Process Mining for Six Sigma

Abstract

Process mining offers a set of techniques for gaining data-based insights into business processes from event logs. The literature acknowledges the potential benefits of using process mining techniques in Six Sigma-based process improvement initiatives. However, a guideline that is explicitly dedicated on how process mining can be systematically used in Six Sigma initiatives is lacking. To address this gap, the Process Mining for Six Sigma (PMSS) guideline has been developed to support organizations in systematically using process mining techniques aligned with the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) model of Six Sigma. Following a design science research methodology, PMSS and its tool support have been developed iteratively in close collaboration with experts in Six Sigma and process mining, and evaluated by means of focus groups, demonstrations and interviews with industry experts. The results of the evaluations indicate that PMSS is useful as a guideline to support Six Sigma-based process improvement activities. It offers a structured guideline for practitioners by extending the DMAIC-based standard operating procedure. PMSS can help increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of Six Sigma-based process improving efforts. This work extends the body of knowledge in the fields of process mining and Six Sigma, and helps closing the gap between them. Hence, it contributes to the broad field of quality management.

ProcessChain: a blockchain-based framework for privacy preserving cross-organizational business process mining from distributed event logs

“…On the other hand, process analysis helps in analyzing the business processes by dealing with the series of ordered events to complete a goal (Mendling et al, 2018). The discovery of business processes from the event log is an important process mining application Graafmans et al, 2021;Thiede et al, 2018).…”

The influence of BPM-supportive culture and individual process orientation on process conformance

“…Therefore, further research is necessary to determine the actual conformance (e.g. by using process mining or other process conformance checking techniques (vom Brocke et al, 2021;Graafmans et al, 2021)) to discover the relation between PPC and incorporate it into the research model if necessary.…”

Analyzing How Process Mining Reports Answer Time Performance Questions

“…Examples are the Process Diagnostic Method [3], the L * life-cycle model [1] and P M 2 [10], which identifies 6 stages in a process mining project: planning, extraction, data processing, mining & analysis, evaluation, and process improvement & support. Similarly, [12] provides guidelines to support organizations in systematically using process mining techniques aligned with Six Sigma. Due to their broad scope, these methodologies are intentionally open in terms of which techniques can be used to address specific questions.…”