Chapter 3 presents an application methodology to model and analyse PAM supporting processes. In this methodology, the most applicable analytical techniques are identified from the process mining literature. The aim of only selecting certain techniques is to make the methodology practical and appropri- ate towards the PAM environment. The techniques should also offer desirable outcomes for aiding decision making in PAM.
Validation encompassed the application of process mining to a case study by using the presented application methodology. The data for analysis is obtained through a PAM service provider where a process is monitored by their EAMS software. A mixed approach is used, when referring to Subsection 3.3.1.3, where the data is explored while attempting to improve a process.
By applying process mining using the application methodology a model could be obtained regarding the flow of activities as they occur in the real world. The first iteration of this model is too complex as a result of the amount of noise within the data. A suitable model is obtained when filtering is used as can be seen in Figure 4.5. Complexity in this model occurs as a result of deviations from the planned process. Filtering the data further reveals the planned pro- cess as seen in Figure 4.5. Implementing various analysis techniques discussed
in Subsection 3.3.4, problem areas within the real world implementation of the process are identified. The extraction of a model relating the real world activities and the results obtained by the KPI analysis are able to serve as decision support for process improvement.
The application of the methodology shows that the methodology is practical to implement within the PAM environment and that it offers insightful perfor- mance metrics based on supporting processes. The methodology is therefore able to aid management to make strategic decisions based on the results pre- sented by applying the methodology presented in this study.
4.7
Chapter Conclusion
This chapter presented a case study where the methodology presented in Chap- ter 3 was applied to data provided by a PAM service provider. The aim of this case study is to confirm the validity of process mining in the PAM environment. The chapter opened with a discussion on how data was obtained for the case study and the process on which the data is based. Background information is then given on the process to help gain an understanding of the results pre- sented towards the end of the chapter. The data is anonymised for the most part and no exact details were given with regards to the operation thereof. Anonymisation did not influence the primary application of the methodology but did have some impact on the scoping of the process and constructing re- alistic objective to achieve.
Section 4.4 begins with the importation of the data into ProM. This was then followed by a brief summary report. This summary showed an overview of the contents of the data with regards to the number and types of cases. With insight obtained from the summary, the data is filtered to suit the needs of the study. The case study then utilised different software plug-ins within ProM for the analysis where the different plug-ins coincided with the different steps of the methodology. With the analysis complete and the results obtained, a discussion followed where an overview is given towards the knowledge obtained throughout the analysis and the recommendation for operational support.
The application of process mining resulted in the validation of the application methodology and the answering of the research question. This was achieved as a result of the methodology being able to grant insightful results with regards to the performance of the studied process and applicability within the PAM environment.
Chapter 5
Closure
This chapter aims to summarise the research findings and bring forth a conclu- sion to the study. The chapter includes a discussion regarding the limitation of the presented methodology and also presents the recommendation for further research.
Literature Study Proposed Solution Case Study
Introduction PAM Landscape BPM and Workflow Process Mining Conceptuali sation Proposal Description Data Collection Data Processing Data Analysis Conclusion Chapter Outcomes
•Obtain an understanding of the study as a whole. •Acknowledge the limitations of the study.
•Answer the research question.
•Establish recommended future research. •Final discussion.
5.1
Summary and Conclusion
As the popularity of PAM has grown in today’s competitive industrial environ- ment, it is necessary to examine PAM strategies and identify opportunities for improvement. Industry has implemented PAM as a tool that enables the or- ganisation to improve maintenance and operations of its physical assets. With the focus primarily on the maintenance activities, certain aspects of value cre- ation have been neglected. This thesis explores the idea of using BPM as a supporting discipline within PAM to assist in improving PAM strategy pro- cesses. Supporting PAM strategies with BPM aims to improve the output and ultimately, the value that can be obtained from the organisation’s physical assets.
The literature review in Chapter 2 describes the fundamental principles of PAM, BPM, WfM and process mining as an application platform. Within the literature review, limitations were identified as well as the potential oppor- tunities presented by BPM and process mining to address these limitations. Identification of applicable techniques and tools are summarised on which the application methodology is based.
Chapter 3 presents the methodology used to apply process mining to a PAM process. The chapter entails the selection of different techniques and tools from the literature review, which are deemed suitable for the PAM environ- ment. Selected tools are discussed in detail to gain an understanding of the principles and reasons for their selection. The methodology concludes with a discussion on how the results obtained through process mining supports the goals and objectives of the organisation. This is mainly done through opera- tional support as discussed in Subsection 3.3.5.
To validate the aforementioned methodology, a case study is conducted in Chapter 4. Data for the case study is provided by a PAM service provider where a maintenance process is described that operates within the petro- chemical industry. Data is analysed and results are obtained which offer insight into the real world operations of the process and show improvement opportu- nities which can be addressed by management. The aim of the validation was to, not only, acknowledge that the research objectives were met, but also that the research question in Section 1.3 had been answered. The results show that
the methodology is applicable within the PAM environment and that, based on the results, improvement can occur. Consequently, the research question is answered, which results in the completion of the final research objective.