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The computing device 115 is associated with at least one database (not shown), for example a relational database in which data can be searched for, added, modified or deleted according to requests comprising instructions in the language of manipulation data, for example SQL (acronym for Structured! Query Language in English terminology). In the example described, a single database is considered but the invention is not limited to this figure.

 In some embodiments, the database is an integral part of the computing device 115. In all cases, the database includes data characterizing materials used in production modes and technical processes implemented in these modes of production.

 Thus, the processing of an evaluation request may comprise the implementation of at least one read instruction in this database, for example of the SQL type, in order to obtain data useful for the calculations implemented in the framework of the processing of the evaluation requests, as well as at least one instruction for processing the read data.

 In practice, the database associated with the computing device 115 comprises for example one or more tables comprising parameters of the type mentioned above (for example: materials, processes, actors).

 For example, the database may include material references (sometimes referred to as inputs), for example, recycled paper, glue, or ink from a particular vendor. It may also include references to manufacturing steps, for example gluing, cutting or printing by a given machine.

 These data are respectively associated with various information. This information includes for example:

 the energy consumption generated by performing a manufacturing step using a given machine,

 a marker indicating that the material is a disrupter of recycling,

 the origin of the material, for example the continent on which a tree is located, and / or the location of the supplier, the distance between the two involving a more or less important transport.

Other types of information can be entered in the database. For example, in particular embodiments, the database may include average values of environmental impact indicators, as described below, representative of the environmental impact of reference production methods.

 As an illustration, the database may include data to calculate the amount of carbon released to the atmosphere when the material is used or during a particular technical process, to calculate the eutrophication of freshwater, to calculate the photochemical oxidation caused by the production of a standard amount of material using a typical process. For example, these data are the environmental impacts related to the KWh consumption of electricity used by the processes. The database can also include the value of the eco-contribution per tonne of material and the level of bonus (10%) and malus (5%) related to this material.

 With the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and techniques, the development of new materials and their increasingly precise characterization, it may be appropriate to update or even regularly update the database associated with the device. calculation 115.

 To do this, enrichment modules 110 and 110 'that can be controlled by intermediate actors of the product manufacturing, for example suppliers of machinery or materials, or printers or shapers, are provided.

 Each enrichment module 110 or 110 'is configured to send data of the type mentioned above (information on the materials and processes that can be implemented during the manufacture of products), for example on request of the device of calculation 115, or alternatively spontaneously {push in English terminology), for example at regular intervals, in order to enrich the contents of the database associated with the computing device 115. Upon receipt of these data, the device calculator 115 executes at least one write instruction, for example of the SQL type, in the database in order to store at least a part of the data received from the enrichment modules.

These data are for example captured by the intermediary actors at the level of an interface provided on the enrichment modules. As a variant, these data may be derived from catalogs present in the form of databases provided by the intermediate actors. For example, enrichment modules can be databases. As an illustration, such an enrichment module can provide information on the types of inputs used, the energy consumption due to the corresponding production steps, for example gluing, punching, pressing and printing steps, the origin materials (geographical origin or location of the supplier), the recyclability of the material (for example, an ink that does not interfere with the recycling of paper) and finishing elements (for example, a back-stitch type back binding) sewn or laminating).

 The data sent by the enrichment modules 110 and 110 'must be in a format directly usable by the computing device 115. As a variant, these data must be processed in order to be comprehensible for the computing device 115. For this purpose, the computing device 115 may comprise a processing module capable of processing said data from management rules, for example sent by the enrichment module.

 The information system 105 or 105 'comprises for example a software component of an ERP (for Enterprise Resource Planning in English terminology), or an ERP. As an illustration, the software component may be a quote generation software for a (or a series of) product or eco-designed item.

 The information system 105 or 105 'typically comprises a memory or database storing parameters. For example, the memory may include a relational database in which data may be searched, added, modified, or deleted based on queries including data manipulation language instructions, for example, SQL (Structured acronym ! Query Language in English terminology).

