| Financial analysis: | --- |
| Environmental impact analysis: | --- |
| Waste management/P2: |  |
| Environmental cost listing/database: | --- |
| Cost estimation: | --- |
| Alternative product/process comparison: | |
| Financial analysis: | --- |
| Environmental impact analysis: | --- |
| Waste management/P2: | |
| Environmental cost listing/database: | --- |
| Cost estimation: | --- |
| Alternative product/process comparison: | |
TEAM(TM) is a Life Cycle Cost (LCC) and a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculation tool. It is also a comprehensive database on processes and materials, DEAMTM (Data for Environmental Analysis and Management). The information provided in the database is usually referring to the 1988-1994 period. In all cases, the origin, geographical and technical representativeness of the data, and the underlying assumptions are mentioned.
Users can build their own database to use in conjunction with the DEAM(TM) database and model any type of industrial system. The software generates life cycle inventories and life-cycle cost results, including sensitivity analysis. Users deal with operations or "modules" (industrial processes, transport, commercial activities, etc.), and systems (set of operations linked together). Modules and systems have inputs and outputs, corresponding to costs, natural resources, intermediate or finished products, energy sources, wastes and environmental releases. Modules are connected through their inputs and outputs (a module accepts any number of connections). In addition to storing numerical inventory values, one can store information on the source of information, uncertainty, variability, measurement techniques, etc. Modules and systems created for a given project can be stored to be reused for other purposes.
A wide variety of projects can be performed in TEAM(TM), ranging from simple life cycle estimates (built in a few days) to complex projects. The largest system built to date gathers approximately 2,200 linked operations in several layers of nested sub-systems.
| Raw material acquisition | |
| Manufacturing stage | |
| Use/reuse/maintenance | |
| Recycle/waste management | |
All life cycle stages, including transportation, are covered.
| Conventional | |
| Potentially hidden | |
| Contingent | |
| External | --- |
The software does not come with a default format that address any of these cost categories. However, the software has been designed with the intent to provide users with the ability to incorporate cost information into life cycle analysis. An indefinite number of user-defined cost categories can be added to the model. In particular, conventional, potentially hidden, and contingent costs can be addressed. Consideration of external costs is not recommended due to the uncertainty involved in doing so.
| Net present value (NPV) | --- |
| Payback period | --- |
| Internal rate of return (IRR) | --- |
| Benefits cost ratio | --- |
| Other | |
User-defined formulas allows one to create specific indicators. All classic mathematical functions are available.
TEAM(TM) permits very complex systems to be analyzed while keeping the interaction with users simple. Features include: full documentation of data (origin, uncertainty, etc.) and assumptions in dedicated fields, ability to protect confidential data, and use of variables and formulas in modeling systems, allowing one to carry out what-if analyses. Key parameters (e.g., design parameters, recycling rates, transportation distances) can be centralized in a single monitoring panel. The embedded database contains information on a variety of commodity materials and processes, including pulp and paper, petrochemicals, plastics, inorganic chemicals, steel, aluminum, glass, energy conversion, transportation and waste management.
Annual and indefinite maintenance and database updation contracts can be provided. Training classes and user-support is available. The software comes with on-line help. The program supports the full range of Windows capabilities.
TEAM(TM) does not have any default format. It essentially provides users with the modeling tools using which they can build their analysis. Step by step instructions are not provided by the software. The software is flexible enough to include any type of costs, but there is no specific guidance provided to users on what types of costs to consider.
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