Introduction to Process Modeling
Business process modeling is the graphical representation of a company’s business processes or workflows, as a means of identifying potential improvements. This is usually done through different graphing methods, such as the flowchart, data-flow diagram, etc. The goal for this section is to give the big picture of function-based process modeling. This includes a discussion of what process modeling is, the goals of process modeling, and a comparison of the different statistical methods used for model building. Detailed information on how to collect data, construct appropriate models, interpret output, and use process models is covered in the following sections. The final section of the chapter contains case studies that illustrate the general information presented in the first five sections using data from a variety of scientific and engineering applications.
Business Process Modeling (BPM) is the activity of representing the processes of an organization, so that they can be analyzed and improved. Nowadays, with increased globalization, BPM techniques are used, for example, to optimize the way in which organizations react to business events, in order to enhance competitiveness. Starting from the underlying notion of workflow modeling, this paper introduces the basic concepts of modeling and implementing business processes using current information technologies and standards, such as Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) and Business Process Execution Language (BPEL). We also address the novel, yet growing, topic of Business Process Mining, and point out to open research challenges in the area.
Benefits of Process Modeling
- Improving Efficiency – The main function of BP modeling is to improve the way the processes are done. As a given, you’ll find different ways to improve the way the process works, which leads to higher efficiency, productivity, output, and finally, profits.
- Enforce Best-Practices & Standardization – If you’re running a big organization, there’s a good chance that different teams do the same process differently. Creating the best-practice design ensures that everyone knows how to do the process.
- Process Agility – If BP analysis is a norm within an organization, they will eventually develop a culture of innovation and change. By being able to constantly tweak business operations, you’ll be able to evolve in the face of technological change.
- Transparency – Everyone within your organization will be, more or less, aware of how your processes work: what’s the goal, how it operates, etc. This leads to accountability; who owns what process becomes transparent.
- Beat the Competition – As a result of all the other benefits we’ve mentioned, you’ll be able to beat and outlast your competition in the long-run.
How to Do Business Process Analysis
1. Determine the process to analyze
2. Collect necessary information
3. Map the process
4. Analyze the process
5. Determine potential improvements
How to do Business Process Modeling
- Model Existing Process – Use one of the BP modeling techniques to put the process you’re working with down on paper (or software).
- Identify Inefficiencies & Potential Improvements – How well is the process performing? Is it reasonable efficient? Is it meeting operational goals? Are there any steps in the process that’s overly wasteful?
- Design To-Be Process – Design the new and improved process depending on your findings in step #2, and finally put it into practice.
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