Enhancing enterprise resource planning and manufacturing execution system efficiency with simulation-based decision support

Business units inclusive of large, medium and small-scale entities traditionally conducts activities based on business processes. Globalization has resulted in the gradual introduction of various automation systems at various levels of the business enterprise, specifically focussed on capturing essential business activities across the entity. These systems, inclusive of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Plant systems has been adopted by larger corporates in executing and optimizing business functions. These large multinationals are described as complex entities with complex business structures inclusive of business processes. The quantification of automation, escalations and critical variables of these business processes has not been effectively conducted. A "systems thinking" approach adds the complexity of integrating all enterprise functions but creates a framework for evaluating the limitations and synergies so as to optimize these processes. This research focuses on the development and configuration of a simulation model for modelling enterprise maturity via business processes. This research approach includes hierarchical layout and segregation of these business processes, exploring these enterprise operations adopting business process tools, techniques, and methodologies aligned with a system thinking approach. A simulation framework is configured and tested. The results prove that a simulation model potentially benefits a complex organisation specific to evaluating time taken to conduct business processes. The results indicate that interdependent processes can be modelled together with determining impacts of multiple critical variables in reducing business process time.