Abstract
Enterprise modelling techniques support business process (re)engineering by capturing existing processes and based on perceived outputs, support the design of future process models capable of meeting enterprise requirements. System dynamics modelling tools on the other hand are used extensively for policy analysis and modelling aspects of dynamics which impact on businesses. In this paper, the use of enterprise and system dynamics modelling techniques has been integrated to facilitate qualitative and quantitative reasoning about the structures and behaviours of processes and resource systems used by a Manufacturing Enterprise during the production of composite bearings. The case study testing reported has led to the specification of a new modelling methodology for analysing and managing dynamics and complexities in production systems. This methodology is based on a systematic transformation process, which synergises the use of a selection of public domain enterprise modelling, causal loop and continuous simulation modelling techniques. The success of the modelling process defined relies on the creation of useful CIMOSA process models which are then converted to causal loops. The causal loop models are then structured and translated to equivalent dynamic simulation models using the proprietary continuous simulation modelling tool iThink.
Highlights
A body of literature related to current trends in MEs has explained the enormous complexities and dynamics associated with the design and realisation of business processes 1–7
In this earlier work by the first author, it was established that different assessment indicators may be considered when reasoning about suitable modelling techniques for business analysis of complex and dynamic manufacturing systems
This work showed that for a modelling technique to be relevant and provide useful inputs for multiproduct manufacturing systems’ design and business analyses, it should have i the ability to analyse multiproduct flows and their associated product dynamics, ii the ability to identify and capture aspects of complexities and dynamics in MEs, iii the ability to reflect causal impacts of activities in MEs on performance indicators especially in financial terms, iv the ability to support business analysis especially in a virtual environment, v the capability to decompose processes into elemental activities to enhance understanding and process analysis. Many other factors such as lead time, quality, and innovation are necessary, it was considered at this stage of the research that the above five criteria were useful for detecting modelling techniques which were capable of supporting business analyses of complex and dynamic manufacturing systems
Summary
A body of literature related to current trends in MEs has explained the enormous complexities and dynamics associated with the design and realisation of business processes 1–7. Many other factors such as lead time, quality, and innovation are necessary, it was considered at this stage of the research that the above five criteria were useful for detecting modelling techniques which were capable of supporting business analyses of complex and dynamic manufacturing systems.
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