Method for monitoring production taking into account environmental impact

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a product carbon footprint (PCF), and in particular to a system (1) and a computer-implemented method for monitoring and / or controlling the production of a product using a production process in which dispensing rules (AL1, AL2, AL3) are applied to dispense emissions contributing to the product carbon footprint PCF of the product between at least two different products. The method comprises receiving (S100A) production process data (PPD), the production process data (PPD) comprising information about at least one process step of producing at least two output materials in the production process; receiving (S100B) a first allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3) and a second allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3) different from the first allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3); determining (S200), based on the production process data (PPD), at least two products (P1, P2, P3) affected by the first allocation rules (AL1, AL2, AL3); determining (S300) a first PCF (PCF1) for the affected product (P1, P2, P3) while applying the first allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3); determining (S400) a second PCF (PCF2) for the affected product (P1, P2, P3) while applying the second allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3); determining (S500) an operation instruction (OI) based on a mutual comparison of the first PCF (PCF1) and the second PCF (PCF2); and outputting (S600) the determined operation instruction (OI).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the environmental impact of a product. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and a computer-implemented method for monitoring and / or controlling the production of a product using a production process in which an allocation rule is applied to allocate emissions, such as greenhouse gas emissions, that contribute to a product carbon footprint PCF of the product between at least two different products. Further, the present invention relates to the use of the results of such a method for monitoring and / or controlling the production of a product, and a computer-readable medium.

[0002] The awareness of the importance of climate protection measures among the public, regulators and financial investors is growing rapidly. Major companies have announced ambitious short-term CO2 reduction targets, including emissions related to purchased raw materials, as required, for example, by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI). As a result, there is a growing need for transparency on the product carbon footprint (PCF) and options for reducing the PCF.

[0003] PCF is a measurement that determines the amount of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the production of a corresponding product. If those products with the lowest PCF are selected for consumption or for further processing downstream in the value chain, PCF is an important means of achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions. For this reason, it is very important that the reported PCF for any product is as accurate as possible.

[0004] Environmental impact can be measured by the PCF of a product. PCF is usually calculated by a computer program that receives the required inputs and subjects them to an algorithm with which it calculates the PCF. Thus, for a linear production chain, i.e., raw materials are processed in multiple processing steps into a single product, the calculation is a direct addition of the contributions. However, if the processing steps have more than one output for the production of multiple products, the calculation becomes more difficult. An example of a chemical plant is the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia to form three reaction products: monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. Each of these reaction products is used to produce a product in a separate further processing step. The PCF calculation algorithm must distribute the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to the PCF of the products of the reaction between the three products. This distribution is called the allocation of emissions that contribute to the PCF of the products.

[0005] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide improved means for controlling a production process to which at least one allocation of emissions contributing to the PCF of a product is applied.This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

[0006] In a first aspect, a computer-implemented method for monitoring and / or controlling the production of a product using a production process is provided, in which an allocation rule is applied to allocate emissions, such as greenhouse gas emissions, that contribute to a product carbon footprint PCF of the product between at least two different products. The method can be performed by a suitable system including at least one computing device and can be applied to a production process for producing at least two products, such as in a production plant, a production network, etc.

[0007] The method comprises the following steps:

[0008] - receiving production process data, the production process data comprising information about producing at least two

[0009] Information about at least one process step of the output material.

[0010] - receiving a first allocation rule and a second allocation rule different from the first allocation rule.

[0011] - At least two products affected by the first allocation rule are determined based on the production process data.

[0012] - Determine a first PCF for the affected product while applying the first allocation rule.

[0013] -Determine a second PCF for the affected product while applying the second allocation rule.

[0014] - Determining the operation instruction based on a comparison of the first PCF and the second PCF with each other.

[0015] - Output the determined operation instructions.

[0016] In this way, the production of products, for example in a production plant, can be at least monitored, but in particular controlled, taking into account the PCF of one or more products to be produced and the allocation rules applied thereto. In particular, the operating instructions can be used to monitor and / or control the production process, for example in order to monitor the PCF of a product, control the production to achieve a specific (e.g. predetermined) PCF of a product, which PCF can be influenced by the respectively applied allocation rules, etc. For example, the method allows determining (e.g. calculating) the PCF of even at least two products, which are produced by a process step having more than one output for producing the at least two products.

[0017] That is, the method described herein allows monitoring and / or controlling production in terms of the PCF achieved or expected by the product using one or more allocation rules for allocating emissions (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions) between at least two products, even in a complex production process and / or complex production environment in which at least two products are produced, wherein this is a complex, indirect challenge in such a complex production process. Further, the method described herein can be used in many ways for the production of products and / or during the production of products. For example, it can be ensured that the PCF of a product (preferably all products) is at least close to or matches the target PCF, or is recorded for the product bound thereto. Further, based on the knowledge of the allocation rules, control measures and / or interventions in the production process can be initiated to maintain or not exceed the target PCF, etc. Further, using the knowledge about the allocation rules, production can be adjusted in a way that the PCF value is reduced and reliably low. Further, the method can be used, for example, to ensure that the calculated PCF value also correctly reflects the actual conditions by comparing the result with a target or reference data (such as a tabulated industrial standard value). Significant deviations from such a target or reference data can also be detected, which can then be analyzed and evaluated by experts, etc.

[0018] In other words, the method can be implemented by a computer program including computer instructions, which are configured to determine the impact of the allocation rules applied in a specific process step within a complex production process and / or a complex production environment on the PCF of the product to be produced when executed by a data processor or other computing device. This is achieved by receiving information by the computer program, such as the selection of at least one process step of interest or concern, that is, production process data for at least one process step. In at least some embodiments, this can be a process step, and in at least some other embodiments, it can be more than one process step. The computer program determines the product produced using at least one output of at least one process step directly affected by the allocation rule. Further, the computer program then calculates the PCF of the affected product using an allocation rule. For calculation, according to at least some embodiments, if more than one process step is considered, the computer program can consider the PCF of the raw material and the energy use of at least one process step and / or each process step. This information can be provided by data input, such as provided by production process data. Then, the computer program uses the same information about raw materials and energy use, but uses different allocation rules to calculate the PCF of the product. Based on the mutual comparison of the PCFs determined by using different allocation rules, the computer program determines the operating instructions and provides them for further processing. Thus, the method described herein allows monitoring and / or controlling the production process at least with respect to the effect or influence of the respectively applied allocation rules and / or changed allocation rules on the PCF of the product.

