Model-based process redesign

A method is presented for the model-based redesign of enterprises. It consists of two main steps, the initialization step and the optimization step. During the initialization step, the processes are modelled and analysed. During the optimization step, the optimal configuration is found for the possible modifications of the processes. Emphasis is placed on the process analysis. The proposed approach is based on activity chains which describe the set of activities needed for the achievement of a given gear, and their execution order necessary to guarantee a low processing time. An algorithm is presented for filtering such activity chains from an enterprise model. It is based on graph theory and corresponds to the solution of an optimization problem, whereby the sum of weights of ail edges belonging to the solution graph should be maximized under some given constraints. Because of the high complexity of the problem, some complexity-reducing measures are presented, measures that arise from the earlier problem analysis.