Finding a common understanding surrounding lead times : a procurement process analysis in a make-to-order setting.

The procurement process at Thales Hengelo is analysed by creating a Business Process Model to gain insight into the different lead times that are created and interpreted by various process actors. By conducting interviews with process actors, sending surveys to suppliers and analysing primary data from Thales the Business Process model is created, the variations in the process are identified, and perception of the process of the process actors can be discussed. By combining these findings with theory on lead time uncertainty management, Business Process integration and Supply Chain Management in a Make-To-Order setting recommendations are made for the organisation to improve transparency in the procurement process and allow for further optimisation.