The product that is taken into consideration here in this particular case study is a computer mouse. Based on this product, the LCA, which is more commonly referred to as the life cycle assessment is carried out throughout the course of the study. To put it in simple perspective it can be stated that a computer mouse is actually a movable device that is attached with the personal computer. It gives the user a plethora of control in the context of the computer. In general, there are two categories of computer mouse (1). The first one being wireless and the next one is a wire attached computer mouse, which is also called a USB mouse. Since it is a hardware input device, it allows the user to click with the help of the cursor that is present in the screen. Generally, it is placed on a flat surface so that it can be utilized at its optimum performance. In wireless mouse, the mouse is charged with the help of a battery (2). On the contrary, in a USB mouse, it is connected with the machine with the help of the USB pin and it does not require charge like the wireless mouse. The use pattern of a computer mouse is mentioned as follows:
All of the aforementioned aspects revolve around describing the use pattern of a computer mouse
The fundamental objectives of the life cycle assessment are as follows:
As far as the functional unit is concerned, in the case of a computer mouse, the product alone is sufficient enough in terms of executing its intended purpose. In other words, there is no other material required for a computer mouse, so that it can operate. Its functionalities are solely dependent on the hardware input device alone. The function unit of a computer mouse revolves around the left click button, right click button, the light emitting diode located inside the mouse, the photodiode, horizontal wheel, slot, vertical wheel and the roller ball. All of these elements constitute the computer mouse. The role played by individual elements inside the computer mouse is the direct representation of the integral functional unit of a computer mouse. The only difference between the USB mouse and wireless mouse is that the functional unit of the USB device mouse has a cable attached to it, which is absent in the wireless mouse (5).
The raw materials required for manufacturing of computer mouse are hereby listed below:
The aforementioned components are the primary materials that are required to create a PC mouse.
The strategy that is incorporated in terms of procuring these raw materials are as follows
First of all, the demand forecast of the materials that is mentioned in the previous part is carried out by the organization that is going to manufacture the computer mouse; followed by meticulously analyzing the accuracy of the forecast. This is a crucial phase in the process; in view of the fact that once the materials are appropriately procured, it is non refundable to the distributors. Hence, understanding the exact demand and making an estimate of raw material is therefore required in order to produce the intended number of functional units of PC Mouse. This is a crucial phase after the precision of the forecast is analyzed meticulously, the distributors are contacted. Depending on the quality of the product that the distributor is going to supply and the vicinity of the distributor to the manufacturing unit, the rate of production in a manufacturing unit is calculated. The reason being that if the distributor is not located in the vicinity of the manufacturing plant, then the probability of the cost in terms of supply chain management and distribution network would increase; which would definitely reduce the profitability of the product (7). On a similar note, if the distributor is not supplying quality material, then the brand equity of the organization responsible for manufacturing the personal computer mouse would also deteriorate in a drastic manner. Hence, both of these two aspects are an important part and parcel of procurement strategies. Implementation of the sourcing option that is already approved is extremely crucial in terms of procurement. Updating the bills of material on a continual basis is an essential part which helps the manufacturing plant to keep a note of the number of materials being delivered and the materials that are yet to be delivered. It also reflects the current status of the inventory of the manufacturing plant (8).
The following tabular representation revolves around reflecting the number of raw materials that is going to be procured in order to manufacture 1000 PC Mouse:
Once this material is procured, the crucial part is to appropriately store these materials in the inventory. The manners in which these materials are stored are briefly elaborated in the following part:
In the aforementioned list, there are several materials which are quite fragile in nature such as oscillators, integrated circuits and capacitors. These materials are quite light in weight and should be stored in the uppermost shelves in the warehouse (9). The next most important part is to ensure that the electrical registers are not placed in such locations which are in close proximity to water or other electrical wirings. The cable wiring should also follow a similar protocol in terms of storage. In case of the rolling balls, it should be placed in such locations where the rolling balls are compactly placed. One of the most fragile parts of this entire procurement list is plastic casket bodies, which are going to be used in the production. These products are so fragile that they can break with minimum pressure. Therefore, appropriate safety precautions should be inculcated in the initial phase in order to avoid such circumstances (10).
The impact analysis associated with the production procedure is hereby mentioned as follows:
The course of action that is required in order to resolve the aforementioned shortcomings are meticulously elaborated in the following section:
The first course of action is to ensure that during the procurement phase, instead of using polystyrene; utilizing sustainable products such as jute or paper products is recommended. Not only is this cost effective in nature, but at the same time it does not have a negative impact on the environment. Accumulating jute materials or paper products after unpacking the material is not a challenging responsibility for the workforce in the warehouse (14).
As far as disposal and recycling mechanisms are concerned, there are various approaches that can be taken into consideration. According to a recent study published by the University of North Carolina in 2016, it is revealed that there are various coral plants which are effective in terms of purifying the gaseous by-product which are released to chimneys (15). Certain group of algae in Mexico is also found to be quite effective in terms of purifying the air that is released from the chimney. Japanese manufacturing plants are practicing utilizing layers of biodegradable filters, which are installed inside the chimney. The main objective of these filters is to prevent non-biodegradable particles to be released in the environment. Products which are drained directly into the nearby water bodies should be first subject to treatment plants, using various dechlorination chambers. The output of the manufacturing process should be treated appropriately prior to releasing them in an open environment. This reduces the probability of environmental pollution to a great extent (16).
References:
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