[0019] In the context of the present disclosure, the expression "monitoring production" may be understood in a broad sense and may refer to any kind of monitoring of the production process, for example, by monitoring the production process, in terms of tracking the PCF of the product, verifying and / or evaluating the PCF, ensuring that the PCF of the product reaches or does not exceed the target PCF, etc. Further, "monitoring production" may also include planning production, which may be done in the planning stage before the actual production is implemented.

[0020] Further, the expression "controlling production" may refer to any control measure or intervention within production, a production network, a production step, etc., that affects the PCF of a product. This may include generating control signals that modify data within production, such as in or via a production control system, an enterprise resource planning system, etc. For example, such control measures or interventions may, for example, include controlling production in terms of the PCF of raw materials, such as by changing the raw materials of a process step, the supplier of raw materials, etc., such as by changing the energy used for a process step, technical modifications to a production step through physical or chemical effects of modifications to the input materials of a production step, etc. In other words, controlling production may change one or more production process parameters in production reality and thereby directly or indirectly control the PCF of a product. Further, "controlling production" may also include planning production, which may be done in a planning phase before the actual production is implemented.

[0021] However, "monitoring and / or controlling production" may also include creating or modifying product information, such as the PCF of a product. For example, if it is determined that an influencing factor changes the PCF of a product, product information such as the PCF of the product may be modified accordingly. The latter may be accomplished by modifying corresponding information (e.g., a data set) in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that manages the corresponding product information and assigns it to products in a traceable manner.

[0022] As used herein, "production process data" can generally describe the production process of at least one input material, generally via a process step in which the input material is used or processed or in which the input material is acted upon to obtain an output material. It should be noted that in the context of the present disclosure, those production processes that produce at least two products are considered so that the allocation rules are applied accordingly. For example, the production process data may include one or more process data in the process data, which include information about the process steps from the required raw materials to the output materials of the product and / or at least one process step, and the required raw materials may also be referred to as the input materials of at least one process step considered. In at least some embodiments, the production process data may further include the carbon footprint of each raw material and energy data, which includes information about the energy consumption of at least one process step considered and / or each process step. Further, process data can be collected from a production plant. Process data can be collected from a local or remote database or any other suitable data source through an interface. Preferably, production process data is collected through an interface to an ERP system. In this way, production process data can be collected from an ERP system. The ERP system can obtain information from the production plant. In this case, process data is collected from the production plant via the ERP system. In this way, once any change occurs in the production plant or its environment, the process data is immediately updated. Depending on the ERP system, "immediately" generally means less than or equal to one day, preferably less than or equal to six hours, particularly less than or equal to one hour. A typical example of this change is that the reagents received by the production plant from different factories are insufficient, and external supply has to be used. This external supply generally has a carbon footprint different from that of internal intermediates, thereby changing the carbon footprint of the products produced in the production plant. Another advantage of the ERP system is that the data is standardized and verified, that is, it is reliable and generally does not require further verification. For example, "production process data" can be received via an interface (such as a data interface, a communication interface, etc.).

[0023] Production process data may include information about which by-products are obtained in what amounts. Some process steps may not produce any by-products, such as the assembly of steel parts. In this case, the production process data does not include information about by-products. However, many process steps produce by-products. In the context of the present invention, "by-product" refers to any item that is inevitably obtained in a process step but cannot be used in a different process step. Sometimes, by-products can be recycled, that is, subjected to another process step or multiple process steps to obtain raw materials or intermediates that can be used as reagents in a process step. However, in some cases, the by-product has no economically viable use. In this case, the by-product must be disposed of. For example, it can be burned in incineration. If incineration is part of a production plant, the heat and / or electrical energy recovered must be taken into account.

[0024] The production process data may include information about which intermediate or intermediates are obtained in each process step and at what yield. In the context of the present invention, "yield" refers to the percentage of the result from a specific process step relative to the theoretical maximum. If the yield is 100%, for example if the ingredients are mixed into a formulation, the production process data does not have to include information about the yield. However, if there are losses in the process steps, the yield may be less than 100%. In chemical reactions, the yield is often less than 100% due to side reactions and purification losses. In other processes, the yield may also be as low as 100%, for example, if steel parts are cut or drilled, the chips may lead to losses unless they can be reused.

[0025] In the context of this disclosure, "ERP system" shall have its ordinary meaning. A typical ERP system uses a general database maintained by a database management system to provide an integrated and continuously updated view of core business processes. An ERP system typically tracks business resources, such as cash, raw materials, production capacity, and the status of business commitments: orders, purchase orders, and payroll. The applications that make up the system typically share data across the various departments that provide the data, such as those responsible for manufacturing, purchasing, sales, and accounting.

[0026] The term "allocation rule" may be understood as any rule that determines the distribution of emissions between various products and / or that can control this distribution, for example by intervening in production. For example, an allocation rule may be understood as a rule, instruction, etc. that specifies how emissions affecting PCF (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions) generated at least in the process step under consideration are distributed between products to be produced, which products may be produced in one or more further process steps downstream of the process step under consideration. In an example, an allocation rule may be a rule that specifies how emissions affecting PCF (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions) generated at least in the process step under consideration are distributed between the respective processes involved in the production of the product.

[0027] The distribution of emissions in products and / or processes can be performed, for example, according to their mass, volume, number of units, number of moles (in the case of chemical reactions) or other quantifiable units. An example of a chemical plant is the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia to form three reaction products: monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. Each of these reaction products is used to produce products in a separate further processing step. The PCF calculation algorithm must distribute the carbon dioxide emitted for the reaction among the three products and / or corresponding process steps. This distribution is called allocation and can be expressed in corresponding, preferably computer-readable allocation rules. As used herein, "allocation rules" can be received via an interface (e.g., a data interface, a communication interface, etc.).

