Modeling business processes. Need help learning a topic? System software

For management activities, especially in the decision-making process, the most useful models are those that are expressed in words or formulas, algorithms and other mathematical means.

The basis of management based on loyalty was laid in 1908 by Harvard professor J. Royce. He is the author of the book "Philosophy of Loyalty", where the concept of "loyalty" is scientifically defined for the first time.

Within the framework of the proposed verbal model, business loyalty is considered from the point of view of three independent basic aspects: consumer loyalty, employee loyalty and investor loyalty.

Each time, the word "loyalty" means something different. Meskon M.Kh., Albert M., Hedouri F. Fundamentals of Management / Per. from English. - M., 2002. - P. 456 .:

commitment (from the point of view of buyers),

Integrity (from the point of view of employees),

· Mutual trust, respect and support (from the point of view of investors).

But, despite the pronounced components, this system should be considered only as a whole, since it is impossible to create loyal customers without paying attention to employee loyalty, or to cultivate employee loyalty without proper attention to investor loyalty. None of the parts can exist separately from the other two, but all three together allow the organization to reach unprecedented heights in development.

It must be clearly understood that loyalty-based management is primarily focused on people. First of all, it is people and their role in business that are considered here. It is more a model of motivation and behavior than marketing, financial or production development. Only secondarily does loyalty-based management generalize people into more abstract categories and manage technical processes.

As practice shows, people are always more willing to work for an organization that has a purpose of service than for an organization that exists only to "make money". Therefore, people willingly work in the church or in public organizations.

Managers wishing to successfully use the loyalty effect management model should not consider profit as a primary goal, but as a necessary element for the well-being and survival of the three components of every business system: customers, employees, and investors. Even at the beginning of the twentieth century. G. Ford said that “an organization cannot work without profit, ... otherwise it will die. But to create an organization only for the sake of profit ... means to lead it to certain death, since it will not have an incentive to exist ” Drucker P.F. Tasks of management in the XXI century. - M., 2001. - S.523 ..

The basis of the loyalty model under consideration is not profit, but the attraction of additional customers, a process that consciously or unconsciously lies at the heart of most successful organizations. Creating a target number of buyers permeates all areas of a company's business. The forces that govern the relationship between customers, employees, and investors are called the forces of loyalty. The measure of success is whether customers come back to buy more, or whether they go somewhere else, ie. whether they are loyal.

As a reason, loyalty initiates several economic effects, which affect the entire business system approximately as follows: Repin V.V., Eliferov V.G. Process approach to management: Modeling of business processes. - M., 2005. - 2nd ed. - P.245 .:

1. Profit and market share grow when the most promising buyers cover the entire range of the company's activities, creating good things about it public opinion and keep shopping. Due to the large and high-quality offer, the company can afford to be more picky when choosing new customers and focus on more profitable and potentially loyal projects to attract them, further stimulating its long-term growth.

2. Long-term growth allows the firm to attract and retain the best employees. Consistently maintaining a target number of buyers increases employee loyalty, giving them a sense of pride and job satisfaction. Further, in the process of interaction, regular employees learn more about their regular customers, in particular, how to better serve them so that the volume of purchases grows. This increasing volume of sales spurs both customer loyalty and employee loyalty.

3. Loyal employees in long term learn to reduce costs and improve the quality of work (learning effect). The organization can use this extra productivity to expand the reward system, to buy the best equipment and learning. All this, in turn, will spur employee productivity, reward growth and, consequently, loyalty.

4. This productivity spiral provides a cost advantage that is very difficult to replicate for purely competitive organizations. Long-term cost advantages, coupled with a steady growth in the number of loyal customers, bring profits that are very attractive to investors. This, in turn, enhances the company's ability to attract and retain the "right" investors.

5. Loyal investors act like partners. They stabilize the system, lower the cost of raising capital, and ensure that diverted cash flows are put back into the business as an investment. This strengthens the organization and increases its productive capacity.

