Business Process Modeling: Definition, Benefits and How to

Business Process modeling isn't a radical concept–it's been around for a while. However, the changes it can bring about in business productivity and efficiency are nothing short of revolutionary.

But what is it, and why exactly do you need it?

What is Business Process Modeling (BPM)?

Business process modeling (or) process modeling, is the analytical representation or put simply an illustration of an organization’s business processes. Modeling processes is a critical component for effective business process management.

Process modeling software gives an analytical representation of 'as-is' processes in an organization and contrasts it with 'to-be' processes for making them more efficient.

Many business process modeling tools end up producing something like this:

Business Process Modeling flow diagram

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Why Use Business Process Modeling?

Your first step in modeling is actually pen and paper. However, to actually run a business process, you will need to digitize that process in a way that a workflow engine can understand.

Business process modeling software allow you to represent your process in a digital way that can then be transferred to a live automated process.

There are many benefits to business process modeling:

  • Gives everyone a clear understanding of how the process works
  • Provides consistency and controls the process
  • Identifies and eliminates redundancies and inefficiencies
  • Sets a clear starting and ending to the process

Business process modeling can also help you group similar processes together and anticipate how they should operate. The primary objective of business process modeling tools is to analyze how things are right now and simulate how should they be carried out to achieve better results.

 
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Business Process Modeling Techniques

Business process modeling can be expressed through flowcharts, programs, hypertext, or scripts. There isn’t just one way to implement business process modeling; in fact, you can choose from as many as 12 techniques.

Here are some of the most common business process modeling techniques:

Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN)

BPMN 2.0 has become something of a standard syntax used by process analysts and those who create business modeling tools. It is a relatively simple usage of lines, arrows, and geometric shapes that all communicate the flow and nuances of the process. A process consultant can look at a BPMN 2.0 model and know exactly how it should function.

“Eventually, when [those] companies get their products shipping and crank up their marketing machines, BPMN will be the unquestioned standard for process modeling and execution. But right now, we are still between the news and the reality.” - Bruce Silver, Process Consultant and Author of the book BPMN Method and Style

However, BPMN 2.0 is still a learned language, and although relatively simple, isn’t immediately intuitive for the regular business user. It is a great tool for process consultants, but not helpful for those looking to create their own applications.

Universal Process Notation

Instead of having a new language to learn, a more intuitive system is Universal Process Notation or UPN.

UPN provides a simple box for each task to be completed. The box shows what happens, who is assigned to it, and when it happens in the sequence. It is extremely useful for IT to design and analyze processes, for management to comply to business norms, and - more importantly - for end business users to understand processes as intended. Kissflow uses UPN in its modeler.

Flowchart Technique

Flowcharts explain complex process flows in a simple yet effective way. They illustrates process steps in their sequential order, going from inputs to actual process to outputs. In fact, flowcharts provide the basic framework for BPMN to display advanced process flows.

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Gantt Charts

Rather than showing the steps sequentially, Gantt charts are able to show the entire process using ‘time taken’ as one of the main axes. It does a better job of showing the overall time taken to complete a project than other options.

Petri-Nets

Traditionally a modeling technique in mathematics, petri-nets are also useful for modeling business processes. Petri-nets classify or color-code complex workflow steps, users, and routes in different colors.

What Do I Need in a Process Modeling Software?

Most BPM Suites include business process modeling tools in them. However, some have the modeler as a separate application.

The modeler is one of the most important elements in a BPMS, and you should spend a lot of time learning it before committing to buy a suite.

Great business modeling tools should:

  • Be easy to learn for the business departments
  • Be simple for IT teams to communicate with other departments
  • Be inexpensive and industry compliant
  • Have an integrated workflow editor tool with graphic interface
  • Be able to simulate workflow before implementing

Learn more about process modelers.

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Conclusion

The power of process modelling is undeniable for businesses of all sizes and industry verticals. Embrace the power of modelling everyday processes at your company today, and sign up for a free trial.

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