In this paper three different approaches to Supply Chain Modelling are presented, the Event Process Chain (EPC), the Activity Chain Model (ACM), and the GRAI Grid method. The three methods will be described, after which application of the methods to a case will be presented. The paper will conclude with a comparison of the methods and a discussion of their complementarity.
KeywordsSupply chain, process modelling, redesign
INTRODUCTION: MODELLING OF SUPPLY CHAINSThe idea to consider business processes as a chain is not new. In 1985 Porter introduced his "Generic Value Chain" to support analysis of value added processes in companies. Since the end of the 1980s many studies followed concerning management of supply chains in which more than a single company is involved. These studies included objectives like: lead time reduction (e.g. Lee et al., 1998), cost reduction (e.g. Lalonde & Pohlen, 1996), improvement of product quality and attention to environmental aspects (Ziggers & Trienekens, 1998). Also much interest has arisen in integrating various processes in the chain: decision structures and co-ordination mechanism are important issues in this regard. In this K. Mertins et al. (eds.), Global Production Management