Without a doubt, each organization is unique, but still, to one degree or another, its profit indicators will fit into general model economic effects derived from the persistence or loyalty of customers. Among them, it is worth noting the following Meskon M.Kh., Albert M., Hedouri F. Fundamentals of Management / Per. from English. - M., 2002. - S. 358 .:

basic profit (the price paid by newly appeared buyers exceeds the cost of the organization to create a product);

revenue growth (as a rule, if the buyer is satisfied with the parameters of the product, he is inclined to increase the volume of purchases over time);

Savings costs (close familiarity with the organization's products reduces the dependence of buyers on its employees for information and advice);

Reviews (customers satisfied with the level of service recommend the organization to their friends and acquaintances);

additional price (regular customers who cooperate with the organization long enough to explore all of its products and services receive disproportionately more from continuing the relationship and do not need additional discounts or promotions).

To assess the true long-term loyalty potential of a customer or group of customers, it is necessary to know their propensity to exhibit consistency. So some buyers will defect to a competitor for a 2% discount, while others will remain at a 20% price difference. The amount of effort it takes to lure different types of customers is called the loyalty ratio. Some organizations use the history of development or customer behavior in certain segments to assess loyalty coefficients Repin V.V., Eliferov V.G. Process approach to management: Business process modeling. - M., 2005. - 2nd ed. - P.232.. In others, especially those whose future is weakly connected with the past, they try to find out by methods of data analysis how big the discount should be so that buyers go to their organization. But despite all the difficulties in measurement, using a loyalty ratio allows organizations to identify customer retention and implement sound practices proven in one department throughout the organization.

Development of measurement, analysis and control systems cash flows obtained from loyalty can lead the organization to investments that will further ensure the growth of the number of customers and the organization as a whole.

So, the loyalty model is substantiated in detail at the verbal level. This justification mentioned mathematical and computer support. However, they are not required to make initial decisions.

With a more thorough analysis of the situation, verbal models, as a rule, are not enough. It is necessary to use sufficiently complex mathematical models. Thus, when making decisions in management production systems Kuzin B.I., Yuriev V.N., Shakhdinarov G.M. are used. Methods and models of firm management: Proc. for universities. - SPb., 2001. - P.327.

Models of technological processes (primarily models of control and management);

Models for ensuring product quality (in particular, models for assessing and controlling reliability);

queuing models;

Inventory management models (logistics models);

Simulation and econometric models of the enterprise as a whole, etc.

The use of modern computers, computing systems and networks is a powerful means of implementing simulation models and studying with their help the characteristics of the process of systems functioning. S. In some cases, depending on the complexity of the modeling object, i.e., the system S, rational use of personal computers (PC) or local area networks (LAN). In any case, the effectiveness of system research S on a software-implemented model M s first of all, it depends on the correctness of the scheme of the modeling algorithm, the perfection of the program, and only indirectly depends on specifications computer used for simulation. Of great importance in the implementation of the model on a computer is the question of the correct choice of the modeling language.

Modeling systems and programming languages. Algorithmic languages when modeling systems, they serve as an auxiliary apparatus for the development, machine implementation and analysis of the characteristics of models. Each modeling language should reflect a certain structure of concepts to describe a wide class of phenomena. Having chosen a specific language to solve the problem of modeling the process of functioning of the system, the researcher has at his disposal a carefully developed system of abstractions that provide him with a basis for formalizing the process of functioning of the system under study processing and output of simulation results allow you to quickly and in detail analyze the possible outcomes of a simulation experiment with the M m model.

The main points that characterize the quality of modeling languages ​​are: the convenience of describing the process of the system functioning S, ease of input of the initial data of modeling and variation of the structure, algorithms and parameters of the model, feasibility of statistical modeling, efficiency of analysis and output of modeling results, ease of debugging and monitoring the operation of the modeling program, accessibility of perception and use of the language. The future of modeling languages ​​is determined by progress in the field of creating multimedia systems for machine simulation, as well as problem-oriented information and computing systems for the purpose of modeling.

Consider the basic concepts associated with algorithmic languages ​​and their implementation on a computer in general and modeling languages ​​in particular.

Programming language is a set of characters recognized by the computer and denoting operations that can be implemented on the computer. At the lowest level is the main language of the machine, the program in which is written in codes that directly correspond to elementary machine actions (addition, memorization, forwarding to a given address, etc.). The next level is occupied by autocode (language ASSEMBLY) computing machine. An autocode program is made up of mnemonic symbols converted into machine codes by a special program - an assembler.