 Thus, for example, this memory may comprise a list of material references, a list of suppliers of these materials, a list of technical methods using the referenced materials, and a list of actors proposing the implementation of these methods. This list is not exhaustive and other parameters can be taken into account.

The information system 105 or 105 'is in particular configured to determine, according to at least one predetermined criterion, a plurality of possible production modes for the manufacture of a product and to generate at least one evaluation request of these modes of production at the address of the computing device It is recalled that a mode of production according to the invention takes into account several parameters of the aforementioned type (for example: materials, processes, actors).

 The predetermined criterion is for example related to the amount of manufacture of the product or to a physical characteristic of the product (for example its size, its weight, its particular function) or a criterion of geographical proximity (for example the distance between the origin of the materials and the place of manufacture of the product from these materials must be minimal).

 The information system 105 or 105 'is further configured to obtain a subset of modes of production selected from the modes of production initially determined.

 According to embodiments, it is the information system itself which selects, from the values of environmental impact indicators returned by the computing device 115 in response to the evaluation request, the one or more production modes of the subset. An example of this type is described below with reference to FIG.

 According to other embodiments, the calculating device 115 itself makes this selection on the basis of criterion (s) indicated in the evaluation request and the calculated environmental impact indicator values then returns directly the subset of the production modes selected in the information system with the corresponding values of environmental impact indicators.

 In both cases, the information system 105 or 105 'obtains a subset of modes of production selected optimally and automatically.

 By way of illustration, when the predetermined criterion (corresponding to a specific customer need) includes a cost constraint, the modes of production selected in fine (that is to say selected) must have a cost that is at most sum of the production cost of the product and the amount of the eco-contribution. However, the amount of the eco-contribution is not known at the outset (when the need is meant for the information system), it is the computing device 115 that will determine it according to the mode of production referred to. in the evaluation request and data stored in the associated database.

The modes of production chosen preferentially are the production methods with the lowest possible impact on the environment (for example corresponding to the lowest eco-contributions among the possible modes of production) while meeting the specified need. So, in this example, they represent the best compromise between the cost constraint and the environmental impact of the different solutions.

 In one embodiment, the number of modes of production retained can be predefined in the information system 105 (or 105 ') or in the computing device 115 if it implements the selection. The selection will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

 Thus the joint implementation of the information system (s) 105 /

105 'and the computing device 115 and the enrichment module or modules

110/110 ', allows to produce a decision support for the choice of the production mode for the eco-responsible manufacture of a product, having the advantage of simplifying the task of the intermediate actor responsible for proposing a solution (or a set of solutions) that meet the specific needs of the customer while taking into account the overall environmental impact of this solution.

 Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a diagram showing steps of a decision support computer method 200 according to embodiments of the invention. These steps can be implemented in the decision support system of Figure 1.

 In principle, the algorithm implemented according to the invention starts when a specific need for the production of a product (or article) is given to the information system 105 (or 105 '), for example by a user or a request received from a third-party system.

 In a first step 205, the information system 105 (or 105 ') determines a plurality of possible modes of production for the manufacture of this product capable of meeting this need.

 As mentioned previously, a production method takes into account several parameters such as the type of materials used for the manufacture of the product, the type of technical processes implemented during the manufacturing process as well as the machines used to do so, as well as the different actors likely to intervene in the manufacturing. This list is not exhaustive and other parameters can be taken into account.

These parameters are stored in a memory of the information system. Thus, for example, this memory may comprise a list of material references, a list of suppliers of these materials, a list of technical methods using the referenced materials, and a list of actors proposing the implementation of these methods. These parameters each have a given environmental impact. One of the objectives of the invention is to propose a global compromise between the production methods available to manufacture a given product, the constraints of the end customer and the overall environmental impact of the chosen solution.

 By way of illustration, it is possible to reduce the overall environmental impact of a solution by reducing the number of actors involved in the manufacture of the product, choosing easily recyclable materials and the least possible elements of disruption of recycling. , and implementing technical processes using machines with low energy consumption.

