Enterprise modelling in support of the application of lean manufacturing in SMEs

Over more than two decades the authors and their research colleagues have investigated different ways of using enterprise, simulation and workflow modelling techniques to structure and support decision making during organisation design and change projects. This has involved collaborative research with large and small scale manufacturing enterprises [1]. The investigations have demonstrated and advanced the potential to use enterprise models that 'externalise and share knowledge about enterprise processes and systems'. By so doing, enhanced understanding of enterprise structures, processes and resource systems can be obtained and used to improve the interactions between system components so as to realise desired business performance and constrain unwanted behaviours.