Compiler A program is called a program that takes instructions written in a high-level algorithmic language and converts them into programs in the main language of the machine or in autocode, which in the latter case are translated again using assembler.

Interpreter A program is called a program that, upon receiving instructions from the input language, immediately performs the corresponding operations, in contrast to the compiler, which converts these instructions into memorable chains of commands. Translation occurs during the entire time of the program written in the interpreter language. In contrast, compilation and assembly are single acts of translating text from the input language into the object language of the machine, after which the resulting programs are executed without repeated calls to the translator.

A program written in machine code or in a language ASSEMBLY, always reflects the specifics of a particular computer. The instructions of such a program correspond to certain machine operations and, therefore, make sense only in the computer for which they are intended, therefore such languages ​​are called machine-oriented languages.

Most interpreter and compiler languages ​​can be classified as procedurally oriented languages. These languages ​​are qualitatively different from machine-oriented languages ​​that describe elementary computer operations and do not have a problem orientation. All procedural languages are intended for a certain class of problems, include instructions that are convenient for formulating ways to solve typical problems of this class. The corresponding algorithms are programmed in notations that are not associated with any computer.

The modeling language is a procedurally oriented language with specific features. The main modeling languages ​​were developed as a software simulation approach to the study of the process of functioning of a certain class of systems.

Features of the use of algorithmic languages. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of using for modeling the process of functioning of systems simulation languages(JIM) and general purpose languages(NON), i.e., universal and procedurally oriented algorithmic languages. The expediency of using NIM stems from two main reasons: 1) the convenience of programming the system model, which plays a significant role in the machine implementation of modeling algorithms; 2) the conceptual orientation of the language to the class of systems, which is necessary at the stage of building the system model and choosing the general direction of research in the planned computer experiment. The practice of systems modeling shows that it is the use of NIM that largely determined the success of simulation as a method of experimental study of complex real objects.

Modeling languages ​​allow describing the simulated systems in terms developed on the basis of the basic concepts of simulation. Before these concepts were clearly defined and formalized in JIM, there was no common ways descriptions of simulation tasks, and without them there was no connection between various developments in the field of setting simulation experiments. High-level modeling languages ​​are a convenient means of communication between the customer and the developer of the machine model M m .

Despite these advantages of JIM, solid arguments, both technical and operational, are now being put forward against the complete rejection of universal and procedural languages ​​in modeling. Technical objections to the use of JIM: questions of the effectiveness of working programs, the possibility of debugging them, etc. As operational shortcomings, the lack of documentation on existing JIM, the purely individual nature of the corresponding translators, which complicates their implementation on various computers, and the difficulty of correcting errors are mentioned. The decrease in the efficiency of NIM is manifested when modeling problems that are more diverse than those for which a specific modeling language is designed. But here it should be noted that at present there is no NON, which would be effective in solving problems of any class.

Serious shortcomings of NIM are manifested in the fact that, unlike the widely used LDL, translators from which are included in the software supplied by the manufacturer for all modern computers, modeling languages, with a few exceptions, were developed by individual organizations for their rather narrowly specialized needs. The corresponding translators are poorly described and adapted for use in solving problems of system modeling, therefore, despite the advantages of NIM, one has to abandon their practical application in a number of specific cases.

When creating a modeling system based on any language, it is necessary to solve the issue of synchronizing the processes in the model, since at each moment of time flowing in the system (system time), it may be necessary to process several events, i.e., a pseudo-parallel organization of the simulated processes in the machine model is required M m . This is the main task of the simulation monitor, which performs the following functions: process control (coordination of system and machine time) and resource management (selection and distribution of limited simulation system tools in the model).

Approaches to the development of modeling languages. To date, there have been two different approaches to the development of modeling languages: continuous and discrete - reflecting the main features of the systems studied by the modeling method. Therefore, NIM are divided into two independent groups, which correspond to two types of imitation that developed independently of each other: to simulate continuous and discrete processes.

