3 Basic + 3 Special Elements of Process
Putcha V. NarasimhamKnowledge Enabler Systems
BB6
Need for Process
Process (some call it function) is central to many branches of science, technology, business, economics, sociology etc. Read Paul Hermon’s Article
http://www.bptrends.com/publicationfiles/advisor20101214.pdf
Processes produce useful & valuable results
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Need for Process Modeling
The effectiveness, value
& efficiency of processes
Depend on how well they
are designed
That is determined by
Process Modeling
We begin with ISO 9000 Definition of process
Identify the 3 basic elements and
Add 3 more specialelements for
Comprehensive representation
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Where Process Models are used
Analysis of Current AS IS Process or Proposed TO BE Process &
Design of new processes
Simulators &
Prototypes
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Process -- ISO 9000 Definition
A Process is a set of
interrelated or interacting activities, which transforms inputs into outputsISO 9000:2005 term 3.4.1 process
Simple definition
Identifies 3 Basic Elements
Something missing!
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Process Map with 3 Basic Elements
Process P
A process can have multiple inputs and outputs--Dipali and Rumana 091010
Inputs and outputs come in that order -- Kamal 15SEP11
Input Output
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It is a special block diagram
Internalsnot shown
A network of Activities & flows
Missing
What is missing? The Performer
The ISO definition mentions only Activities
Who performs them?
Can Activities exist without a performer?
1. Activity needs a performer
2. They are distinct & mutually dependent
3. Models must reflect 1&2
4. Exception: Natural phenomena
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Performer Appended to Process or Activity
Process A
UML Activity Diagram
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Performer
Activity X
Performer 1 Performer 2
Activity Y
General Process MapSwim lane Swim lane
Process B
Performer
Suppliers Give Inputs & Receivers take Outputs
Process P
Input Output
Supplier
ProcessSupplier
Process
Receiver
ProcessReceiver
Process
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Inputs come from some suppliers not a part of P
Outputs go to some receivers not a part of P
Internals (not shown here)
A network of Activities and flows
Performer 1Supplier Receiver
Process Internals: Tasks, Performers & Flows
Input Output
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Internal Processes
Internal Outputs & inputs
A process consists of sub-processes & things that flow. Smallest process is a process step or task or activity
Performer
Performer
Performer
Performer
Performer
Performer
Performer
System & Process Similarities
A Process is
a set of interrelated orinteracting activities,
which transforms inputs into outputs
Similar to but a special case of system
Process has ACTIVITES in the place of parts or objects
Inputs, Process & Outputs are the three basic elements of a process
Then there is PERFORMER
In a system there is nothing corresponding to inputs & outputs
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Inputs & Outputs have to be QUALIFIED
Useful processes must have
Defined inputs within
specified range
And deliver outputs of
desired specifications
A useful process cannot accept ANY inputs
And cannot produce just SOME output
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Typical Errors of Process Representation
Errors
Names of performers or outputs are inscribed in blocks or capsules
Arrow block or line is NOT labeled
Corrections
Only Process or Task names should be inscribed
Performer should be appended
What flows should be the labeled
ParcelCourier ReceivesDelivers Parcel
Courier Customer
Physical flows of a process
In the real-world processes, things are physical.They flow physically in space, often through some media
Material, Objects
Manufacture & commerce
People students, patients, travelers
Signals & Energy
Power networks, communication networks, computers (radiated energy does not need a medium)
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Logical Flows of Data & Information
Data & information (per Knuth) are encoded as signals which are physical
For processing, storage and transmission within computers & networks
The signals can be acoustic, electrical, electromagnetic or optical (energies)
They need space & often some media
Data &
Information
Are NOT physical
They are logical
or conceptual
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Storyboarding and Process Mapping
A process can be shown in a
Storyboard or
Process Map or workflows
Process Diagram standards
UML Activity Diagrams Simple but erroneous
Business Process Modeling Notation BPMN Better but uses too many symbols
Recommended
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Six Element Process Model
Three basic elements +
PERFORMER
The real-world processes have THREE MORE elements
Undesirable inputs & Outputs
Process Resources and Consumables
TRUE FEEDBACK
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Details follow …
Process Representationwith 3 + 3 Elements
Process PInput OutputSupplier
ProcessSupplier
Process
Receiver
ProcessReceiver
Process
?
Process ResourcesPerformer, Facilities; Consumables
New
Undesirable
InputsNew
Undesirable
OutputsNew
FBout FBinNewNew
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Process Resources & Consumables
A process needs to have PERFORMER & its own reusable resources / facilities
Humans, Machinery
Tools, Space, Buildings, Furniture etc.
Then there are consumables
Energy, water, air, etc.
They are NOT inputs which are converted into outputs
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Undesirable Inputs & Outputs
Raw material used as input needs some filtering & refinement
One may get useful by-products or waste material which have to be handled
Similarly some useful by-products & undesirable outputs may emerge
Additional processes are needed for that
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Feedback IN & OUT
A responsive process should be able to
Accept FB-In
Modify its behavior &
Generate FE-Out
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Process P
Input Output
Rece
iver
P
Supplie
r P
Feedback INFeedback OUT
Feedback IN
FEEDBACK is
something special
Needs to be
represented
correctly & used
effectively
Process must be able to
Accept feedback from
receiver of output
And process it modify its
behavior
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Feedback OUT
The process should also be
able to generate Feedback
Out and
Give it to supplier(s)
See http://www.slideshare.net/
putchavn/true-feedback
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Flows can be physical EXOR logical
Safe NOT to MIX them
All elements need to be modeled & implemented GO
Summary
Processes are vital in businesses
They need to be Represented for analysis, communication & design
Processes have THREE basic elements &
THREE Additional elements,
SIX in all
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