In the fluid transport processes extent of irreversibility causes entropy generation that leads to degrading the life span of any engineering system. The main objective of this investigation is to enhance the span of the system by analyzing the effects of various physical parameters. A nanofluid flow over an inclined stretching cylinder is studied to measure entropy generation due to thermal conductivity, Soret and Dufour effects along with viscous dissipation and internal heat source. Buongiorno model is considered as a base structure. The mathematical equations so formed are solved by shooting technique with Gill’s fourth order method. Numerical results are validated with Homotopy analysis method through Bvph2.0. Effects of various parameters have been investigated on transport processes like axial velocity, temperature profile, and nanofluid concentration profiles. It seems that higher intensity of the applied magnetic field (M = 0, 1, 2), variable thermal conductivity (ε = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5), and Brinkman number (Br = 0.35) generates more entropy that degrades the system’s life. Magnetic parameter and group parameter (1 ≤ Br/Ω1 ≤ 3), changing thermal conductivity all leads to a rise in entropy. In the study, group parameter reducing Bejan number that makes system more sustainable that full fills the aim of the study. Such physical situations generate more entropy must be reduced or avoided to make the system more efficient and long-lasting.