For modeling continuous processes, not only AVM, but also computers, the latter, with appropriate programming, imitate various continuous processes. At the same time, computers are more reliable in operation and allow obtaining high accuracy of results, which led to the development of modeling languages ​​that display the model in the form of blocks of such types that play the role of standard blocks. AVM(amplifiers, integrators, function generators, etc.). The given scheme of the modeling algorithm is transformed into a system of jointly considered differential equations. Modeling in this case reduces, in fact, to finding numerical solutions to these equations using some standard step-by-step method.

An example of a language for modeling continuous systems on a computer by representing the modeled system in the form of equations in finite differences is the language DYNAMO, for which the equations establish relationships between the values ​​of the functions at the instants of time t and t+dt and between the values ​​of their derivatives at time t+dt/2. And in this case, modeling, in essence, is a step-by-step solution of a given system of differential equations .

Universal computer- a device of a discrete type, and therefore should provide a discrete approximation of the process of functioning of the system under study S. Continuous changes in the process of functioning of a real system are displayed in a discrete model M m, implemented on a computer, by a certain sequence of discrete events, and such models are called discrete event models. Individual events reflected in a discrete model can be determined with a high degree of approximation to reality, which ensures the adequacy of such discrete models to real processes occurring in systems S.

Architecture of modeling languages. JIM architecture, i.e., the concept of the interrelationships of the elements of the language as complex system, and technology of transition from the system S to her machine model M s can be represented as follows: 1) modeling objects (systems S) are described (displayed in the language) using some language attributes; 2) attributes interact with processes that are adequate to the real phenomena in the simulated system S; 3) processes require specific conditions that determine the logical basis and sequence of interaction of these processes in time; 4) conditions affect the events that take place inside the simulation object (system 5) and when interacting with external environment E; 5) events change the state of the system model M in space and in time.

A typical diagram of the NIM architecture and the technology of its use in system modeling is shown in fig. 5.1.

In most cases, machine models are used to study the characteristics and behavior of the system. S on a certain period of time, therefore, one of the most important tasks in creating a system model and choosing a programming language for the model is the implementation of two functions: 1) adjusting the time coordinate of the system state (“advancing” time, organizing “clocks”); 2) ensuring the consistency of various blocks and events in the system (synchronization in time, coordination with other blocks).

Thus, the functioning of the Mm model should proceed in artificial (not in real and not in computer) time, ensuring the occurrence of events in the order required by the logic of the system under study and with appropriate time intervals between them. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the elements of a real system S function simultaneously (in parallel), and the components of the machine model M m act sequentially, as they are implemented using a sequential computer. Since events can occur simultaneously in different parts of the modeling object, then in order to maintain the adequacy of cause-and-effect temporal relationships, it is necessary to create a “mechanism” for setting time in JIM to synchronize the actions of the elements of the system model.

Setting the time in the machine model. As already noted in Chap. 3, there are two main approaches to setting time: using constant and variable time intervals, which correspond to two principles for the implementation of modeling algorithms, i.e., "principle D t" and "principle d z".

Consider the appropriate methods of time management in the system model M(S) on the example shown in Fig. 5.2, where the sequence of events in the system is plotted along the real-time axis ( s i) in time, and the events s 4 and s 5 occur simultaneously (Fig. 5.2, a). Driven by events s i model states change z i at the time t zi, and such a change occurs abruptly dz.

In a model built according to the "principle D t"(Fig. 5.2, b), the system time moments will sequentially take the values:

t " 1 = D t, t " 2 = 2D t, t " 3 = 3D t, t " 4 = 4D t, t " 5 = 5D t.

These moments of system time t " j(D t) are in no way related to the moments of occurrence of events s i, which are simulated in the system model. In this case, the system time receives a constant increment, which is selected in the time specified before the start of the simulation experiment.

In a model built according to the "principle dz"(Fig. 5.2, in), the time change occurs at the moment of system state change, and the sequence of system time moments has the form t "" 1 = t z 1 , t "" 2 = t z 2 , t "" 3 = t z 3 , t "" 4 = t z 4 , t "" 5 = t z 5 , i.e. points of system time t "" k (dz), are directly related to the moments of occurrence of events in the system s i .

Each of these methods has its own advantages in terms of adequate reflection of real events in the system. S and the cost of machine resources for modeling.

