What Is The Point of 
A Business Process Model?


It pays to spend time deliberating on an accurate Business Process Model when setting out to adopt a Business Process Management approach.

Upon this model, you will base the Process Mapping.

The Model is the core concept in all work done and provides a common understanding of what each process must take into account in order to be successful.


What Is The Purpose Of A Process Model?

  • It provides a uniform way of looking at a process and so provides a common understanding of what a process entails.
  • It is composed of all the necessary elements to run a process efficiently and effectively.
  • It structures the process like an assembly of Lego blocks that must fit together in order to work
  • This makes management of the process easier as often one or many of these elements are overlooked and they could be vital for the process.
  • It gives a structure to the Inter-relationships between the different elements in a process. When these are balanced, there is a higher likelihood the process is in balance and will bring the right results! 
  • It gives confidence to any external party that wishes to assess the suitability of the process. They can "cut to the chase" a lot faster.


What Should A Business Process Model contain?

Business Process Model, the basis for BP Management

The concept of the model must include aspects or elements of a process such as:

  • Customer(s)
  • Supplier(s)
  • Inputs
  • Outputs
  • Management  
    Note: The Management of the process can detail key indicators or measures of the effectiveness (doing the right job) and the efficiency (doing the job right).
  • Main steps 
    Note: The Main steps in the process can include the acceptance of the input, the work to be done on the inputs and the preparation for delivery.
  • Supports needed to enable the process.
    Note: Supports needed to enable the process can include Manpower, Means, Equipment, Documentation, Measurement, Financials, etc.

The fun starts when you start to look at your work or your processes through these categories like eyeglasses. This model determines how you then do your Business Process Mapping.


Conclusion:

As with any of these concepts, the reality and the benefits lie in their implementation.

You may have one of the best thought-through concepts in the world, but if it is not being implemented, what use are they to you?