The purpose of business process modelling
A Business Process Model diagram is a tool - a means to an end, not a performance outcome in its own right.
The final output is improvement in the way that the business process works.
The focus of the improvements is on 'value added' actions that make the customer service and experience better, and on reducing wasted time and effort.
There are two main different types of Business Process Models:
- the 'as is' or baseline model (the current situation)
- and the 'to be' model (the intended new situation)
which are used to analyse, test, implement and improve the process.
The aim of modelling is to illustrate a complete process, enabling managers, consultants and staff to improve the flow and streamline the process.
The outcomes of a business process modelling project are essentially:
value for the customer, and
reduced costs for the company,
leading to increased profits.
Other secondary consequences arising from successful Business Process Modelling can be increased competitive advantage, market growth, and better staff morale and retention.
There are no absolute rules for the scope or extent of a Business Process Model in terms of departments and activities covered.
Before committing lots of resources to Business Process Modelling proper consideration should be given to the usefulness and focus of the exercise - ask the questions:
- Does the modelling have the potential to produce gains that will justify the time and effort?
- Will the modelling be structured so that people will understand the outputs (not too big and complex as to be self-defeating)?
- Do people understand why we are doing it, and "what's in it for them"?
As with other management tools, there is no point producing a fantastically complex model that no-one can understand or use, just as it is a bit daft to spend hundreds of hours analysing anything which is of relatively minor significance.
Business Process Modelling is a powerful methodology when directed towards operations which can benefit from improvement, and when people involved are on-board and supportive.
