Process mining-enhanced quality management in food processing industries

Title data

Loacker, Philipp ; Pöchtrager, Siegfried ; Fikar, Christian ; Grenzfurtner, Wolfgang:
Process mining-enhanced quality management in food processing industries.
In: International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management. Vol. 74 (2025) Issue 4 . - pp. 1326-1346.
ISSN 1758-6658
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-06-2024-0377

Official URL:

Abstract in another language

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present a methodical procedure on how to prepare event logs and analyse them through process mining, statistics and visualisations. The aim is to derive roots and patterns of quality deviations and non-conforming finished products as well as best practice facilitating employee training in the food processing industry. Thereby, a key focus is on recognising tacit knowledge hidden in event logs to improve quality processes.
Design/methodology/approach: This study applied process mining to detect root causes of quality deviations in operational process of food production. In addition, a data-ecosystem was developed which illustrates a continuous improvement feedback loop and serves as a role model for other applications in the food processing industry. The approach was applied to a real-case study in the processed cheese industry.
Findings: The findings revealed practical and conceptional contributions which can be used to continuously improve quality management (QM) in food processing. Thereby, the developed data-ecosystem supports production and QM in the decision-making processes. The findings of the analysis are a valuable basis to enhance operational processes, aiming to prevent quality deviations and non-conforming finished products.
Originality/value: Process mining is still rarely used in the food industry. Thereby, the proposed method helps to identify tacit knowledge in the food processing industry, which was shown by the framework for the preparation of event logs and the data ecosystem.

Further data

Item Type:	Article in a journal
Refereed:	Yes
Institutions of the University:	Faculties > Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health > Chair Food Supply Chain Management Faculties > Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health > Chair Food Supply Chain Management > Chair Food Supply Chain Management - Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christian Fikar Faculties Faculties > Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health
Result of work at the UBT:	Yes
DDC Subjects:	300 Social sciences > 330 Economics
Date Deposited:	05 May 2026 05:14
Last Modified:	05 May 2026 05:14
URI:	https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/90609