Title: A knowledge-based system for supply chain process modelling, reuse, and redesign

Authors: Kai Li; Jianyuan Yan; Zhangxi Lin

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Nankai University, 94, Weijin Rd., Tianjin, 300071, China ' Business School, Nankai University, 94, Weijin Rd., Tianjin, 300071, China ' Centre for Advanced Analytics and Business Intelligence, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, 79409, TX, USA

Abstract: Modern competition requires quick response from the supply chain. Supply chain process reengineering is becoming more and more important. However, ways to manage and optimise supply chain processes are still a big challenge to most companies. In this research, a knowledge-based system is proposed for supply chain process modelling, reuse, and redesign. It uses grammatical modelling method to build supply chain process models. Furthermore, it can transform graphic supply chain process models to well-structured XML data based on the corresponding process definition language. Therefore, supply chain processes can be stored, searched, and evaluated in the system. Additionally, a case of a sample supply chain process is built in the system to demonstrate the operation of the system.

Keywords: supply chain processes; grammatical modelling; knowledge base; knowledge-based systems; process modelling; process reuse; process redesign; SCM; supply chain management; process reengineering; graphic models; well-structured data; XML; extensible markup language; process definition language; China; shipping; transportation; electronic business; e-business.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2012.051117

International Journal of Electronic Business, 2012 Vol.10 No.2, pp.142 - 166

Published online: 15 Apr 2015 *

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