A method for diagnostically evaluating energy consumption of a facility includes receiving energy consumption data associated with the facility, generating facility data associated with the facility, and receiving external variable data associated with the facility corresponding to the energy consumption data. In this manner, it is possible to optimally adjust the diameter of the mold to the shrinkage process of the cast strand in the region of the mold passage, even for large-sized sections. The manufacturing method may be applied to elements used in footwear, apparel, or a variety of other products.