 However, given the constraints to be respected, for example in terms of cost, or physical characteristics (strength, format) required by the end customer, to propose an eco-designed production method that meets the end-customer's needs is a task. particularly difficult, especially since the parameters mentioned above must be collected from many different actors.

 In practice, a first possible mode of production can be proposed by a user of the information system 105 or directly by the information system 105 itself on the basis of a history for example (default production mode for a reference product or the most selected). The information system 105 then automatically determines at least one other possible mode of production to obtain the same product.

 This or these other modes of production can take back some parameters of the initial mode of production as for example the type of materials used for the manufacture of the product and the type of technical processes implemented during the manufacture as well as the machines used for this do, and differ by the different actors involved in manufacturing. For example, the suppliers, printers, or shapers of the product may be different for the different modes of production determined. Of course, the production modes may differ from other parameters.

The information system 105 implements, for example, a method of mapping the aforementioned parameters (materials, processes, actors), that is to say establishing links between them. This mapping method notably uses a history stored in a memory of the information system. This history typically includes previously selected product production modes according to embodiments of the present invention. The mapping process can also take into account preferences entered by the user information system (for example working with specific actors) or the buying habits of a given end-user.

 For example, if the end customer regularly makes the choice to work with a particular actor, this actor can be preferentially offered in all the determined modes of production.

 By way of illustration, when the invention is applied to a quote software executed in the information system, the history includes, for example, the content of the previous quotes generated and / or accepted by the end customers.

 The mapping method comprises for example the implementation of an algorithm for constructing a tree, for example using the Java language.

 In a particular example, the tree is defined by:

 a set of nodes, each node representing a material (for example: "paper") or a method (for example: "printing", "shaping", "covering treatment");

 each node is associated with a set of branches, each branch representing for example a particular actor (for example: "supplier 1");

 each branch is associated with a set of sub-branches, each sub-band representing a reference available to the actor;

 each branch is associated with a set of sheets representing particular properties of the reference.

 Advantageously, the tree is defined so as to reduce the choice of modes of production possibilities when it is traveled.

 The invention is not limited to this implementation and more complex trees can be implemented.

 By way of example, the determination of equivalent production methods may comprise the following steps:

 selecting a first mode of production characterized by a set of parameters (nodes) which comprises the definition of initial references (branches) for all the parameters (nodes) of this first mode of production;

defining at least one property (sheet) for each reference (branch); - optionally: exclusion of incompatible properties (sheets) according to predefined incompatibility rules;

 - optionally: the selection of mandatory properties according to predefined dependency rules;

 - determination of equivalent properties among the defined properties, taking into account possibly excluded or mandatory properties;

 defining, for each reference, one or more equivalent references (branches) according to the determined equivalent properties and equivalence rules;

 defining a set of equivalent modes of production by associating equivalent references (branches).

 Thus, the determination of equivalent production modes amounts to traversing the tree (that is, the result of the mapping) starting with the leaves, a selection of sheets being made from a number of rules predefined.

 Optionally, the determination of equivalent properties can in particular take into account a predefined priority order (defining the preferred properties), and take into account a limited number of properties for the definition of equivalents between references. For example, if three out of four reference properties are equivalent, then references are considered equivalent.

 For example if a considered property is the grammage of a given paper reference, weights between 48g / m2 and 72g / m2 can be considered equivalent to a grammage of 60g / m2. In this illustrative example, the rule of equivalence consists in taking grammages differing by at most 20% from the grammage of the initial production mode, the grammage taking precedence over any other parameter value, and a single property (grammage) having been selected.

 Advantageously, this mapping method facilitates the determination by the information system 105 of possible modes of production to produce a given product.

Once possible modes of production are determined by the information system 105, at least one evaluation request for these modes of production is generated by it during a step 210. In a particular embodiment, a single request, for example of the web service type, is generated for all the production modes to be evaluated. Alternatively, a request is sent for each mode of production to be evaluated.

