More efficient manufacturing

On the manufacturing front, duplication of work and processes can lead to excessive costs and, perhaps just as important, inefficient resource usage. The idea of lean manufacturing as a protocol was originated by in the early 20th century, but new technologies are allowing manufacturers to identify process interdependencies and take a broad view of manufacturing process optimization across the enterprise.

Once the product leaves the manufacturing floor, process automation solutions such as BPM enable companies to increase control over both internal and external processes such as purchase order/invoicing, logistics, and transportation and trading partner integration. Shortening transportation routes by limiting movement and resources use and converting manual, paper-based procurement and payment processes into automated electronic transactions between manufacturers, partners, retailers and customers leads to significantly reduced environmental impact.

In addition, a proper understanding of your supply-chain network, related assets and interdependent processes that is well documented in an EA tool can help identify and eliminate duplicate resources, excess overhead or inefficient distribution channels. Leveraging a tool will enable increased visibility and analysis -- and correcting these issues could eliminate buildings, machinery and inefficient transportation routes, all of which contribute to a more environmentally and economically sustainable business model.

Supply-chain benchmarking and sustainability efforts, when combined with process automation, can yield sustainable carbon-footprint reductions through more optimized paper and fuel consumption, reduced physical overhead and less raw material and resource usage.