Hybrid process modelling within business process management projects

Business Process Management (BPM) is still an important research topic amongst both academics and businesses. The recent recession has forced businesses to focus on cost control and efficiency in order to better cope with the economic downturn. Many companies in this situation turn to BPM software as a means of improving their efficiency and costs by reducing aspects of the business such as process lead-times and material costs. In order to identify areas of the business and its processes which require changing the business will most likely adopt a method of modelling their business processes. Because of the large number of available techniques decision makers usually struggle to decide the best approach. Recent literature has also pointed out that prevalent modelling techniques are designed to serve one specific purpose and may not be capable of modelling the whole picture. The key relationship between the information systems and the human behaviour is one example of where existing techniques are biased towards opposite ends of the scale. This paper proposes the use of a hybrid modelling notation composed of multiple existing notations in order to bridge this. The hybrid notation was applied to a BPM project at a company in the construction industry and a case study conducted with its users

An Object Oriented Approach for Business Process Reengineering

Successful Business Process Reengineering (BPR) projects depend on the appropriate business process modeling techniques. On the other side, Information technology (IT) is considered as a key enabler of BPR. Since the object-oriented technique became the most common approach for implementing information systems, the object oriented approach to business process modeling seems to be the best way for more successful BPR projects. This work aims to develop a modeling method for BPR. This method should fill the gap between modeling business process and creating a supportive information system for the redesigned processes in BPR. The present work introduces BPR modeling method that links object orientation with business process modeling. The proposed method integrates an object-oriented modeling method (An Extended object-oriented modeling method) with object-oriented modeling language (Unified Modeling language UML). Design science methodology was used to develop the proposed modeling method. The proposed method was implemented into two types of business process case studies. The implementation showed a promising modeling technique for representing the business process and linking business process modeling with the development of the supportive information system

Implementing Robotic Process Automation for Internal Process Optimization

Our project worked to improve and automate the internal processes of Heliotec, a Paraguayan solar and renewable energy company, through the implementation of Robotic Process Automation. We designed a customized robot based on IDEF models developed specifically for Heliotec\u27s processes. We then conducted technical, economic, and organizational feasibility analyses, and determined that the project was feasible. Our recommendation was that Heliotec should implement the RPA developed in the project given the determined benefits

Implementing Robotic Process Automation for Internal Process Optimization

Our project worked to improve and automate the internal processes of Heliotec, a Paraguayan solar and renewable energy company, through the implementation of Robotic Process Automation. We designed a customized robot based on IDEF models developed specifically for Heliotec\u27s processes. We then conducted technical, economic, and organizational feasibility analyses, and determined that the project was feasible. Our recommendation was that Heliotec should implement the RPA developed in the project given the determined benefits

T2B Model-Experiencing the Successful Conversion of Traditional Enterprise to e-Business

Successful selling over the Internet involves organizing the entire value chain around the Internet and determines where they can exploit technology to add value. Such conversion in small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) is still at its enfant stage; knowing on the large enterprises’ experiences, this enlarges the non-empirical qualitative learning and possibilities for empirically testable theories to come up with a well-structured framework for such conversion. Based on theories from technological innovation literature, this paper presents an integrated model for T2E (Traditional to Electronic) business conversion for SME. Our novel T2E model makes use of a 3-layers hybrid approach: which unifies the technique of IDEF [Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) DEFfinition] to assist in business process design; the concept of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) for business structure re-organization; and Innovation Diffusion (ID) theory for progressive introduction of new e-business functions. Our model is intended to minimize the impact of operational and cultural changes on SMEs while taken the critical successful factors of e-business projects in consideration. The feasibility of our conceptual framework is testified by a case study SME - Valentino World Fashion (VW), Inc

Adaption of structured analysis design techniques methodology for construction project planning

The construction industry has been heavily criticised by researchers and governmental organisations for its performance especially excessive delay. Ballard and Howell (2003) indicated that only about 50% of the tasks on weekly work plans are completed by the end of the plan week. This is a result of a lack of either effective project planning or effective production control. It therefore seems the traditional approach of planning is insufficient to meet the current demand and complexity of construction projects. This paper proposes to critically evaluate the adaptation of Structured Analysis Design Techniques (SADT) methodology as a tool for project planning. SADT which was further developed into IDEF (Integrated Definition) techniques claims to be a complete methodology to provide the means of understanding complex production systems and aid the implementation of change. The use of this methodology has led to process improvement. The research uses a literature review followed by interviews with academics and practitioners to investigate their knowledge and understanding of SADT (IDEFO). The results of the interviews indicated that SADT (IDEFO) methodology is seldom known and used in the construction industry. However, this study indicates that SADT methodology appears to be an effective project planning tool. This study contributes to the limited project planning techniques in construction industry by exploring the possible adaption of SADT

A review of information flow diagrammatic models for product-service systems

A product-service system (PSS) is a combination of products and services to create value for both customers and manufacturers. Modelling a PSS based on function orientation offers a useful way to distinguish system inputs and outputs with regards to how data are consumed and information is used, i.e. information flow. This article presents a review of diagrammatic information flow tools, which are designed to describe a system through its functions. The origin, concept and applications of these tools are investigated, followed by an analysis of information flow modelling with regards to key PSS properties. A case study of selection laser melting technology implemented as PSS will then be used to show the application of information flow modelling for PSS design. A discussion based on the usefulness of the tools in modelling the key elements of PSS and possible future research directions are also presented