Process Optimization Using a New Concept for Process Coupling

This paper presents a new model for process optimization based on the evaluation of the process coupling using AD. The model developed allows the evaluation of the efficiency of a process thanks to the use of a Process Design Matrix; this matrix links the basic process activities considering them as elements of an oriented graph. The result is the capability to evaluate the mean number of iteration needed to produce a product/service, the related cost and the overall efficiency of the process. Moreover, if the Process Design Matrix is merged with the information regarding the resources needed for each process phase, it could be used to simplify the definition of a Material Requirement Planning system for the process itself. This approach has been applied to an industrial case study and the ad-hoc MRP software has been developed starting from the input of this application.