Abstract
This research takes a holistic view of integrated supply chains from the acquisition of raw materials through manufacture and distribution to the working phase of a machine in a customer's premises and the recovery of that machine at the end of its useful life. A model is constructed which encompasses all of these functions and their sub processes for the supply chain and working life of a digital multi-function printer/copier. Environmental data is attached to the model by means of aggregation into three environmental indicators - energy consumption, atmospheric pollution and materials intensity. By developing this model it is possible to prioritise management action to address the environmental effects of supply chain processes. In the supply chain scenario used in this research project, it is found that the working life of the machine at the customer's premises causes the most environmental impact. In particular, it is the effects caused by the transport used by the service engineer to visit the machine and the paper used which are most significant. The environmental performance model is then incorporated into business planning by establishing a link to an existing business measurement - customer satisfaction. In this way it is possible to integrate the environment into strategic decision-making. Through the application of the model to strategic business planning corporate management teams are now able to consider the environment when they are making decisions about the future of integrated supply chains.