The aim of this work is to increase the efficiency of industrial processes by using pinch analysis and process design methods. The main goals are the reduction of energy consumption, of the corresponding operating costs and of CO2 emissions. In this context heat pumps offer promising opportunities, when they are appropriately integrated into the process. Two different integration strategies can be applied: In a first approach, process modifications are not allowed whereas in a second approach it is possible to modify process units. It is shown that industrial and practical decisions have a big influence on the final choice of new equipments. The presented method is applied to a real case study in a cheese factory where both approaches are applied and compared. The results from the energy integration are analyzed and assessed with the practical feasibility of solutions.