[0028] The method steps involving the determination (e.g., calculation) of the products affected by the allocation rules, the first PCF and / or the second PCF and / or the operating instructions can be performed, for example, by a suitable data processor or other computing device, which can be operably connected to an input interface via which the production process data is received. Outputting the operating instructions can be performed, for example, by a suitable output interface (e.g., a data interface, a communication interface, etc.).

[0029] As used herein, "operational instructions" may be understood in a broad sense and may refer to any information about a production process or any information that triggers or can be used to trigger an action related to production. In a simple case, an operational instruction may be used to create or adjust product information, such as the PCF of one or more products. In another simple case, it may be used to evaluate and / or verify the PCF of a product, taking into account the allocation rules applied. However, an operational instruction may also include one or more computer instructions for controlling, modifying, etc. a production process, for example via a production control system, an ERP system, etc.

[0030] As used herein, "outputting" at least one influencing factor may be understood as writing the carbon footprint to a non-transitory data storage medium, displaying it on a user interface, or both. Outputs may also be provided to customers through an interface, such as providing outputs to customer supply chain systems, ERP systems, etc. Outputs may also be provided to the producer's own ERP system through an interface, and the outputs may be distributed from the ERP system to where the information is needed.

[0031] When the operating instructions are output to the user interface, the user interface preferably uses graphical techniques. In this way, the contribution along the production process can be analyzed in order to monitor and / or control the production process so as to minimize the carbon footprint of the product. It is also possible to monitor and / or control changes in the carbon footprint when the production process is changed. Further, the output can be used to simulate the impact of the change, for example by manually changing certain values ​​and observing the impact on the carbon footprint of the product. For example, the impact of replacing a specific raw material with a raw material with a lower carbon footprint on each product can be analyzed.

[0032] Further, as used herein, the term "carbon footprint" may be understood as the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted or removed in the entire process from extraction of natural resources to the product when the product leaves the production plant. In the context of the present disclosure, the carbon footprint does not include any greenhouse gas emissions in the later stages of the product's life. For example, for a car, the carbon footprint in the context of the present disclosure is the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to produce the car, but does not include emissions caused by the use of the car after the car leaves the production plant. The amount of the carbon footprint is usually expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents, so the amount of carbon dioxide has the same impact on the global climate as the greenhouse gases actually emitted.

[0033] Greenhouse emissions and / or gases may include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, methane, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons. These may be translated into carbon dioxide equivalents according to the IPCC 5th Assessment Report (see standards such as ISO 14067 for carbon footprint of products or the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Product Standard WRI and WBCSD, 2011).

[0034] The methods described herein can be applied to a variety of products produced from raw materials. As used herein, the term "product" generally refers to any good that can be sold to others at any point in the value chain. This can include final products for end consumers, such as cars, paints, toys, or medicines; this also includes goods that are typically sold to other companies that further process them, such as steel parts for machines, plastic pellets for extrusion, or chemical compounds (e.g., acrylic acid for the production of superabsorbents for diapers); this can also include goods very early in the value chain, like crude oil fractions (e.g., naphtha), agricultural products (e.g., soybeans), or pure sand for glass production.

[0035] The term "raw material" as used in this disclosure refers to any commodity purchased from a supplier and brought to a production plant. Raw materials can be at any step along the value chain (such as products described above). This means that the product of one production plant can be the raw material for another production plant. Raw materials can also include very basic items such as air, water, natural gas or salt.

[0036] An "intermediate" is an item (such as a substance) that is neither a raw material nor a product, but is made from raw materials or earlier intermediates, and is further processed into other intermediates and finally processed into a product. The intermediate may be associated with corresponding process steps for producing, using, transporting, etc. the intermediate.

[0037] "Production plant" as used in this disclosure is any facility capable of producing any kind of goods that are sold to final consumers or are further processed in different production plants. A production plant can be located at a single site or multiple sites. If a production plant is located at multiple sites, these sites must be under common control, which is usually the case if they belong to the same company or an affiliate. Examples of factories are power plants, steel manufacturing plants, oil production plants, refineries, chemical plants, factories for making medicines, factories for making building materials, machine factories, automobile factories, factories for making textiles, factories for making furniture, food production plants, factories for making consumer electronics (such as mobile phones), factories for making and / or processing paper (such as printing plants).

[0038] As used herein, a "process step" may be understood as a series of actions on raw materials that cannot be reasonably separated in time or space. Typically, all actions of a process step are performed in one building using specific dedicated equipment.

[0039] The method according to the present invention is particularly useful for a production plant that performs interconnected process steps. In the context of the present invention, the term "interconnected" means that at least one process step uses two intermediates of different other process steps, or uses an intermediate of different other process steps (these different other process steps each produce this intermediate), or produces two intermediates for two different other process steps. Therefore, preferably, the production plant performs interconnected process steps. Even more preferably, the production plant is a chemical production plant that performs interconnected process steps. Typically, interconnected process steps may be performed on different sites in different plants that may be operated by different group companies.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the method may be performed prior to an actual change from a first allocation rule to a second allocation rule within a production planning phase. For example, the determined operating instructions may first be used only to estimate or predict the impact of a particular allocation rule on the PCF of one or more products, before the allocation rule is actually changed or used as a replacement for a previously used or planned allocation rule. In this way, production or its control may be checked for the impact of the allocation rule without having a direct impact on the actual production process and / or the PCF of the product.

[0041] In an embodiment, different first allocation rules and / or second allocation rules may be received and / or applied to different process steps. In other words, at least one process step under consideration may be selected from a number of different process steps (e.g., also interrelated process steps) provided for the production process, wherein different allocation rules are used for different process steps or will be designated for different process steps. That is, the methods described herein may also be applied to complex production processes or complex production environments, to which more than one process step and / or more than one allocation rule will be applied.

[0042] According to an embodiment, a target PCF may be specified (e.g., predetermined) for at least one of at least two different products, and an allocation rule suitable for achieving the target PCF may be determined based on the determined operating instructions. In other words, a target PCF may be specified for a product, and an allocation rule suitable for or expected to achieve the target PCF may be determined based on the determination of the operating instructions and / or one or more of the determination (e.g., calculation) steps involved as described above. This allows production to be controlled in such a way that the specified PCF is actually achieved at least approximately.