 This request includes for example the address of the computing device 115, the address of the information system 105 generating the request, a reference of the production mode or modes to be evaluated and their main parameters. This request may also include information relating to the predetermined criterion or need of the client initially meant to the information system.

 Its purpose is to trigger the implementation of calculations relating to the environmental impact of the production mode (s) targeted in the evaluation request. These calculations will be described later.

 During a step 215, the information system 105 connects to the computing device 115 using an authentication key 120, which allows it to have private access to exchange data confidentially with the device. For example, this authentication key can be used in an API (Application Programming Interface in English terminology) specific to the information system 105 and to identify its owner.

 By way of illustration, the authentication key can be obtained by implementing a hash function, for example SHA-256. It can be 32 characters long.

 The evaluation request or queries generated in step 210 are then sent to the computing device 115 by this means during a step 220.

 On receipt of each evaluation request, the computing device 115 processes this request in order to evaluate the environmental impact of the production mode (s) targeted in the request. According to the invention, the processing of an evaluation request comprises, for each mode of production of said plurality, the calculation (step 230) of the value of at least one environmental impact indicator characterizing this mode of production.

 In practice, the computing device 115 implements at least one read instruction, for example of the SQL type, in the database with which it is associated as described previously, and at least one processing instruction of at least some of the data read from the database.

As mentioned above, the database includes for example parameters of the same type as those present in the database of the information system (for example: materials, processes, actors) which are respectively associated with various information such as:

 the energy consumption generated by performing a manufacturing step using a given machine,

 a marker indicating that the material is a disrupter of recycling,

 the origin of the material, for example the continent on which a tree is located, and / or the location of the supplier, the distance between the two involving a more or less important transport.

 Other types of information can be entered in the database. For example, in particular embodiments, the database may include average values of environmental impact indicators, such as, for example, the following indicators:

 - Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: is the amount of gas released into the atmosphere that increases the greenhouse effect. The value of this indicator is typically expressed in kg eq. C02;

 - eutrophication of freshwater: measures the impact of macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus on the aquatic environment. The value of this indicator is typically expressed in kg eq. P;

 eutrophication of the marine environment: measures the impact of macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus on the aquatic environment. The value of this indicator is typically expressed in kg eq. NOT ;

 - photochemical oxidation: refers to the formation of ozone in the lower atmosphere, manifested by a thick smog (smog in English terminology). The value of this indicator is typically expressed in kg eq. C2H4.

 The calculation carried out during step 230 thus makes it possible to evaluate the overall environmental cost of the product throughout its life cycle, particularly as a function of its production method, from the data stored in the database.

This environmental cost for example depends on the amount of eco-contribution due for this product, the value of the environmental indicators below, the total distance to go to bring together the different materials constituting the product (because a distance to be covered implies transport and therefore an impact on the environment). In general, the invention provides that the calculated environmental impact indicator values are based on at least one of the following estimates:

 an estimate of the amount of the eco-contribution due for the product when it is manufactured according to the evaluated mode of production;

- an estimate of the quantity of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere during the production of the product according to the mode of production evaluated;

 - an estimation of the impact on the aquatic environment of macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus generated during the production of the product according to the mode of production evaluated; and

 an estimate of the measurement of the photochemical oxidation caused by the manufacture of the product according to the mode of production evaluated.

 As an illustration, a possible calculation is for example the following for an example of 5 tons of product made of 50% recycled paper and a disruptive UV varnish recycling:

 Eco-contribution: 54 € / ton;

 Bonus applied for the recyclability of the product: 10% of the amount of the eco-contribution;

 - Malus applied for the disruptive nature of the recycling of varnish:

 5% of the amount of the eco-contribution;

Hence the final amount of the eco-contribution for this product: (54 - 10% ^* 54 + 5% ^* 54) ^* 5 = 51, 3 ^* 5 = 256.5 €

 Logically, the more the database associated with the computing device 115 is filled in, the more the values of the calculated indicators will be representative of the real environmental impact (and therefore the amount of the calculated eco-contribution will be close to reality). Thus advantageously, this database can be updated and enriched for example by information sent by the various actors involved in the manufacture or recycling of the product, through enrichment modules 110 and 110 'that they control. .

