Choosing Approach to Business Process （选择业务流程方法）.pdf

Published in Inconcept issue 34, January 2005 /JCM/january2005/index.html Choosing Approach to Business Process Modeling - Practical Perspective Ilia Bider Want to know more about business processes? Visit http://processplatsen.ibissoft.se/en/node/29 Research Report, IbisSoft (www.ibissoft.se), 2002, Revision 2003, 2007 Abstract: One of the essential parts of a business process modeling project is choosing an approach to modeling and/or modeling notation/tool. The selection of a “right for the task” approach can substantially increase chances for success. To ensure the “right” choice, the following three sets of factors should be considered: (a) properties of modeling objects, i.e. business processes, (b) characteristics of the modeling environment, (c) intended use of the model. The paper is devoted to the analysis of these factors. It presents a simplified classification of the approaches to business process modeling. It lists the most essential properties of various business processes, it classifies modeling environments, and it discusses some practical tasks where the business process model can be used. Based on the analysis, practical recommendations on what approach to choose are given. Keywords: business process, modeling tool, modeling notation, tools analysis Foreword Business process description is a map that helps us to navigate through our business activities. In particular, it helps us to understand: • where we are right now, • where we need to go to, • where we have come from, and • how we have got to where we are. Using a map for navigation is quite normal in many activities, e.g., it is a must when we need to move something or be m