[0043] In an embodiment, at least one process step may be associated with a plurality of allocation rules, and the method may further include comparing the second PCF with a PCF reference value associated with the product; and determining a specific allocation rule among the plurality of allocation rules that makes the PCF of the product closest to the PCF reference value. In other words, the method (e.g., a computer program) may be configured to estimate which allocation rule is closest to reality, for example, by comparing at least the second PCF with a PCF reference value (e.g., with a market standard, etc.). If the computer program has these as inputs, it is able to output (e.g., display) deviations. These can be analyzed, and it can be determined whether differences in production methods are the cause of the deviations. If not, the allocation rule closest to the reference can be selected as the most appropriate, suitable, or optimal allocation rule. For example, the PCF reference value may be a PCF standardized for a product or a group of products in which the product is contained, or a PCF commonly seen on the market, such as a PCF of a competitor's product, a PCF specified in some other way, etc. This allows even more accurate monitoring and / or control of the PCF of a product, or consideration of further reference values ​​to monitor and / or control production.

[0044] According to an embodiment, at least one process step may be associated with multiple allocation rules, and the method may further include: determining products affected by multiple allocation rules based on production process data; determining a first PCF for the affected products while applying a single allocation rule from the multiple allocation rules; determining a second PCF for the affected products while applying a single allocation rule from the multiple allocation rules; and determining an operating instruction for each determination of applying the multiple allocation rules based on a comparison of the first PCF and the second PCF. In other words, if at least one process step under consideration includes multiple allocation rules, the determination of the operating instruction may be performed for each individual allocation rule. In this way, even complex production processes or production environments can be monitored and / or controlled in terms of their impact by multiple allocation rules.

[0045] In an embodiment, the method may also include applying an optimization algorithm (e.g., solver, etc.) using, for example, a cost function or any other suitable optimization means to determine at least one allocation rule, which will be changed or replaced by another allocation rule determined by the optimization algorithm in at least one process step and / or during the production process to adjust (e.g., reduce or minimize) the PCF. This allows a particularly precise selection of a suitable allocation rule.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the operating instructions may be output via a user interface. The user interface may include a graphical user interface configured to present the operating instructions in an understandable context of a production process, at least one process step, a PCF of a product, and / or monitoring and / or control of the production process. For example, the user interface may output (e.g., display) an absolute or relative change for each such product. Thus, the impact of the allocation rule on the PCF of the product may be visualized and / or evaluated.

[0047] In an embodiment, information about a second allocation rule and / or a second allocation rule to be applied to determine a second PCF is received via a user interface, the user interface being configured to allow at least the allocation rule of at least one process step to be changed. For example, the user interface may include a graphical user interface (GUI), via which a user (e.g., an operator of a production process) may select at least a second allocation rule. It may also allow an existing allocation rule (e.g., a first allocation rule) to be modified into a second allocation rule, which differs from another allocation rule (e.g., the first allocation rule) in at least one parameter. Further, in at least some embodiments, at least one process step under consideration may be selected and / or configured via a user interface. This allows extensive monitoring and / or extensive control of a production process.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the method may also include replacing the first allocation rule with a second allocation rule when the determined operating instruction satisfies the replacement criteria. For example, the second allocation rule may be an allocation rule determined to be the most appropriate. It may also be determined by the above-mentioned optimization algorithm. That is, the replacement criteria may be the result of, for example, an optimization algorithm, etc. In this way, by active intervention in the control system with the aid of replaceable allocation rules, production may be controlled with respect to the allocation rules to be used and / or the PCF of the product to be achieved. The allocation rules may be used at any suitable point in production control, such as in an ERP system, etc.

[0049] In an embodiment, the first PCF and / or the second PCF may be determined by receiving a carbon footprint of a raw material used as an input material in at least one process, receiving energy data including information about energy consumption of at least one process step, and determining the first PCF and / or second PCF of the product taking into account the production process data, the carbon footprint of the raw material, and / or the energy data.

[0050] For example, calculating the PFC of a product or intermediate includes summing the carbon footprint of each raw material used for a particular process step as contained in the production process data. If a process step requires an intermediate from a different process step, the sum of the carbon footprints of the raw materials used for the earlier process step is determined and used as an input for a later process step. If an earlier process step uses an intermediate from an even earlier process step again, it may be necessary to repeat the above procedure. If a process step produces more than one intermediate, such as two or three, it is necessary to share the carbon footprint of the raw materials between these intermediates. The sharing of each intermediate should reflect the amount of raw materials used for each intermediate. In some cases, two intermediates are formed in the same amount, so the carbon footprint of the raw materials can be shared equally between them. In other cases, one intermediate is formed significantly more than another intermediate, such as 90% of intermediate 1 and 10% of intermediate 2. The carbon footprint should be shared accordingly. Therefore, preferably, in the method of the present invention, determining the carbon footprint involves calculating the carbon footprint of the intermediate produced in the previous process step, and involves using the carbon footprint of the intermediate as an input for calculating the carbon footprint of the subsequent process step. Specifically, in interconnected production processes, the calculation of the carbon footprint can be made easier by breaking it down into similar calculation parts, one for each process step.

[0051] Production process data can include information about any direct greenhouse gas emissions caused by process steps. Such direct greenhouse gas emissions usually originate from chemical reactions of raw materials, which contain greenhouse gases or generate greenhouse gases during process steps, for example, by heating. A typical example is cement production, in which carbon dioxide is emitted due to heating raw materials, in particular due to heating limestone. Information about direct greenhouse gas emissions usually includes information about what greenhouse gases are emitted in what amount. The amount can be given relative to the amount of raw materials or relative to the amount of products or intermediates of the corresponding process steps. The latter can be derived from the former by multiplying with the yield of the process step.

