Modeling standards and notation

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Some of the benefit of using a standards based approach include the following:

  • A common symbology, language, and technique which facilitate communication and understanding
  • Standards-based models provide common and consistently defined processes definitions which eases the process of design, analysis and measurement and facilitates model reuse
  • An ability to leverage modeling tools based on common standards and notations
  • An ability to import and export models created in various tools for reuse in other tools
  • Some tool vendors are leveraging standards and notations for developing the ability to be exported from a modeling notation to an execution language (for example BPMN to BPEL)

So, there are some description of some of the most commonly encountered model notation.

  1. Business Process Modeling Noation (BPMN)

BPMN appears o be emerging as the largest, most widely accepted business process modeling notation in the industry. It provides a simple, yet robust, symbology for modeling all aspects of business processes. Developed by Business Process Management Initiative

 

  1. Flow charting

Flow charting is widely used and is based upon a simple set of symbology for tasks, decisions, and other primary process elements.

A typical flow chart may have the following kinds of symbols:

  • Start and end symbols represented as lozenges, ovals, or rounded rectangles usually containing the word “Start” or “End”, or anotherphrase signaling the start or end of a process such as “submit enquiry” or “receive product.”
  • Arrows coming from one symbol and ending at another indicate that control passes from one symbol to the next.
  • Processing steps are represented as rectangles.
  • Input/Output is represented as a parallelogram
  • Condition (or decision) is represented as a diamond (rhombus). These typically contain a Yes/No question or True/False test. This symbol is unique in that it has two arrows coming out of it, usually fromthe bottom point and right point, one corresponding to Yes or True, and one corresponding to No or False. The arrows should always be labeled. More than two arrows can be used, but this is normally a clear indicator that a complex decision is being taken, in which case it may need to be broken down further or replaced with the “pre-defined process” symbol.
  • There are also a number of other symbols that have less universal currency.

 

  1. 3.       Swim Lanes

Swim lanes are an addition to the “boxes and arrows” process flow view of flow-charting that show how the work flows across organizational units oris handed-off from one role to another.  By arranging the flow of activities and tasks across these rows, it is easy to visualize handoffs in the work; a critical aspect of the Rummler-Brache process analysis which is focused on minimizing and managing handoffs

  1. Event Process Chain (EPC)

Event Process Chains are very similar to activity diagrams regarding the addition of events or outcomes of tasks. An EPC is an ordered graph ofevents and functions. It provides various connectors that allow alternative and parallel execution of processes. The tasks (activities) are followed by outcomes (events) of the task, developing a very detailed process model.

  1. Value Chain

Value chain notation is used todemonstrate a single continuous flow from left to right of the sub-processes that directly contribute  to producing value for the organization’s customers (clients/constituents).

  1. 6.       Unified Modeling Language (UML)

UML provides a standard set of nine or more diagramming techniques and notations primarily for describing information systems requirements. While UML is primarily used for systems analysis and design, a limited number of organizations also use UML activity diagrams for business process modeling.

 

  1. 7.       IDEF-0

IDEF-0 is a Federal Information ProcessingStandard (FIPS). It is a notation and technique that is one part of a methodology for defining the work processes and information systems in manufacturing environments. It was widely used and available in many diagramming tools for many years and is now in the public domain

  1. LOVEM-E

LOVEM-E (Line of Visibility Engineering Method – Enhanced) is a notation set and a modeling technique. Whatis unique about LOVEM-E is that it adds to flow charting with swim lanes, a concept of the customer encounter and the collaborative nature of work between external and internal parties, and the supporting information systems.

 

  1. 9.      SIPOC

SIPOC stands for Supplier, Input, Process, Output, and Customer. It is a style of process documentation used inSix Sigma. There is no standard or preferred notation set and this technique may be satisfied by completing a table with those headings.

  1. Systems Dynamics

Systems Dynamics models are “activity on arrow” diagrams rather than “activity on node” diagrams like most of the other notations listed. Systems dynamics models are especially useful in developing dynamic lifecycle type models that focus on the overall business system’s performance and the impact of changing the key variables that affect overall performance. These are more often used to model an entire enterprise orline of business rather than lower level workflow type models. System Dynamics models are often used to describe the enterprise business “architecture” from a dynamicbehavioral perspective ratherthan a static structural

perspective.

  1. 11.   Value Stream Mapping

Value Stream Mapping is a technique used in Lean Manufacturing. Not to be confused with value chain notation, Value Stream Mapping expresses the physical environment and flow of materials and products in a manufacturing environment.