When using the "principle d z" events are processed sequentially and the time is shifted each time forward until the start of the next event. In a model built according to the "principle D t", event processing occurs by groups, batches or sets of events. In this case, the choice of D t has a significant impact on the course of the process and the results of the simulation, and if D t is set incorrectly, then the results may turn out to be unreliable, since all events appear at the point corresponding to the upper limit of each simulation interval. When applying the "principle d z" Simultaneous processing of events in the model takes place only when these events appear simultaneously in the real system. This avoids the need to artificially introduce the ranking of events when they are processed at the end of the interval. At.

When modeling according to the "principle D t" a good approximation can be achieved: for this D t must be small so that two non-simultaneous events do not fall into the same time interval. But a decrease in D t leads to an increase in the cost of computer time for modeling, since a significant part is spent on adjusting the "clock" and tracking events, which may not occur in most intervals. In this case, even with a strong "compression" D t two non-simultaneous events can fall into the same time interval D t, which creates a false impression of their simultaneity.

To choose the principle of constructing a machine model M m and accordingly, JIM needs to know: the purpose and purpose of the model; the required accuracy of the simulation results; the cost of computer time when using one or another principle; the required amount of machine memory to implement a model built according to the D principle t and d z; the complexity of programming the model and its debugging.

Requirements for simulation languages. Thus, when developing system models, a number of specific difficulties arise, therefore, a set of such software tools and concepts that are not found in conventional NON should be provided in NIM.

Combination. Parallel flowing in real systems S processes are represented by a sequentially operating computer. Modeling languages ​​get around this difficulty by introducing the concept of system time, which is used to represent time-ordered events.

The size. Most of the simulated systems have a complex structure and behavior algorithms, and their models are large in volume. Therefore, dynamic memory allocation is used when the components of the system model M m appear in random access memory computer or leave it, depending on the current state. An important aspect the realizability of the M m model on a computer in this case is the block nature of its design, i.e., the possibility of splitting the model into blocks, subblocks, etc.

Changes. Dynamic systems are associated with movement and are characterized by the development of the process, as a result of which the spatial configuration of these systems undergoes changes over time. Therefore, in all RIMs, they provide for the processing of lists that reflect changes in the states of the process of functioning of the simulated system S.

Interconnectedness. Conditions required for various events to occur in the model M m system operation process S, can be quite complex due to the presence of a large number of mutual relations between the components of the model. To resolve the difficulties associated with this issue, most JIMs include the corresponding logical possibilities and concepts of set theory.

Stochasticity. To simulate random events and processes, special programs are used to generate sequences of pseudo-random numbers, quasi-uniformly distributed over a given interval, on the basis of which it is possible to obtain stochastic effects on the M m model, imitated by random variables with the corresponding distribution law.

Analysis. To obtain a clear and practical answer to the questions solved by the method of machine simulation, it is necessary to obtain statistical characteristics of the process of functioning of the system model M(S). Therefore, modeling languages ​​provide methods for statistical processing and analysis of modeling results.

The listed requirements in the study and design various systems S correspond to such well-known discrete event modeling languages ​​as SIMULA, SIMSCRIPT, GPSS, S.O.L. CSL and etc.

Business process is a part of process management. Its model is the main element of business process management. The business process must be divided into a number of features that characterize each of its properties or abilities. With this division, the process is easier to recognize, compare and analyze. There is an important concept business process modeling.

This is the designation of business processes in terms specially defined for this, according to rules that are called business process modeling notations. The business process models themselves are different - informational, textual, graphic.

What is business process modeling

Business Process Modeling – important task for any company. With the help of competent modeling, it is possible to optimize the operation of the enterprise, predict and minimize the risks that arise at each stage of its activity. The organization of business process modeling allows you to conduct a cost estimate for each process individually and all in general.

Modeling of business processes of an enterprise concerns a number of aspects of its work. When modeling:

• the organizational structure is changing;
• functions of specialists and departments are optimized;
• the rights and duties of management are redistributed;
• changes in internal regulatory documentation and technologies for conducting operations;
• there are new requirements for automating business processes and so on.

Business process modeling aims to main goal, which consists in systematizing information about the enterprise and the actions taking place in it, in a visual graphical display. Thanks to this approach, the company is much more convenient to process data. When modeling business processes, it is necessary to reflect the structure of actions in the organization, the features and details of their implementation, as well as the chronology of workflow.