[0052] In the easiest case, one or more raw materials can be processed in one process step to obtain at least two products. For example, a given cable as a raw material can be cut into different lengths to obtain two cables of different lengths as different products. However, in most cases, the production process is more complicated. A variety of raw materials are processed into various intermediates, which are processed into various products, wherein a raw material can be used to produce more than one intermediate, and a kind of intermediate can be used to produce more than one product. In this case, the final carbon footprint of a product becomes dependent on the amount of other products produced in the production plant. Therefore, the production process data generally include the information of reagents and reagent amounts required for each process step of all products with at least one common reagent or intermediate. For many production plants, the production process data include the information of reagents and reagent amounts required for each process step of at least two products with at least one common reagent or intermediate. For complex production plants, the production process data include the information of reagents and reagent amounts required for each process step of at least five or at least ten products with at least one common reagent or intermediate.

[0053] The production process data is usually obtained, received, etc. through an interface (e.g., a data interface, a communication interface, etc.). The production process data can be obtained from, for example, a production plant. It can be obtained through an interface to a local or remote database. Preferably, the production process data is obtained through an interface to an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. In this way, the production process data can be obtained from the ERP system. The ERP system can obtain information from the production plant. In this case, the production process data is obtained from the production plant via the ERP system. In this way, once any change occurs in the production plant or its environment, the production process data is immediately updated. Depending on the ERP system, "immediately" usually means less than or equal to one day, preferably less than or equal to six hours, particularly less than or equal to one hour. A typical example of such a change is that the production plant receives insufficient reagents from different factories and has to use external supply. This external supply usually has a carbon footprint different from that of internal intermediates, thereby changing the carbon footprint of the products produced in the production plant. Another advantage of the ERP system is that the data is standardized and verified, that is, it is reliable and generally does not require further verification.

[0054] A second aspect relates to the use of the operating instructions determined by the method of the first aspect in monitoring and / or controlling a production process. Possible monitoring and / or control applications are described above with respect to the first aspect, and reference is made to the above description. For example, the use of the determined operating instructions allows the use of one or more allocation rules for allocating emissions (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions) between at least two products to monitor and / or control production in terms of the PCF achieved or expected by the products even in complex production processes and / or complex production environments in which at least two products are produced, where this is a complex and indirect challenge in such complex production processes.

[0055] In a third aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable data medium storing a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising instructions for performing the steps of the method according to the first aspect. The computer-readable data medium comprises a hard drive (e.g., on a server), a USB storage device, a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray disc. The computer program may contain all the functions and data required to perform the method according to the first aspect, or may provide an interface to enable parts of the method to be processed on a remote system (e.g., on a cloud system).

[0056] According to a fourth aspect, a system for monitoring and / or controlling the production of a product using a production process is provided, in which an allocation rule is applied to allocate emissions contributing to the product carbon footprint (PCF) of the product between at least two different products. The system may be configured to monitor and / or control the production process by data exchange with a production control system, an ERP system, etc., by analysis, adjustment and / or output of production information, and / or by active intervention in a production control system, an ERP system, etc. Unless explicitly described differently hereinafter, the above description of the method including a preferred embodiment also applies to the system. The system may be a computing device, such as a computer, a tablet computer or a smart phone, or any other suitable computing device. In at least some embodiments, the computing device may have a communication interface and / or a network connector to communicate with other computing devices such as a server or a cloud network.

[0057] The system comprises an input interface configured to receive production process data, the production process data comprising information about at least one process step for producing at least two output materials in a production process, and to receive a first allocation rule and a second allocation rule different from the first allocation rule. The system also comprises a data processor configured to determine at least two products affected by the first allocation rule and / or the second allocation rule based on the production process data, determine a first PCF for the affected products while applying the first allocation rule, determine a second PCF for the affected products while applying the second allocation rule, and determine an operation instruction based on a mutual comparison of the first PCF and the second PCF. The system also comprises an output interface configured to output the determined operation instruction for further processing, such as for its evaluation, for display, for controlling the production process, etc.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the output interface may include a user interface configured to display the determined operating instructions. The user interface is preferably configured to display the carbon footprint of the influencing factors and / or products and each contribution, preferably including the contribution of raw materials, the contribution of energy and the contribution of the direct emissions of each process step. Preferably, the user interface uses graphical techniques. The user interface may provide an overview of each process step, its raw materials and required energy, and the connection with other process steps. The user interface may also provide a carbon footprint for each process step, specifically, it may display the carbon footprint derived from raw materials, from energy consumption and from direct greenhouse gas emissions individually and in an aggregated form.

[0059] Preferably, the system is adapted to receive updated data at any time and can update the output in real time, which typically means in less than a few minutes, preferably in less than a minute, for example in 1 to 30 seconds.

[0060] It is noteworthy that embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to different subject matters. Specifically, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims, while other embodiments are described with reference to apparatus or device type or system type claims. However, those skilled in the art will understand from the above and following descriptions that, unless otherwise indicated, any combination of features related to different subject matters, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, is also considered to be disclosed in the present application. Further, all features can be combined to provide synergistic effects that exceed the simple sum of features.

[0061] These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0062] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the following drawings.

[0063] Figure 1 A system for controlling the production of a product using a production process according to the present disclosure is shown in a schematic block diagram.

[0064] Figure 2 The system and principles for controlling the production of a product using a production process according to the present disclosure are shown in a schematic block diagram.

[0065] Figure 3 An example of a production process or production chain is shown in a schematic block diagram or process diagram, in which allocation rules are applied to allocate emissions contributing to the product carbon footprint (PCF) of the products between at least two different products, and the method or system for controlling the production of products using a production process according to the present disclosure can be applied to the exemplary production process or production chain.

[0066] Figure 4 An example of a production process or production chain is shown in a schematic block diagram or process diagram, in which allocation rules are applied to allocate emissions contributing to the product carbon footprint (PCF) of the products between at least two different products, and the method or system for controlling the production of products using a production process according to the present disclosure can be applied to the exemplary production process or production chain.

[0067] Figure 5 A computer-implemented method for controlling production of a product using a production process according to the present disclosure is shown in a flow chart.

[0068] The drawings are only schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals throughout.

[0069] Figure 1A schematic block diagram shows a system 1 which is configured to monitor and / or control the production of products using a production process which can also be referred to as a production chain, in which allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 (see e.g. Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 ) is applied to allocate emissions contributing to a product carbon footprint (PCF) of the products between at least two different products. System 1 is any suitable computing device and includes an input interface 10, a data processor 20, and an output interface 30. Processor 20 is operably connected to each of input interface 10 and output interface 30.

