Can anyone recommend any particular software packages for process mappping? I have always muddled through with Visio so far...
Any suggestions gratefull received.
Thanks,
Alice Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Alice, I find its not the software but instead the modeling tools you use. Swimlanes and flow charts just don't foster understanding among those who perform the work. Igrafix is pretty good for the money as it lets you do simulations. There are better ones but they get expensive. I use Viso and even Excel but my models all fit to a single page and are designed to facilitate communication, understanding and structured diagnostics. If you find something you like let us know. Saving Changes...
Thanks Michael, we have CaseWise coming in to demonstrate their package and also hope to look at enterprise modeller and qmap. I'll let you know what we decide.
Saving Changes...
matthew roperBusiness Analyst| BTLeeds, United Kingdom
Alice,
if you are looking at Casewise I would also consider Proformas Provision application. Both tools are very good at performing BPR work, the actual selection just comes down to minor points like simulation.
Matthew Saving Changes...
Ben GrahamPresident| The Ben Graham CorporationTipp City, Oh, United States
Hi Alice,
Consider detail process charting (see www.processchart.com ). The methodology is based on the ANSI/ASME standard for Process Charts and is the ONLY methodology that provides visibility over all the items (forms, applications, spreadsheets, emails, reports...) in a process and the relationship between those items. If you are serious about understanding your business processes, this is the only method that presents process flow with enough detail to make intelligent decisions. Any flowchart can provide clues as to where to focus attention, but why work with clues when you can have the details of the process laid out in from of you. Finally, this method has a proven track record (over sixty years) with world class organizations like IBM, Ford, Caterpillar, MBNA, P&G...
I invite you to take a look to metoCube methodology manager, developed by Nevant (the company I work for). It is a process documentation tool specially designed for knowledge process (as PM processes).
It is a 100% web application that facilitates access to all information, tools and templates knowledge workers need to carry out their job. It also streamlines continuous enhancement by the process engineer.
You can also upload diagrams created with your tool of choice.
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Karl, asking me what modeling tools I recommend is sort of like asking the Pope which religion he prefers. Of course my answer is the Helix Methodology tools but for good reason. The models work with each other and have a natural way to reflect corporate and project goal achievement into the workflow maps. Each workflow fits on a single page and has virtually no SYNTAX to confuse the reader. The models facilitate diagnostics related to object state changes, which helps drive the data models on day 1. They also identify core requirements quickly and can be systematically tested for completeness. Finally they facilitate use cases and can quickly isolate defects and process failures. Whew.... So there you have it. Cheers Saving Changes...
arlene trimbleAssistant IT Director| Local GovernmentAlamo, Ca, United States
In addition to Visio, perhaps you can try the IBM LucidChart? Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
There are plenty of options - down to core requirements to help filter it down. Are you looking for a BPM solution, or simply a diagramming and flowchart solution? Based on the fact your organization is looking at Casewise, seems to be a BPM solution in need. Is that correct?
Do you have further information to provide with regards to needs and requirements? What types of use-cases are in question when looking for this solution?
Ken BradshawProject Manager| CRASurrey, British Columbia, Canada
Like Michael Wood above, I mainly use Visio. Personally I prefer flow chart over swim lanes but I found everyone processes visual information differently, I had one requires to create a Mind Map! I like mind maps, but it really wasn't a direction I wanted to. Lol Saving Changes...
