Integration and resources management of small and medium enterprises

Presented paper focuses on the selection of appropriate process integration methodologies and their tuning for integrated management of resources in a cluster of small and medium enterprises (SME) allocated in close proximity. Proposed integration aims the improvement of industrial efficiency with strong emphasis on the environmental impact. The resources in question include in the first instance utilities, such as energy and water, but do not exclude transport, waste, services, IT, inventories, etc. Three major methodologies are proposed for direct implementation: The first one explores the concept of integration between areas of integrity, the second utilises the marginal value concept and the third one attempts to amalgamate two successful systems integration tools such as Pinch analysis (thermal, water and oxygen Pinch) and eMergy analysis entering the domain of multiple resources management, including environment consideration and elements of the life-cycle analysis.