Business Process Mapping and Modeling

If you search the Internet for the definition of a business process model, you'll typically find that most self-professed process modeling experts describe a process model as a flowchart or workflow diagram. You'll see mentions of activity diagrams, dataflow diagrams, SIPOC diagrams, and Value Stream maps. The point is, they all consider a model as some type of diagram. A business process model is much more than just a diagram.

The Process1st business process documentation methodology considers a Business Process Map as one component of an overall Business Process Model. A flowchart alone can't thoroughly and effectively specify all of the important information about a business process. Any serious attempt at process improvement requires a lot more information than what a flowchart can communicate.

The Process1st Business Process Documentation Model consists of a well-defined, logically-integrated set of documents that offers a thorough, complete, accurate, and precise understanding of a business process. It supports the needs of every stakeholder involved in the development, performance, management, measurement, and improvement of a business process.

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Example Business Process Map
A business Process Map in UML

Click here, or on the image above, to see a high-resolution image of this business process map.

The Benefits of Business Process Modeling

  • Easily, Efficiently and Effectively Communicates Information
  • Reveals Business Process Risks, Problems and Opportunities
  • Supports and Enhances Training
  • Improves Software Development Efficiency and Productivity
  • Reduces Software Development Costs
  • Supports Organizational Change Management
  • Supports Governance and Compliance Responsibilities
  • Eliminates the need to “reinvent the wheel” every time you begin a new process improvement project

Common Uses of Business Process Models

The most common applications of business process models are:
  • Business Process Improvement
  • Business Process Reengineering
  • Software Projects
  • Employee Onboarding and Training
  • Customer Training and Support
  • Strategic Planning
  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance
  • Internal and External Audits
  • Mergers and Acquisitions