Business process modelling: A Comprehensive Guide in 3 Points
Introduction
Organizations rarely work at its highest efficiency. To ensure that a business is working at its highest potential, one must ensure that time, and again there is some reworking, rethinking and improvisation done in his/ her business cycle. Business process modelling is a decent beginning for the same.
At the outset, process modelling is a technique that helps understand and describe the process in question.
The concept of business processing modelling is not new, but it can indeed bring about a radical and revolutionary change in business productivity and efficiency. It can be used in the area of business; be it the marketing, financial, service or production sector.
- Business Process Modelling Definition
- Types of Business Process Modelling
- Advantages of Business Process Modelling
1) Business Process Modelling Definition
Business Process Modelling refers to making a graphical representation of various workflows utilized in an organization to paint a clearer picture of the current strategies adopted and find strategies or approaches that are more optimal and will be considered progressive measures in light of working of the organization.
There are various approaches to create a graphical perspective on one’s workflows. An organization need not utilize all suggested strategies. However, it can find the most fitting way that permits them to bring in an improvement in the process.
In essence, Business Process modelling software provides an insight into the “as is” processes of an organization in contrast to “what is to be” processes of an organization via analytical representation.
2) Types of Business Process Modelling
There are different types of Business Process Modelling that helps achieve a business’ primary goal. They have been enumerated below:
- Business Process Modelling Notation uses pictorial representation methods that consist of standardized symbols (like flow objects, connecting objects, swim lanes and artefacts) that is universally recognized by all business professionals. A stand out characteristic of Business Process Modelling Notation is the flexible nature that allows it to be updated and modified to match the business requirements of one’s organization. Business and financial experts often adopt this method as they believe it to be the most accurate and acclaimed method to assess workflows of an organization. This method can be carried in the same manner as flowcharts.
- Unified Modelling Language Diagrams (UML Diagrams) is a well-known method for business process modelling. It was initially created as a software developer but is now used widely in the field of business due to it being an object-oriented representation. This provides it with an edge over Business Process Modelling Notation that follows a process-oriented representation.
- Flowchart is a process modelling that as the name suggests, creates a flowchart offering straightforward solutions on maximizing output from the input received. It has the ability to express various workflows and its importance in business processes.
- Gantt Charts are often used to break down big tasks into various smaller sub-tasks. Each subtask will have to complete within a specified time period. This is the ideal way to allocate and execute tasks that are under a time constraint and will help achieve desired results. Its main selling point is that it is easy to edit and ensures there is no delay at the end of the day.
- PERT Diagrams (Program Evaluation and Review Technique Diagrams) is a well-used type of business process modelling in the sector. It is, in fact, the most used after Business Process Modelling Notation. This process modelling’s main selling point is that it presents one with a realistic timeline of when a process will be completed instead of just providing a theoretical timeline or solution to achieve efficiency. Here, the users can create workflows with the adoption of various methods and sources are available, which will help in deciding which method will give maximum result in the least amount of time.
3) Advantages of Business Process Modelling
Provided below are certain benefits that come with the adoption of business process modelling:
- Adjusts operations with the business system and its goals by executing business plans of action in a consistent and timely manner.
- Improves the communication process within an organization by defining how, what and who for tasks to be achieved for maximum efficiency.
- It helps increase control and consistency in an organization which is in turn very significant for the execution of a smooth business cycle.
- It helps improve operational efficiencies via its simulation and analysis processes. It assists supervisors for additional enhancements and empowers better business asset usage.
- It provides a business with an upper hand/ competitive advantage over other businesses in the market. The time and exertion involved in reporting, reproducing and continually refining and improving business measures will obviously give the business better results.
- A better workflow will provide the business with a pathway to expansion.
- It instils the need for automation and helps stop redundant tasks carried out by precious human resources as well as that creates a loss of precious time.
- It helps make well-informed business decisions.
- It provides a clear view of the organizational processes carried out by the business.
- It provides an insight into the workflows within the organization and gives a graphical representation of the tasks that have been carried on within the organization.
- The graphical representation adopted in Business process modelling provides an easier understanding of the backlogs and blockage that have been hindering the growth of the business.
- Such effective running of the business is cost-effective.
Conclusion
The power of business process modelling is without question extremely crucial for businesses no matter the size or vertical of industry the business is part of.
One can ponder adopting Business Process Modelling in a situation where the business has entered into a new project, implements a new process, increases the time and human resources utilization, identifies and mitigates redundant processes in the organization, and reduces redundant expenses, improve overall service efficiency, etc. It is essential to understand the benefits that come with Business process modelling and one should adopt it for maximum efficiency in the workflow, reduce costs, improve communication, increase productivity and overall prosperity of the organization.
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