Increasing the efficiency of business processes using a theory of constraints

Seung Hyun Rhee, Nam Wook Cho, Hyerim Bae

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this study, a Theory of Constraints (TOC)-based method was developed to enhance the efficiency of business processes. Whereas the TOC has been employed in manufacturing processes, the present paper shows that it can be effective also for Business Process Management (BPM). In order to apply the TOC to business processes, a Drum-Buffer-Rope (DBR) scheduling method for a Business Process Management System (BPMS) was developed. A procedure by which business process efficiency can be improved using these concepts is presented. To validate our approach, a series of simulations of a real banking process was conducted, on the basis of which the applicability of the proposed method was analyzed. Based on the analysis results, we show that the TOC-based method can improve business process efficiency, particularly under heavy workloads with limited resources. And we suggest, accordingly, several guidelines that can be followed for the efficient management of business processes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)443-455
Number of pages13
JournalInformation Systems Frontiers
Volume12
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2010

Keywords

  • Business process efficiency
  • Business process management
  • Drum-Buffer-Rope
  • Simulation
  • Theory of constraints

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • Software
  • Information Systems
  • Computer Networks and Communications

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