Improving effectiveness of material planning of supply chain management using business process modelling

Tan, Ying Yan (2024) Improving effectiveness of material planning of supply chain management using business process modelling. Masters thesis, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka.

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Abstract

supply chain management frameworks using the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN). Material planning plays a critical role in supply chain operations, impacting production schedules, inventory levels, and operational costs significantly. However, traditional material planning processes often need more standardisation and communication barriers due to the use of conventional diagramming methods such as flowcharts. BPMN offers a better alternative by providing a standardised graphical representation of business processes and a structured and visual approach to modelling and analysing workflows. The expected outcomes include increased process visibility, standardised operations, enhanced communication, efficient workflows, improved decision-making, cost reduction, and improved adaptability. The objectives of this research are to analyse current material planning practices, develop BPMN models illustrating these processes, and evaluate the impact of BPMN adoption on key performance indicators like lead times, inventory turnover, and resource utilisation. The research questions are: what are the strategies that can enhance the effectiveness of material planning in manufacturing? How can the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) capture the effective process flow of the material planning? And how do we evaluate the effectiveness of the material planning process flow based on BPNM? Through a mixed- methods approach, data about the industry's material planning practices were collected from industry practitioners through a survey and a semi-structured interview. The research findings from the analysis found that BPMN significantly enhances material planning efficiency by improving communication, efficiency, and decision-making while also addressing key challenges like communication breakdowns and lack of standardised processes. The study revealed that the implementation of the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) significantly improved material planning efficiency within the manufacturing sector. Key challenges identified in traditional material planning processes included communication breakdowns, lack of standardised workflows, and inefficient decision- making. The adoption of BPMN addressed these issues by providing a standardised visual representation of processes, which improved communication across departments, enhanced workflow transparency, and facilitated better decision-making. Specifically, 40% of participants reported improved communication, while 33% saw enhanced decision-making, and 20% noted increased workflow efficiency. The findings also highlighted barriers to BPMN implementation, such as resistance to change (60%) and the complexity of integrating new processes (33%). Despite these challenges, the post-implementation assessment showed positive results, with significant reductions in lead times, better inventory turnover, and more efficient resource utilisation. Employee feedback further confirmed that BPMN facilitated clearer process flows, greater accountability, and improved collaboration. Overall, BPMN was shown to be a valuable tool in optimising material planning, reducing costs, and promoting continuous improvement within supply chain operations. The research showed that BPMN is a valuable tool for optimising material planning. This research recommends that organisations use BPNM to enhance their supply chain performance, ultimately promoting operational excellence and competitiveness in the market.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), Material planning, Supply chain management
Divisions:	Institute of Technology Management And Entrepreneurship
Depositing User:	Norhairol Khalid
Date Deposited:	21 Jan 2026 07:32
Last Modified:	21 Jan 2026 07:35
URI:	http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/29473
Statistic Details:	View Download Statistic

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