Track: Business Process Management and Digital Transformation

Abstract

Assessing the performance of intralogistics operations and real-time process optimization in manufacturing and warehouse facilities is crucial for promoting lean manufacturing in the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) context. Excessive traveling, out-of-schedule activities for picking, and inefficient routing are just shortfalls that should be optimized with the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools. The Internet of Things (IoT) provides technical solutions for monitoring the movement of assets at the facilities, and the development of sophisticated software tools enables the monitoring of intralogistics operations. This research contributes to the digital transformation of intralogistics operations and the interconnection with the physical world using ICT and Business Process Management tools. Specifically, the proposed framework analyzes how real-time locating systems can positively impact critical manufacturing flows: i) material; ii) process; and iii) information. Furthermore, the framework enhances transparency and sustainability. From the perspective of transparency, it interconnects the physical world and the processes of the company while focusing on the sustainability of the social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The social dimension is enhanced by creating a safer working environment for the employees while the environmental and economical dimensions are enhanced by minimizing the travelling distance of the moving vehicles and therefore the total energy consumption.