Then, the computing device 115 transmits to the information system 105 the values of environmental impact indicators characterizing the different production methods referred to in the evaluation request or requests. The information system 105 receives them during a step 235. In a particular embodiment (not shown) in which an evaluation request is sent for each mode of production to be evaluated, each request can be sent after receipt of the environmental impact indicators characterizing the production mode referred to in the previous request. .

 In the example shown, the information system 105 automatically selects, during a step 240, a subset of the modes of production determined in step 205 by the information system 105 and evaluated by the device. calculation 115 at step 230. Preferably, this selection is made so as to propose only production modes having a minimal environmental impact among all possible modes of production meeting the initial specific need.

 This selection is for example made by comparing the environmental impact indicators received for each mode of production evaluated with threshold values. For example, when the amount of the eco-contribution due for the product when it is manufactured according to the production mode considered is below a predetermined maximum cost, the corresponding production mode is selected. On the other hand, when the amount of the eco-contribution exceeds the predetermined threshold value, then the corresponding mode of production is disqualified and will therefore not be part of the selected subset.

 For example, it is possible to select the modes of production with the lowest amount of greenhouse gas emissions, or those with the lowest amount of eco-contribution per tonne.

 As a variant, this selection may comprise the classification of the production methods evaluated according to the values of one or more environmental impact indicators received, for example according to the amount of the eco-contribution.

 For example, the modes of production are ranged from the most ecoresponsible to the least eco-responsible, that is to say from the one with the lowest amount to the one with the highest amount. The first N production modes can then be selected, with N representing the number of production modes of the subset (the number N is smaller than the number of production modes determined in step 205). The number N can be entered in the operating system for example by a user thereof. Alternatively, the number N may be a default number provided for example by the quote software.

Production modes can be selected according to other criteria. For example, the information system may keep only the mode of production with the lowest cost of production and the most environmentally friendly mode of production, that is to say, the amount of the eco-contribution is the lowest.

 According to another embodiment than that represented in FIG. 2, step 240 could be implemented in the computing device 115 and the information system 105 would then directly receive the pre-selection from the computing device 115.

 Thus, in this other embodiment, it is the computing device 115 which automatically selects a subset of the production modes referred to in the evaluation request or requests sent by the information system 105 to step 220. for example from additional information contained in these requests.

 For example, this additional information includes the selection criterion that the computing device 115 must use, or the number N of production modes to keep in the subset. In practice, the computing device 115 performs substantially the same operations as the information system 105 when it implements this selection. Then, the computing device 115 transmits the values of indicators calculated for the modes of production retained in the subset with the selected production modes, to the information system 105.

 Thus, the various embodiments of the present invention make it possible, by selecting a subset of possible production methods for manufacturing the same product, to facilitate the decision for the eco-responsible manufacture of a product. This selection makes it possible to meet a need, for example in terms of cost or technical characteristics of a product, while reducing the environmental impact of the product throughout its life cycle, starting with its manufacture.

 Advantageously, this preselection of production methods for the manufacture of a product can serve as a basis for the establishment of so-called "eco-designed" specifications, responding both to a specific customer need but also to criteria of environment that may be related to the ecological prerogatives imposed by the legislation. For this purpose, the information system may comprise a quote software capable of integrating the results of the method according to the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of possible architecture 300 for an information system 105, 105 ', an enrichment module 110, 110', and a calculation device 115 of a decision-support system 100 that complies to embodiments of the invention. This architecture 300 comprises the following elements interconnected by a bus 305:

 a processor unit 310 or microprocessor denoted CPU (for Central Processing Unit);