[0070] The input interface 10 is, for example, a data interface, a communication interface, etc., which is configured to receive production process data PPD, which includes at least one process step PS for producing at least two output materials in a production process (see, for example Figure 3 , Figure 2 or Figure 3 ) and receiving first allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 (see e.g. Figure 3 , Figure 2 or Figure 3 ) and a second allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 which is different from the first allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 (see e.g. Figure 3 , Figure 2 or Figure 3 ). To this end, the input interface 10 is operably connected to, for example, one or more suitable data sources, such as an enterprise resource planning system (ERF), a supplier database, etc., which can collect and / or provide process data PPD. For example, the process data PPD may include one or more of process data, a carbon footprint of each raw material, and energy data, the process data including information about the process steps from the required raw materials to the product, and the energy data including information about the energy consumption of each process step. The first time point and the second time point may be two different time points in the production process, different links in the production chain, etc.

[0071] The processor 20 is configured to determine (e.g. calculate) at least two products P1, P2, P3 affected by the first allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 based on the production process data PPD, e.g. by executing computer instructions of a corresponding computer program (see e.g. Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 The processor 20 is further configured to determine (eg, calculate) a first PCFPCF1 for the affected products P1, P2, P3 while applying the first allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 (eg, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 ). Further, the processor 20 is configured to determine (eg calculate) a second PCF PCF2 for the affected products P1, P2, P3 while applying the second allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 (eg see Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 The processor 20 is further configured to determine (eg, calculate) the operation instruction OI based on the comparison between the first PCFPCF1 and the second PCFPCF2 (see, for example, Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 ). For example, the operating instructions may relate to or may include any information, measures, etc., by which the production process and / or PCF of the product can be monitored and / or controlled, and / or corresponding product information can be created and / or modified. In a simple case, the operating instructions can be used to create or adjust product information, such as the PCF of one or more products. In another simple case, it can be used to evaluate and / or verify the PCF of the product taking into account the applied allocation rules. However, the operating instructions may also include one or more computer instructions for controlling, modifying, etc. the production process, for example via a production control system, an ERP system, etc.

[0072] The output interface 30 is any suitable data interface, communication interface, etc., which is configured to output the operation instruction OI for further processing in the production process and / or production environment. For example, the output interface 30 output interface 30 may include or may be operably connected to a user interface UI (see, for example Figure 2 or Figure 4 ) for displaying at least the operating instruction OI. However, it can also be operatively connected to a production control system (not shown), an ERP (not shown) or the like, so that the system 1 can monitor and in particular computationally control the production based on at least one operating instruction OI, thereby controlling the production process taking into account the allocation rules applied or to be applied and / or the PCF of the products. The control of the production process can include, for example, controlling one or more parameters of the production process, such as raw materials, energy consumption, etc., thereby also controlling the PCF of the products P1, P2, P3 accordingly.

[0073] It is worth noting that the processor 20 and / or the output interface 30 can be operably connected to a production control system, ERP, etc., and configured to output one or more control signals, which are configured to control the production control system, ERP, supply chain, etc.

[0074] Optionally, the processor 20 is configured to determine the operation instruction OI before the actual change from the first allocation rule to the second allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 within the production planning stage. For example, the processor can be configured to first only estimate the impact of the determined specific allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 or its change on the PCF of one or more products P1, P2, P3 before the allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 is actually applied or changed.

[0075] Further optionally, the processor 20 is configured to process the different process steps PS1-PS6 (see e.g. Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 ) receives and / or applies different first allocation rules and / or second allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3. In other words, at least one process step SP under consideration can be selected from a number of different process steps PS1-PS6 (e.g. also interrelated process steps) provided for the production process, wherein different allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 are specified for at least some of the different process steps PS1-PS6.

[0076] Optionally, the processor 20 is configured to determine a target PCF that can be specified (e.g. predetermined) for at least one of the at least two different products, and to determine allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 suitable or even most suitable for achieving the target PCF based on the determined operation instructions OI.

[0077] Further optionally, at least one process step PS1-PS6 is associated with multiple allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3, and the processor 20 is further configured to compare at least a second PCFPCF2 with a PCF reference value associated with the products P1, P2, P3, and determine a specific allocation rule among the multiple allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 that causes or is expected to cause the PCF of the product to be closest to the PCF reference value.

[0078] Optionally, at least one process step PS1-PS6 is associated with multiple allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL4, and the processor 20 is further configured to determine the products P1, P2, P3 affected by the multiple allocation rules based on the received production processing data PPD; determine a first PCFPCF1 for the affected products P1, P2, P3 (optionally for each of the affected products P1, P2, P3) while applying a single allocation rule among the multiple allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3; determine a second PCFPCF2 for the affected products P1, P2, P3 (optionally for each of the affected products P1, P2, P3) while applying a single allocation rule among the multiple allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3; and determine an operation instruction OI for each determination of applying multiple allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 based on a comparison between the first PCF and the second PCF.

[0079] Further optionally, the processor 20 is further configured to apply an optimization algorithm (e.g., a solver, etc.) utilizing, for example, a cost function or any other suitable optimization means to determine at least one allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3, which at least one allocation rule will be changed or replaced by another allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 determined by the optimization algorithm in at least one process step PS1-PS6 and / or in the production process to adjust (e.g., reduce or minimize) the PCF of products P1, P2, P3.

[0080] Optionally, the processor 20 is further configured to replace one allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 with another allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 if the determined operation instruction OI satisfies the replacement criterion. For example, the replacement allocation rule may be the allocation rule determined to be the most appropriate. It may also be determined by the above-mentioned optimization algorithm. By way of example, the processor 20 is configured to implement the operation instruction, or more specifically, to implement another allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 in the production process.

[0081] Further optionally, the processor 20 is further configured to determine the first PCFPCF1 and / or the second PCFPCF2 in the following manner: for example, by receiving the carbon footprint of raw materials used as input materials in at least one process via the input interface 10, receiving energy data including information about the energy consumption of at least one process step; and determining the first PCFPCF1 and / or the second PCFPCF2 of the products P1, P2, P3 taking into account the production process data PPD, the carbon footprint of the raw materials and / or the energy data.

