BPM made simpler
Posted in Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 30th, 2010
Here is an example of a flowchart with some real layout and flow problems. While it may be obvious to the consultants or authors of this map what’s going on, it’s very hard for anyone else to follow. Despite starting out with some good practices such as: A few symbols A legend Color coding It [...]
Posted in Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 29th, 2010
To make process maps easy to read first place to start is to ensure the appropriate level of information is on the map, and in the context of the process. Two problems result if this mixture is not right: The information is there but it’s so intense and dense the reader is overwhelmed. See the [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Discovery, Process Improvement, Process Mapping on Nov 28th, 2010
The following is a compiled list of recent posts on brainstorming. Together they provide the reasons for using this strategy, who to involve and how to do it. Brainstorming and Why it’s important Over recent years, brainstorming has gone from a generic term to a science that is supported by a lot of material, experts [...]
Posted in Process Mapping on Nov 27th, 2010
Success in process mapping can be achieved by avoiding some of the major pitfalls. Here is a short list of what to avoid: Complex maps Maps that contain too much or too little detail Layout and flow problems So often the consultant or author is trying to prove how clever they are, and as a [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 26th, 2010
Making flowcharts easy to read requires some discipline and technique. Three guidelines that will help are: Use symbols in a consistent manner. Connect them to clearly show how the work is going to be done. Make the flowchart understandable to all involved. There are lots of symbols to choose from, and not only are there [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 25th, 2010
During the next few posts we will examine three different types of flowchart. The basic flowchart consists of a number of symbols to ensure that each aspects of the process map can be presented effectively. In order to create the basic flowchart you will need: A set of symbols and instructions for how to use [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Mapping on Nov 24th, 2010
The flowchart is the third and final approach to modeling processes. In many ways meeting the best of the narrative and step-by-step approaches, but adding “the big picture” to the equation. Flowcharts are visual in nature, and regardless of the details, all make the task (sometimes call a process or activity) the core element. A [...]
Posted in Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 23rd, 2010
Another approach to documenting processes is the step by step model. Instructive in nature, it will guide the reader through each step. Most steps represent an individual task and describes the outcome. The step by step approach has been with us for many centuries and used in conjunction with illustrations can really make the [...]
Posted in Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 22nd, 2010
Documenting processes is a requirement for most organizations. The approach they take is invariably, well varied and often different. How all of them fall into one of three categories. Narrative Step by Step Process Maps Each one has some benefits and some downsides. Let’s start with the narrative approach. A narrative approach has the following [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 21st, 2010
Regardless of the knowledge capture techniques employed, the overall goal of knowledge capture is to learn key details about a process including: Roles of the people involved (both inside and outside the organization) Tasks that make up the process Guidelines, business rules, instructions, and policies Resources, materials, data sources, applications, and other tools Timing and [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Discovery, Process Mapping, Uncategorized on Nov 20th, 2010
Starting your process discovery activity means asked questions. The list below includes many of the general-purpose questions that are typically asked during the Discovery Phase of a Process Capture project. Most questions will be asked in multiple interviews and at multiple times during a Process Capture workshop. 11. What happens if the decision outcome is: [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 19th, 2010
Starting your process discovery activity means asked questions. The list below includes many of the general-purpose questions that are typically asked during the Discovery Phase of a Process Capture project. Most questions will be asked in multiple interviews and at multiple times during a Process Capture workshop. 1. Who is involved? (brainstorm about all roles [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Discovery, Process Improvement, Process Mapping on Nov 18th, 2010
Capturing knowledge is an important step in the Discovery Process. This starts with capturing information from various sources knowledgeable about a process. In most projects we use a combination of different methods and tools for accurate and effective capture of required information. The following are useful sources of process knowledge if they exist: Existing process [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Discovery, Process Improvement, Process Mapping on Nov 17th, 2010
Once we have established goals and linked them to candidate processes for improvement, the project team will prioritize processes according to importance vis-à-vis the objectives and goals. Closely tied to setting priorities are determining the project scope by answering questions like these: Based on our list of all possible processes, can we document and improve [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Analysis, Process Discovery, Process Improvement, Process Mapping on Nov 16th, 2010
With a team in place, the first task of the Discover phase is to set the objectives for the project. Each objective will be tied to specific initiatives agreed upon by the project team and typically will fall into one of four categories: Governance Quality improvement Efficiency improvement Change Once the objectives have been identified [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Analysis, Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 15th, 2010
The first phase is Discovery and the first task is to select a project team. We strongly recommend a project team with the following composition: Process participants and line manager(s): Included for obvious reasons – they’re the ones who are part of the process every day. IT representatives: Essential because in today’s organizations nearly every [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Analysis, Process Discovery, Process Improvement, Process Mapping on Nov 14th, 2010
Not necessarily in any particular order, these factors affect the decision making process. Some may argue that “brainstorming” is a key part of the planning process and that generating ideas is important to successful planning, do not confuse the two areas. Providing the list of ideas will help you to prioritize your project and the [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Analysis, Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 13th, 2010
Here is a basic agenda for an idea generation/Brainstorming session. Date: Attendees and company: Subject: Idea generation session 1. Introductions and review of the purpose of the session. Describe rules and tools that have been prepared for the session. Allow 15 minutes 2. Begin brainstorming program. Allow 60 minutes Identify target areas for improvement or [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 12th, 2010
A few guidelines on a brainstorming session include: Make it clear that you are mining for ideas that can improve the area of operation or project that will emerge from the session. It is not to judge their validity or applicability during the meeting. Have a facilitator who will not intimidate participants. Staff and team [...]
Posted in Change Management, Process Discovery, Process Mapping on Nov 11th, 2010
Over recent years, brainstorming has gone from a generic term to a science that is supported by a lot of material, experts and even software. For those of you who have not experienced a “brainstorming” session you might be missing something. The idea is to extract as many ideas from the collective intellect of those [...]
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