Abstract
In the last decade, Computational Design techniques become quite popular for form-finding strategies or for pushing automation in design processes. Nevertheless, these techniques could be applied in engineering processes as well in order to improve the effectiveness and the efficiency of manufacturing processes. This paper presents a research activity, which has aimed at investigating potentials and criticisms of Computational Design techniques in the Glued-Laminated-Timber (GLT) industry though a pilot-case-study analysis. Starting from programming a parametric algorithm for GLT engineering, the research has measured manufacturing effectiveness and manufacturing efficiency through a Value-Stream Map of an ordinary supply-chain system of GLT. Considering all the criticisms of referring to a single case study, results highlight improvements both in manufacturing effectiveness and manufacturing efficiency; but limitations have to be considered as well, due to the complete absence of Industry 4.0 approaches and technologies in an ordinary supply-chain system of GLT.