[0082] For example, calculating the PFC of a product or intermediate includes summing the carbon footprint of each raw material used for a particular process step as contained in the production process data. If a process step requires an intermediate from a different process step, the sum of the carbon footprints of the raw materials used for the earlier process step is determined and used as an input for a later process step. If an earlier process step uses an intermediate from an even earlier process step again, it may be necessary to repeat the above procedure. If a process step produces more than one intermediate, such as two or three, it is necessary to share the carbon footprint of the raw materials between these intermediates. The sharing of each intermediate should reflect the amount of raw materials used for each intermediate. In some cases, two intermediates are formed in the same amount, so the carbon footprint of the raw materials can be shared equally between them. In other cases, one intermediate is formed significantly more than another intermediate, such as 90% of intermediate 1 and 10% of intermediate 2. The carbon footprint should be shared accordingly. Therefore, preferably, in the method of the present invention, determining the carbon footprint involves calculating the carbon footprint of the intermediate produced in the preceding process step, and involves using the carbon footprint of the intermediate as an input for calculating the carbon footprint of the subsequent process step. Specifically, in interconnected production processes, the calculation of the carbon footprint can be made easier by breaking it down into similar calculation parts, one for each process step.

[0083] Figure 2 The above system 1 and the principle for control via an input interface 10, a processor 20 and an output interface 30 are shown in a schematic block diagram, wherein the production of products P1, P2, P3 starts from a raw material R1 using a production process PS via an intermediate I1, an intermediate I2 and a further raw material R2. In this example, the production process PP runs in the direction of the arrows connecting the various process elements, wherein at least two products P1, P2 or possibly more than two products P are finally produced. Figure 2 As indicated by the name UI in FIG. 1 , the user interface UI may be configured to output (eg, display) a first PCF designated as PCF1 and a second PCF2 designated as PCF2 and an operation instruction OI. Further, as Figure 2 As indicated by arrow 30 in the figure, the output interface 30 may also be connected to other processing components, such as a production control system, an ERP system, etc., in order to actively control the production process and / or control the PCF of one or more of the products P1, P2. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the dotted circle marked AL indicates that the allocation rule can be changed to be processed by the processor 20. This can also be initiated by manipulating the user interface UI by a user (eg an operator of the production system 1).

[0084] Optionally, the operation instruction OI is output via a user interface UI. The user interface UI may include a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to present the operation instruction OI in an understandable context of the production process, at least one process step PS, the raw materials R1, R2, the first PCF1 and the second PCF2, the PCFs of the products P1, P2, P3, etc., and / or a monitoring and / or control device for the production process. For example, the user interface UI may output (e.g., display) an absolute or relative change in the PCF of each such product P1, P2, which represents the operation instruction OI or a portion thereof.

[0085] Further optionally, the user interface UI is configured to select the allocation rules AL1, AL2 for determining the second PCF2. For example, the user interface UI may include a graphical user interface (GUI) via which a user (e.g., an operator of the production process) may select at least the allocation rules for determining the second PCF2.

[0086] Figure 3 An example of a production process PP or a production chain is shown in a schematic block diagram or process diagram, in which an allocation rule AL is to be applied to allocate the emissions contributing to the product carbon footprint (PCF) of the products between at least two different products P1, P2. Likewise, the production of products P1, P2, P3 starts from a raw material R1 using a production process PS via an intermediate I1, an intermediate I2 and a further raw material R2. In this example, the production process PP runs in the direction of the arrows connecting the individual process elements, wherein at least two products P1, P2 or possibly more than two products P are ultimately produced. Likewise, in Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the dashed circle designated by AL1 indicates that this one allocation rule AL1 can be changed to another allocation rule AL2, wherein the application of the other allocation rule AL2 affects at least the allocation of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to the PCF of product P1 and / or P2 among products P1 and P2. By applying the system 1 or method described herein to Figure 3 The examples shown, as described herein, can monitor and / or control the allocation of greenhouse gas emissions.

[0087] Figure 4 A further example of a production process PP or a production chain is illustrated in a schematic block diagram or process diagram, however, in this example, a plurality of allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 will be applied to allocate the greenhouse gas emissions contributed by the PCF of the products among the three different products P1, P2, P3 here. It should be noted that the system 1 or method described herein can also be applied to more complex production processes, for example including more than the number of raw materials R, intermediates I, process steps PS shown, by following the principles described herein. Likewise, in Figure 4In the example, the dashed circle designated by AL1, AL2, AL3 indicates that the single allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 can be changed to another allocation rule AL, wherein the application of the other allocation rule AL affects at least the allocation of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to the PCF of the products P1, P2 and / or P3 among the products P1, P2, P3. By applying the system 1 or method described herein to Figure 4 The examples shown, as described herein, can monitor and / or control the distribution of greenhouse gas emissions. Further, Figure 4 An exemplary user interface UI is shown, which indicates the absolute or relative change of the PFC of the respective products P1, P2, P3 (see Figure 4 The instruction is also the operation instruction OI or part of it. Figure 4 , the operation instruction OI indicating the absolute or relative change of the PCF of the products P1, P2, P3 may also indicate the corresponding PFC value x. Optionally, the operation instruction OI may also be indicated by one or more graphic elements, such as Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , it is shown by way of example by corresponding arrows whether the PFC of the products P1 , P2 , P3 changes in the positive direction or in the negative direction.

[0088] Figure 5 A computer-implemented method for controlling the production of a product using a production process according to the present disclosure is shown in a flowchart. The method may be performed by the system 1 as described above and / or may be applied to Figure 3 or Figure 4 The exemplary production process shown in FIG. 1 is used to determine at least one operating instruction OI configured to monitor and / or control the production process PP and / or to allocate greenhouse gas emissions between at least two different products to be produced using the production process PP.

[0089] In step S100A, production process data PPD is received, which includes information about at least one process step PS or the entire production process PP, within which at least two output materials are produced, such as an intermediate I or the above-mentioned products P1, P2, P3. For example, as described above, the production process data PPD can be received by the processor 20 via the input interface 10.

