I am looking for a really good example of business process documentation. We typically use swim lanes to map our processes (pretty simple), but are looking for something a little more in-depth to map the as-is and to-be processes. Does anyone have an example of an approach that has worked well for them? THANKS! Saving Changes...
I think it depends on the process. "A flowchart is a good choice for describing or planning a decision based algorithm where the number of alternative paths does not exceed three. Logic flowcharts should not be used for documenting complete programs or large routines. Flowcharts extending over multiple pages are difficult to follow, and flowcharts (of any size) are difficult to maintain. If a flowchart spills beyond a single page (or single screen), combine several steps to form a subroutine, link to the subroutine from the primary routine, and independendently flowchart the subroutine. Algebra, pseudocode, and structured English may be better choiced for describing or planning algebraic algorithms with no decisions. Decision trees and decision tables may be better for describing or planning complex case structures. Nassi-Shneiderman charts are better for planning and documenting structured program logic. Hierarchy charts or structure charts are better choices for describing or planning the ovearll logical structure of a program." (Davis & Yen, 1999)
Where I currently work, we tend to have a lot of business processes where we can use a combination of logic flowcharts (for those of us that are visual) and Use Cases (for those of us that like to read). So, to that end, the proces document contains the name of the process, the systems (As-Is), the diagram, the use case(s) and the data elements structured as the input to completing a data dictionary.
REFERENCES
Davis, S & Yen, D., The Infomation System Consultant's Handbook Systems Analysis and Design. CRC Press Boca Raton, FL Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Christi, I would be happy to send you a copy of my book on process improvement. In it you will find a suite of integrated models that map existing, future workflows as well as correlates improvement objectives to the models via Change Analysis. These modeling techniques have been proven & refined during over 20 years of successful use. Just email me your postal address and I will drop a book in the mail to you. [email protected] Saving Changes...
Doug FisherDirector, Program Management| DoximToronto, Ontario, Canada
Michael, what have you used to expose your methodology and related artifacts to the business community. I have seen web-based image maps used to illustrate the delivery method. Ever seen a tool that allows you to build these quickly and easily? Saving Changes...
