I am currently working on aligning a process methodology to a project methodology.
The first step we are working with in the process methodology is developing a workflow diagram. It shows sequence in a high level format. It does not show decisions or ownership of tasks.
I am also looking to include a data flow diagram which shows flow of activities between different department. This comes after the workflow.
Has anyone developed something similar?
Any advice would be great.
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Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Kendall, there are a number of workflow diagramming techniques that are popular today. If you are looking for an automated tool IGrafx employs a nice one that actually can do simulation analysis. A lot of Six Sigma shops use it. The layout is simple. Place the workflow phases down the right side and the departments across the top and then flow chart within the grids.
Helix (my methodology) uses a more simplified diagraming technique. Each workflow is firt mapped at a high level to identify the information being shared and the organizations sharing them. This model is supported by a set of perscriptive diagnostics that test its integrity and closed loop attributes. The second model is more tabular in nature and identifies the key phases of the workflow and the procedures needed to drive the process from one phase to the next. This model sets forth the framework for understanding how objects transform through the process and allows for very detailed diagnostics to analyze bottlenecks, missing transformations, process failures and more.
When needed I use a Process Logic Diagram (bracket diagram) to map out processes at the granular level. This modeling technique allows you to layout every choice and path the process can take. It origin can be found in SDLC books by Ken Orr.
Hope this helps Saving Changes...
Ben GrahamPresident| The Ben Graham CorporationTipp City, Oh, United States
Hi Kendall,
The Ben Graham Corporation has been training people how to draw process charts and facilitate improvement projects since 1953. The methodology we use evolved from the work simplification toolset that emphasizes putting good tools into the hands of the people to do the (process) work. It is based on a charting tool that presents a process with enough detail that people involved in the process can make common sense decisions about the workflow. You can find out more about the charting tool at www.processchart.com
You can download a free project guide booklet (for facilitating improvement projects) at www.worksimp.com Saving Changes...
Kendall, Just saw your posting and thought I would add my 2 cents worth. My background is in the IDEF Methodologies. Go to www.idef.com for a review of the various languages. From what you relate, I would use the IDEF0 Activity Modeling methods and tools (CA's All Fusion BPWin) for your effort. IDEF is very powerful since it allows diagramming very complex processes through decomposition. Also, IDEF activity modeling uses ICOMs versus IPOs. Input, Control, Ouput, and Mechanism vs Input Process Output. In other words an ICOM box is read from left (Input), to top (Control), right (Output), and bottom Mechanism. The IDEF web site explains all of that nicely. IDEF would offer you a repository based modeling tool that is easy to read and logical to create and would make help make the transformation from a Process Method to a Project Method quite elegantly. You can contact me through globalprojectresults.com for more detailed information. Good luck! Don Saving Changes...
John SchlichterFounder| OPM Experts LLC http://opmexperts.comAtlanta, Ga, United States
Two of the most popular process diagramming methods are IDEF0 and Rummler-Brache. IDEF0 emphasizes the activities of an enterprise, whereas Rummler-Brache emphasizes the functional units of the enterprise performing the processes. It is often easiest to model the activities first before assigning functional responsibility for the activities. It is difficult to combine process design with organization design.
Here is a comment on the subject matter that you wish to represent as processes: you should distinguish between project management processes and product development processes. Each project produces a unique product or service. There are processes to produce the product or service, and then there are project management processes to manage those development processes. Failure to distinguish between the two kinds of processes has resulted in countless flawed methodologies. This type of problem has been solved before. There is no reason to reinvent the wheel.
Regards, John Schlichter OPM Experts, LLC "The Organizational Project Management Experts" 404.728.0650 Saving Changes...
John SchlichterFounder| OPM Experts LLC http://opmexperts.comAtlanta, Ga, United States
Our number has changed to 404.252.4299.
Regards,
John Schlichter
OPM Experts, LLC Saving Changes...
