Browsing by Author "Piyatilake, A"

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item: Conference-Full-text
Benefits realisation of robotic process automation (rpa) initiatives in supply chains
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2022-08) Piyatilake, A; Vitharanage, ID; De Silva, M; Thibbotuwawa, A; Perera, N; Thibbotuwawa, A
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is becoming an integral part of today’s businesses that compete in more dynamic business environments as it helps to automate rule-based, repetitive tasks. However, it is necessary to identify benefits realisation key success factors (BRKSFs) applicable for RPA initiatives, given that most of the initiatives are failures. This research aims to identify BRKSFs and hierarchical relationship between BRKSFs relevant to RPA initiatives. Research findings are conveyed as a model which shows the hierarchical relationship. According to the findings, having a clear, well-defined, and immutable process is the most significant BRKSF as its driving power over the other factors is high. Overall, the findings of this study will help researchers and industry practitioners to identify a priority order between RPA BRKSFs.
item: Article-Full-text
Benefits realization of robotic process automation (RPA) initiatives in supply chains
(IEEE, 2023) Nielsen, IE; Piyatilake, A; Thibbotuwawa, A; De Silva, MM; Bocewicz, G; Banaszak, ZA
Robotic Process Automation (RPA), which automates repetitive, rule-based operations, is becoming a crucial component of today’s enterprises as they compete in more dynamic business contexts. This study intends to provide implications on the Benefits Realization Key Success Factors (BRKSFs) appropriate for RPA projects, given that between 30% and 50% of RPA initiatives fail. The methodology of this study comprises three stages: identify the main contributing BRKSFs, develop a hierarchical relationship model for BRKSFs, and provide real-world examples to show the usability of BRKSFs using two case studies. The results show that having a clear, well-defined, and unchanging process is the most important BRKSF because of its strong influence over other factors. Three factors, namely, aligning the objective of the RPA initiative with the organization’s strategic objectives, choosing the right process for automation, and change management, have lower driving powers but high dependence powers than other factors. The five factors that have both high driving and high dependence powers are: prioritizing the benefits that can be obtained through the RPA initiative, performing a feasibility study, assembling a cross-functional team, having a team leader and receiving support from top management. This study sheds light on the interdependencies between BRKSFs for academics and business professionals, enabling them to determine which variables must be considered most for RPA initiatives.
item: Conference-Full-text
Dynamics in closed-loop pallet management: a case study approach
(IEEE, 2023-12-09) Piyatilake, A; Thibbotuwawa, A; Abeysooriya, R; Adikariwattage, V; Hemachandra, K
The pallet is the most common form of packaging used in the world for product handling, storage, and transportation. Closed-Loop Pallet Management (CLPM) has gained significant attention as an efficient approach for goods handling, storage, and transportation. This study focuses on developing a System Dynamics model for Closed-Loop Pallet Management (SDCLPM) using a case study. By utilizing a system dynamics approach, the dynamic behavior of the factors involved in the CLPM process is identified and analyzed. The findings emphasize the significance of accurate forecasting in reducing pallet purchases and overall pallet management costs. Moreover, the research reveals the mediating role of moving pattern, volume, weight, contamination ability, and the varieties of goods when deciding the required pallet quality. Supplier capability emerges as a critical consideration in the system, and selecting pallets made from more durable materials proves to be an effective strategy for reducing the need for new pallet purchases and minimizing total pallet management costs. The findings of this study provide insights into considerations for effective CLPM systems.
item: Conference-Full-text
Process improvement initiatives in supply chains: a structured literature review
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2021-10) Piyatilake, A; Vitharanage, ID; Thibbotuwawa, A; Gunaruwan, TL
Emerging interest can be observed in applying Business Process Improvement (BPI) initiatives to supply chains in various industries. Academic literature and standard industry practices indicate that emergence of such initiatives is often subject to technological advancements. This paper aims to set the context for BPI initiatives by presenting the first systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis focusing on how different organizations perceive the benefits, confront challenges, and realize critical success factors in the context of supply chain management. The present state of the literature reviewed in this paper suggests that process reengineering is the widely incorporated BPI initiative among researchers and industry practitioners. Interestingly, this method's adoption has taken place among procurement, production, warehousing, and distribution activities. The paper concludes by summarizing the key learnings from more than two decades of academic research in BPI initiatives and suggests future research avenues to expand the role of BPI initiatives in decision-making.
item: Article-Full-text
RPA success remains a non-trivial endeavor
(2022-09) Piyatilake, A; Thibbotuwawa, A; De Silva, M
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is becoming an integral part of today’s businesses that compete in more dynamic business environments. RPA is a technology that enables organisations to automate rule-based and repetitive tasks in processes through the use of software robots. Instead of requiring time consuming process reengineering that leads to heavy investment on IT system transformations, RPA is able to perform such routine processes by running across systems. For an example, customer orders of a third-party logistics service providing company can be easily entered into internal warehouse management system using RPA. Therefore, RPA can be interpreted as a strategic tool which gives benefits such as improved productivity, improved data accuracy, improved compliance levels, reduced process execution time and costs. However, Nitin Bhatt [1] mentions that, nearly 30% to 50% RPA projects are failures. Accordingly, there are some other factors organisations must consider apart from technological know-how when taking RPA initiatives. This article intends to reveal such factors identified through an industry survey and interview sessions conducted with 12 industry experts who have at least three years of experiences in supply chain and RPA disciplines. Overall, fourteen factors were identified under three categories namely: Strategy; Process; and Organisation.