The Application of a Business Process Modeling Architecture in the Supply Chain of a Manufacturing Company: A Case Study

Abstract

Business process modeling is aimed at the design and documentation of business processes. Business process models are used to analyze processes, to reduce their complexity, to evaluate their performance and finally to assist business process improvement. In this light, a number of modeling architectures, methods and tools have been developed in order to assist scientists and practitioners to model and manage business processes. In addition, supply chain management importance is increasingly being recognized as it integrates and synchronizes business processes across the extended supply chains.

This paper deals with the application of a specific business process modeling architecture in order to design supply chain processes in the case of a SME manufacturing company. The modeling architecture has been developed in the context of the “Odysseus” research project, which deals with the management of demand variability in modern supply chains. The architecture covers different supply chain views such as processes and activities, organization, information systems, risk management and decision making. These views are covered by the modeling architecture using nine selected and interconnected ARIS methods. The architecture is applied in a Greek SME company producing electrical equipment. The production process of the equipment consists of in-house as well as sub-contracted phases performed by Greek and European manufacturers. The coordination of the related supply chain processes is performed by the company under discussion. Due to the extended degree of collaboration, the need for accurate planning, coordination and controlling in the supply chain is highly increased, making business process modeling an ideal enabling approach.