 one or more non-volatile memories 315, for example ROM (for

Read Only Memory in English terminology) that can constitute a medium within the meaning of the invention, that is to say can include a computer program comprising instructions for the implementation of a decision support method according to embodiments of the invention; this non-volatile memory can also be an EEPROM (for electrically erasable read only memory) or a flash memory; this memory may include a database as mentioned in the foregoing description;

 a random access memory 320 or cache memory or volatile memory, for example RAM (for Random Access Memory in English terminology) comprising registers adapted to the recording of the variables and parameters created and modified during the execution of the aforementioned program; during the implementation of the invention. The instruction codes of the program stored in non-volatile memory (eg EEPROM or flash) are loaded into RAM memory for execution by the CPU processing unit;

 a communication interface 325 adapted to transmit and receive data, for example via a communications network or a read / write interface. This communication interface 325 may for example be used to interrogate an external database.

 The communication bus 305 allows communication and interoperability between the various elements included in the architecture 300 or connected thereto. The representation of the bus is not limiting and, in particular, the processing unit is able to communicate instructions to any element of the architecture 300 directly or via another element thereof.

 The foregoing examples are only embodiments of the invention which is not limited thereto.

Claims

A decision support system (100) comprising:  at least one information system (105, 105 ') configured to determine, based on at least one predetermined criterion, a plurality of possible modes of production for the manufacture of a product and to generate at least one request for evaluation of the said modes of production;  a computing device (115) connected to said information system (105, 105 ') via a communication network, said device being configured to process said at least one evaluation request, the processing comprising, for each mode of production of said plurality, calculating the value of at least one environmental impact indicator characterizing said mode of production;  said at least one information system (105, 105 ') being further configured to obtain a subset of the modes of production of said plurality of production modes, selected from calculated values of at least one indicator of environmental impact. A decision support system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the computing device (115) is associated with at least one database comprising data characterizing materials used in said modes of production and methods techniques implemented in said production modes, the processing of said at least one evaluation request comprising the implementation of at least one read instruction in said at least one database and at least one instruction of processing of read data. The decision support system (100) of claim 2, further comprising at least one enhancement module (110, 110 ') connected to the computing device (115) through a network of communication and configured to enrich said at least one database associated with the computing device (115) by sending data characterizing materials used in said production modes or technical methods implemented in said production modes, to the computing device (115), said computing device (115) being further configured to implement at least one write instruction in said at least one database to store the received data therein. The decision support system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one information system is configured to access the computing device (115) by means of a key its own authentication. A decision support system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one predetermined criterion comprises a product manufacturing amount or a physical feature of the product or a geographical proximity criterion. . The decision support system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said at least one environmental impact indicator is based on at least one of the following:  an estimate of the amount of the eco-contribution due for the product when it is manufactured according to the evaluated mode of production;  an estimate of the quantity of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere during the production of the product according to the mode of production evaluated;  an estimate of the impact on the aquatic environment of macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus generated during the production of the product according to the mode of production evaluated; and  an estimate of the measurement of the photochemical oxidation caused by the manufacture of the product according to the mode of production evaluated. A method for a decision support computer (200), said method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps:  determining (205), based on at least one predetermined criterion, a plurality of possible modes of production for the manufacture of a product;  generating (210) at least one request for evaluating said modes of production; transmitting (220) said at least one evaluation request; processing (230) said at least one evaluation request comprising, for each production mode of said plurality, calculating the value of at least one environmental impact indicator characterizing said mode of production; obtaining (240) a subset of the modes of production of said plurality of modes of production, selected from calculated values of at least one environmental impact indicator;  receiving values of at least one calculated environmental impact indicator characterizing the mode (s) of production of the selected subset. The decision support computer method (200) according to claim 7, wherein the processing of said at least one evaluation request comprises implementing at least one read instruction in at least one base. data comprising data characterizing materials used in said production modes and technical methods implemented in said production modes, and at least one read data processing instruction. 9. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing a method according to claim 7 or 8, when loaded and executed by a microprocessor. A microprocessor readable information medium, comprising instructions of a computer program for implementing a method according to claim 7 or 8.