Business Process Modeling techniques depict sequential actions in a business process. A system process model defines the sequential flow of control among programs or units within a computer system. A program process flow shows the sequential execution of program statements within a software program.
Process models can be used to:
- Describes current (as is) or is desired (to be) process,
- Provides a visual to accompany a text description and
- Provides a basis for process analysis.
Process models generally include:
- Event (Basic)
- Activities (both manual and automated, can be atomic or non-atomic)(Basic)
- Results (Basic)
- Participants (Role) (Intermediate),
- Paths (flows) and decisions that logically link those activities (Intermediate)
- Data/materials (Supplementary)
- Inputs and outputs (Supplementary) and
- Call-out descriptions (Supplementary).
Process Modeling Technique #1 Activity Diagrams
Activity diagrams are an easy way to represent the flow of activity – sequential or concurrent activities. It is often used by a business analyst to model the flow of events in a use case, model business processes, and model internal system processes. While similar in appearance to a flowchart, the activity diagram typically employs swim lanes to show responsibilities, synchronization bars to show parallel processing, and multiple exit decision points.
Process Modeling Technique #2 Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN)
Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) is a graphical representation for specifying business processes. Business Process Modeling Notation is a standard notation proposed by the Business Process Management Initiative (BPMI) for modeling business processes.
The elements in Business Process Modeling Notation are symbols that represent different aspects of a business process. There are four main categories of symbols: events, Gateways, tasks, and swim lanes. Events are represented by circles and indicate something that happens. Gateways are represented by diamonds and mark the branching or merging of sequences in the process. Tasks are represented by rectangles and depict the actions that need to be taken in order to complete the process. Swim lanes are represented by horizontally or vertically divided rectangles and show the divisions of responsibility in the process.
BPMN can be used to model various types of business processes, including simple processes, such as customer order processing; complex processes, such as product development; and collaborative processes, such as marketing campaigns. BPMN can also be used to model business processes that span multiple organizations, such as supply chain management and order fulfillment.
Process Modeling Technique #3 SIPOC
SIPOC is an acronym that stands for Suppliers, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, and Customers. It is a tool that can be used to map out a process and identify key stakeholders. SIPOC diagrams are useful for planning process improvement projects, as they provide a high-level overview of the process and help to identify potential bottlenecks. To create a SIPOC diagram, start by listing the suppliers of the inputs for the process. Then, list the inputs themselves. Next, identify the steps in the process and any outputs that are generated. Finally, identify the customers of the process outputs. SIPOC diagrams can be created manually or with specialized software. Either way, they are valuable tools for understanding and improving business processes.
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
Value Stream Mapping is a tool that can be used to help visualize and improve the flow of materials and information in a manufacturing process. Value Stream Mapping allows you to see the entire process from start to finish and identify bottlenecks and areas of waste. As a result, Value Stream Mapping can be a powerful tool for improving efficiency and reducing costs. In addition, Value Stream Mapping can be used to create a “future state” map, which can be used to plan and implement improvements. Value Stream Mapping is an important tool for any organization that is looking to improve its manufacturing process. When used correctly, Value Stream Mapping can help you achieve significant improvements in your organization’s performance.
IDEF (Integrated Definition)
IDEF (Integrated Definition) is a graphical technique in process simulation used to apply processes and engineering applications. It is a modeling language family that encompasses a wide variety of uses, ranging from functional modeling to data, simulation, object-oriented analysis/design, and information gathering. The IDEF methods are described from IDEF0 to IDEF14.
Source: EDrawMax
The usefulness of Process Modeling Techniques
- Easy to understand.
- Can be at multiple levels.
- Can show a large number of scenarios and parallel branches.
- Identifies overlooked stakeholder groups.
- Identify potential improvements by highlighting “Pain points.”
- Provide documentation for compliance.
- Can be used for training and coordination of activities.
- Can be used as a baseline for continuous improvement.
- Provides clarity to process owners and participants on responsibilities, sequence, and hand-overs.
Limitations of Process Modeling Techniques
- Formal process models are perceived as a document-heavy approach.
- Can become extremely complex and unwieldy.
- A single individual will not be able to understand and ‘sign off’ a complex process.
- In a highly dynamic environment, it can become obsolete quickly.
- Stakeholders often forget to update models.
This blog written by Adaptive US. It is the World’s Go to Provider of IIBA Certifications Training and Study Aids. Get 100% Success or 100% Refund guarantee for all IIBA certifications Training.. We provide CBAP, CCBA, ECBA, AAC, CBDA, CCA, CPOA online, virtual and on-premise training, question banks, study guides, simulators, flashcards, audio-books, digital learning packs across the globe. For more Information, kindly visit our website: https://www.adaptiveus.com