[0090] In step S100B, information about at least a first allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 and a second allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 different from the first allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 is received. In other words, there may be at least one allocation rule AL that defines the allocation of greenhouse gas emissions between different products P1, P2, P3. For example, as described above, the allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 or information about them may be received by the processor 20 via the input interface 10. It is noted that the first allocation rule may also simply refer to "one" allocation rule, and the second allocation rule may simply refer to "another" allocation rule that is different from the "one" allocation rule in terms of at least one rule parameter.

[0091] It should be noted that method steps S100A and S100B may be performed simultaneously or in any order.

[0092] In step S200, at least two products P1, P2, P3 affected by first allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 are determined based on production process data PPD. Figure 2 , the affected products can be products P1 and P2, because the allocation rule AL affects both products P1 and P2, as can be seen from the figure. Figure 3 , the affected products may be the intermediates I1 and / or I2, or may be the products P1 and P2, since the allocation rule AL affects both the intermediates I1, I2 and the products P1, P2, as can be seen from the figure. Figure 3 The situation may be more complicated, since several allocation rules AL1, AL2, AL3 may affect several intermediates I1-I5, several production steps PS1-PS6 and / or several products P1-P3.

[0093] Reference again Figure 5 In step S300, while applying the first allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 or "one" allocation rule, a first PCF PCF1 is determined for the affected products P1, P2, P3. As described above, this determination may be performed by the processor 20.

[0094] In step S400, a second PCFPCF2 is determined for the affected products P1, P2, P3 while applying the second allocation rule AL1, AL2, AL3 or the "another" allocation rule. This determination may be performed by the processor 20 as described above.

[0095] In step determination S500 , the operation instruction OI is determined based on the mutual comparison of the first PCFPCF1 and the second PCFPCF2 . As described above, this determination may be performed by the processor 20 .

[0096] In step S600, the determined operation instruction OI is output. As described above, the output can be performed by the output interface 30. As described above, the output can be used to monitor and / or control the production process, for example, via production process control, ERP system, etc.

[0097] Further, as described above with respect to system 1, the method may be modified in several ways.

[0098] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention through a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for monitoring and / or controlling the production of a product using a production process in which allocation rules (AL1, AL2, AL3) are applied to allocate emissions contributing to a product carbon footprint PCF of the product between at least two different products, the method comprising: receiving (S100A) production process data (PPD), said production process data (PPD) comprising information about at least one process step for producing at least two output materials in said production process; Receiving (S100B) a first allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3) and a second allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3) different from the first allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3); determining (S200) at least two products (P1, P2, P3) affected by the first allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3) based on the production process data (PPD); determining (S300) a first PCF (PCF1) for the affected product (P1, P2, P3) while applying the first allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3); determining (S400) a second PCF (PCF2) for the affected product (P1, P2, P3) while applying the second allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3); determining (S500) an operation instruction (OI) based on a mutual comparison of the first PCF (PCF1) and the second PCF (PCF2); and The determined operation instruction (OI) is output (S600). 2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method is performed before an actual change from the first allocation rule to the second allocation rule within a production planning phase. 3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein different first allocation rules and / or second allocation rules are received and / or applied to different process steps.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a target PCF is specified for at least one of the at least two different products, and the allocation rule suitable for achieving the target PCF is determined based on the determined operating instructions.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one process step is associated with a plurality of allocation rules (AL1, AL2, AL3), and the method further comprises: comparing the second PCF with a PCF reference value associated with the product; as well as A specific allocation rule is determined among the plurality of allocation rules (AL1, AL2, AL3) that makes the PCF of the product closest to the PCF reference value.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one process step is associated with a plurality of allocation rules (AL1, AL2, AL3), and the method further comprises: determining the products affected by the plurality of allocation rules based on the production process data (PPD); determining a first PCF (PCF1) for the affected product while applying a single allocation rule from the plurality of allocation rules (AL1, AL2, AL3); determining a second PCF (PCF2) for the affected product while applying the single allocation rule of the plurality of allocation rules (AL1, AL2, AL3); and The operation instruction (OI) is determined for each determination of applying the plurality of allocation rules (AL1, AL2, AL3) based on a mutual comparison of the first PCF and the second PCF.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: An optimization algorithm utilizing a cost function is applied to determine at least one allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3), which will be changed or replaced in at least one process step (PS) and / or in the production process by another allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3) determined by the optimization algorithm to reduce or minimize the PCF.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the operating instruction (OI) is output via a user interface (UI).

9. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein information about the second allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3) to be applied for determining the second PCF is received via a user interface (UI), and the user interface is configured to allow changing at least the allocation rule of at least one of the process steps.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: The first assignment rule (AL1, AL2, AL3) is replaced by the second assignment rule if the determined operating instruction (OI) meets a replacement criterion.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first PCF and / or the second PCF are determined by: receiving a carbon footprint of a raw material used as an input material in the at least one process; receiving energy data including information about energy consumption of the at least one process step; and The first PCF and / or the second PCF of the product are determined taking into account the production process data, the carbon footprint of the raw material and / or the energy data.

12. Use of operating instructions (OI) determined by the method according to any of the preceding claims for monitoring and / or controlling a production process.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable data medium storing a computer program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A system (1) for monitoring and / or controlling the production of a product using a production process in which allocation rules (AL1, AL2, AL3) are applied to allocate emissions contributing to a product carbon footprint PCF of the product between at least two different products, the system comprising: an input interface (10) configured to receive production process data (PPD), the production process data (PPD) comprising information about at least one process step for producing at least two output materials in the production process, and to receive a first allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3) and a second allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3) different from the first allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3); A processor (20), the processor being configured to: determining at least two products (P1, P2, P3) affected by the first allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3) based on the production process data (PPD); determining a first PCF (PCF1) for the affected product (P1, P2, P3) while applying the first allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3); determining a second PCF (PCF2) for the affected product (P1, P2, P3) while applying the second allocation rule (AL1, AL2, AL3); determining an operation instruction (OI) based on a comparison of the first PCF (PCF1) and the second PCF (PCF2) with each other; An output interface (30) is configured to output the determined operation instruction (OI).

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the output interface (30) comprises a user interface (UI), the user interface (UI) being configured at least to display the operation instruction (OI) for further processing.

Images