Modeling and Analysis of Incoming Raw Materials Business Process: A Process Mining Approach

Abstract

This paper presents research on implementation of process mining to model and analyze incoming raw materials business processes in a real case company. First the literature is reviewed to understand the state-of-the-art of process mining. Then, survey and observation on the case company are conducted to understand the incoming raw material business process, to determine the goal, focus and scope of process mining implementation and to gather the required data. Subsequently, the event log is created by extracting the database of SAP Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) Material Management and Warehouse Management Modules. This the event log is then processed with ProM to obtain the business process model. It was found that the actual operation of the business process highly conforms to the standard set by the company as every incoming material is inspected for quality. However, as the material fail the quality inspection, the lead time exceeds the standards. In addition, the most problematic type of material happens to be bought from sole supplier. It is proposed that the company requires to develop long-term strategic partnership with the supplier to gain win-win solution for both parties.