I would like to ask the following questions regarding process improvement.
1) If within a certain process a proposal for example was sent to a customer. The next activity on this process would happen when the customer signs the proposal and send it back. Would this activity and the following ones separated in a separate process or the process will remain active till the customer send the signed proposal?
2) How does the parallel activities represented in process maps?
3) What is the suitable book I can read to understand exactly how to develop and improve the processes in a software house? Saving Changes...
If possible, please send a copy of your slides and book. I would greatly appreciate it. Email is [email protected]
Thank you very much,
VanO
P.O. Box 11764
Spring, Tx 77391 Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Amr,
The end-to-end process is from the point the customer requests a quote through the sale, shipment, billing and collection process. The workflow map would have an assumption of Quote process when customer requests quote, accepts quote, has good credit, product is available, etc. The assumption for the workflow eliminates complexity. Variations to the theme can be handled in failure analysis (i,e, what happens when the customer doesn't approve the proposal, credit is not good, product is not available, etc.
The subject matter of the flow (software house, mfg, distribution, etc.) is not relevant as the specifics of the existing flow are unique to the organization as is the workflow that is reengineered workflow as both need alignment to goals and objectives of the organization in question.
I believe I have sent you book 1 of Helix but you may need book 2 (The Helix Factor - the implementer's guide) to truly understand the process for developing proposed . reengineered , workflow.
As always I am here to help should you need more specific guidance.
Cheers
Michael Saving Changes...
John ReilingSeeking new opportunities | AcroVision Business Systems, Inc.Mendham, Nj, United States
In an IT organization, there are business processes, and then there are projects, and probably lots of them. One of the keys to success is distingusihing between the 2.
The diagrams in that were created using VISIO, which you may have available. For me, the best way to get started is to start working with something, and VISIO is excellent. You will learn and grow from there. Start small. Saving Changes...
fatai okubadejoFreelance ConsultantCharlton, London, United Kingdom
Hello Mike,
i would like to see a copy of your book and slides if possible as well.
my email - [email protected] Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Amr
The proposal process is just one phase in the overall sales or contract cycle. In terms of Helix (my method) this would represent the 1st column on the level 2 workflow.
The process would remain open until what was proposed was completed and paid for.
Parallel activities are usually shown on multiple process maps. Think PERT for example. Process 1 & Process 2 both converging into Process 3. Assuming they converge at some point. If they do not converge then they are just two unrelated processes.
The subject of the processes is not relevant to the theory, models or tools. Software house, mfg, airline, it is all the same.
I suggest you get a book that is instructional in nature and has case study-like examples
I believe you already have my workshop slides on Helix. If not, I can email them to you.
hi Woods,
Sorry I am being late to reach you though. Still please send me a copy at [email protected] please. I am very new to management so these guide from you and all members here will help me to grow in career. Saving Changes...
Marvin ShembabEngineering Transitions Manager| Benchmark ElectronicsPhoenix, Az, United States
Apr 11, 2005 9:56 AM
Replying to Michael Wood
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Amr,
Here are my thoughts
1 on separtating processes - Answer: If you want to track the lapsed time between submission and approval then I would separate them into separate steps in the proposal approval process.
2 on denoting parallel activities - Answer: All depends on the process mapping technique used. Some maps number the steps sequentially in which case the parallel steps would both get the same number.
In flowchart oriented maps (i.e. swim lanes) you could create a footnote or use some other notation to indicate concurrent events.
3 on Suitable Books - Answer: Process is Process… Don’t let the software house focus throw you.
I would be happy to send you my book The Helix Factor – the key to streamlining your business processes, with my compliments.
Michael- Reading your book and finding it very interesting. Have you utilized value stream mapping to supplement the Helix process to help identify non value added steps? Saving Changes...
