I need to describe internal processes performed by my department. I especially like the simplicity of ITTO format used in PMBOK (Inputs, Tools and Techniques, Outputs) so I thought of using the same approach for my processes.
Now I am looking for a tool to do that... and cannot find any. My requirements are quite simple: I need to be able to enter multiple processes, connect outputs with inputs and finally render chart with all the data.
There are a few websites that provide this functionality, among them draw.io which is almost like cloud based software but it's free. Saving Changes...
I agree with Stephanie. I especially use XMind as a central software to connect support information that must be attached. You could export XMind diagrams as SVG files that could be imported to Visio. Saving Changes...
Mudassar KhanProgram (Project )Manager| Woodward Canada IncPeterborough, ON, Canada
You can Start With Visio, and also use DFD Data Flow Diagram Saving Changes...
Libre Office suite look very interesting
Thanks for mentioning Saving Changes...
Ken BradshawProject Manager| CRASurrey, British Columbia, Canada
I use Visio. If you can't find the symbols you like, try googling for templates that may contain them. I would suggest starting off with a brainstorming session, preferably in a boardroom with wall space, and slap sticky notes all over the place. Its a lot faster and easier than going straight to software. Saving Changes...
The most usual is probably Visio. You can also do it in Excel, Xmind, or other software.
If you are just looking to map Inputs, Tools and Techniques, Outputs you can google also for SIPOC diagrams.
If you want something more advanced you can think about using BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) Saving Changes...
John TiesoAuthor, Lecturer in Business Management| The Catholic University of America, Busch School of Business & EconomicsArlington, Va, United States
In older days, I would have recommended the Integration Definition Technique (IDEF), for the process models. There are still some IDEF0 tools around, and you can also use VISIO's add-in to do the same. Boxes create the process steps, and connectors give you the linkages you need.
If you want a good volume to read on how to do this type of modeling, you might try an older volume by Clare Feldmann:
The Practical Guide to Business Process Reengineering Using IDef0
(Mar 1998) by Clarence G. Feldmann
Easy to read and a good explanation of what you seek to do. It's still on Amazon (I checked to be sure) Saving Changes...
Anton OosthuizenSenior Business Analyst / Project Manager| Self EmployedPretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
I would never use excel for any sort of flow except if this is a once of and you will never do it again. Flow charting tools such as visio, bizagi, bonita all have functionality especially aimed at making it easy, and fool proof to put together a flow diagram of almost any sort with minimal effort. Always use a tool for its primary function and only use secondary functions as a last resort. There is a reason why you have a hammer and a brick, I can hit a nail with a brick but only if I really cannot find a hammer. Saving Changes...
Fernando RoqueMr.| Quantic Statistics(www.metricst.info)Guatemala
Hi:
I have read your interesting answers and would like to share my knowledge in Process Improvement. For me, as engineer, and Earned Value Professional, 90% of the success of process improvement is statistics and metrics of the project. Costs and Advance.
I wrote a course and filmed on videos about "E-Learning: "Budgets-Costs-Advances of Projects with Microsoft Excel". The INDEX is below. As part of my contribution to the community I can give you a free coupon of the course hosted in UDEMY.
The project control has three indicators:
a) Budget
b) Expenses
c) Advance
Measure of a graphic that shows the expenses under budget and
the advance justifies the money invested and warranties the
project sucess.
Index:
a) Project SCOPE and Work Breakdown Structure
b) Gantt Chart to see Activities Time, Duration
and Dates, Dependency and Critical Path.
b.1) What activities can be executed at the same time.
b.2) What delays affect all the project delivery date.
c) Resources and Costs for every Activity to have a budget
for each one and total amount for the project.
c.1) Cash Flow needs for every phase.
d) Human Resources Communication to show every person
how many hours and when he/she will work.
e) Escenarios of cost change for resources.
f) Risk Analysis of Activities to get the cost of RISK.
g) Execution and Change Control to see if the project is
under the planned budget and will represent a
revenue for the company.
h) Procurement to identify the best providers.
i) Lesson learned for continuous improvement of business
proposals of projects to increase revenue.
Includes:
-PDF presentation
-Excel Worksheet with data to do practical exercises
explained on the video course.
