1996 Electronics Industry Environmental Roadmap - Civil and ...

Information and Knowledge Systems
These data are organized in a variety of databases, where data is collected, stored, and indexed.
This information needs to be made available for industry-wide access and analysis. The defining
trend of information systems management throughout the 1980s and 1990s has been the support
for accessing distributed databases, regardless of geographic location, database management system,
or hardware platform. Although open systems architectures have not yet evolved to the
point where users can truly expect a transparent, seamless access to data wherever it may reside,
tools and technologies are such that most data can be made accessible even to the novice user.
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Design Data and Tools Information and data to design more environmentally
conscious products, e.g., how to decide between two
materials for a new product, life cycle data, risk data,
external factors not commonly available to the designer.
Network Resources Who is doing what in which area. Need to share
information between colleagues, understand who is doing
what, and understand “best practices.” On-line forums,
discussion groups, access to experts.
Technology Specifics Data on technologies from diverse information sources
(suppliers, OEMs, EPA, etc.) including MSDS data,
materials property data, manufacturing and process data,
recyclability, commodity prices.
Regulatory Standards
and Compliance
Ready and easy access to relevant rules, regulations and
legislation at international, federal, state, local levels.
Ability to find the right document quickly and accurately.
Resources to guide compliance, permitting, and
certification.
Market and Cost Data Data derived from various program activities of the U.S.
Commerce Department focusing on the electronics
industry. See Appendix D.
Performance and Risk Searchable access to human health and toxicity databases,
toxic release inventory (aggregates and site specific), other
relevant “right to know” data.
Technology Sourcing Supplier/vendor product data and sales brochures.
On-line Libraries Technical articles, publications, journals—available and
searchable on-line
Table 3-1. Categories of information important to electronics manufacturers for
the purposes of improved efficiency and productivity.