The way business process modeling is determined by its goals

1. Activities need to be regulated. The content of the graphical model of the business process completely coincides with the textual one. If the company has a schedule, it will quickly and easily translate it into text format in order to prepare regulatory documentation. Thanks to some BPM systems, based on the model, automatic generation of execution regulations and job descriptions is possible.
2. It is necessary to manage risks. The company faces operational risks in the course of business processes. Business process models can be the basis for mapping the risks of the entire organization while managing them.
3. The company needs organizational change. To calculate the optimal number of specialists in the state, it is necessary to determine exactly how many employees should participate in all business processes of the company. Visual modeling of business processes helps to obtain the necessary information. This action allows you to correctly distribute the human resources that are required to perform a particular process and related tasks, as well as to identify how many specialists should be in each department, from a rational point of view.
4. Conducting functional cost analysis. Modeling the business processes of an enterprise allows you to understand how many human and material resources needed to perform one action within a business process. This information can become the basis for the automatic distribution of all income and expenses to cost centers and profit, depending on the unit.
5. The need for automation. When modeling a business process, the order of actions and the place of the specialists responsible for them are unambiguously described. This allows you to correctly develop business requirements. Thanks to automated information systems of the workflow-managemet class, you can instantly make adjustments to the information system.

The same model can be suitable for solving different problems. Due to the detailing of the model, it is quite realistic to use it at various stages of control, both at the strategic level of target designation and in the tactical execution of instructions.

How business process modeling technology is applied in practice

Business process modeling is used to solve a number of problems. Most often, it is used to optimize directly modeled business processes. First, describe the state in which the processes are in this moment, then their course in practice, after which, using the selected methods, bottlenecks are identified in them and, based on the analysis, “ideal” models are created that need to be strived for.

You can identify bottlenecks in business processes using certain methods, for example, simulation modeling. In this case, information is taken as a basis on the probability of occurrence of situations that can affect the course of the process, on the duration of the implementation of functions in the process and the laws of distribution of execution time, as well as other data, for example, the resources involved in the work.

You can identify bottlenecks by analyzing the current processes and, accordingly, the actual time for the implementation of functions or waiting for the availability of resources. This information will form the basis for conclusions. Real values ​​can be obtained using both information systems (with high automation of the business process), as well as standard timing and other methods.

The description of business processes can be applied in another way - using sets of business process models to generate corporate regulatory documents. It can be job descriptions, regulations, regulations on the division.

Business process modeling is often used in preparing a company for certification for compliance with a certain quality standard. At the moment, almost any modeling makes it possible to obtain information about the objects on the models, how they are interconnected, and present them in the form of documentation, despite the difference in the types of technologies that form the basis of solutions.

Often, business process models are used to optimize the management scheme and create a system for motivating the personnel of an enterprise.

Here, they usually resort to modeling the company's goals, breaking each one into several more detailed ones, up to a detailed division, in which the goals are related to the work of individual specialists.

Currently, designing various IT solutions, including Information Systems, specialists often resort to business process modeling.

Modern terms of reference may well consist not only of a list of requirements, but also of modeling.

Professionals in process and management consulting voice different opinions. But it should always be remembered that in a number of situations in the matter of making decisions on creating a business process model, the main task is precisely the task associated with correct automation and information support direction of the enterprise.

When modeling business processes, not only the tasks described above are used. These are just a few examples.

Modeling business processes with stickers and a piece of paper

A large sheet of paper and a block of stickers is all you need to apply the method of creating business models based on the famous book by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pignet. Add more creativity, sharp minds and tenacity of team members, and you get a great result.

One section of the book talks about five business models that have proven to work. You will find their description in the article. electronic journal"CEO".

Basic approaches to business process modeling

Modeling of business processes of the company can be performed in a variety of ways. Special attention should be given to object-oriented and functional approaches. Within the framework of the functional approach, the main structure-forming element is the function (action), while the object-oriented approach is the object.

Within the framework of the functional approach, the organization of business process modeling implies the construction of a scheme technological process as a sequence of operations.

At the input and output of each, objects of different origin are displayed: material and informational types, as well as the resources used, organizational units.

Within the framework of the functional modeling methodology, where structural diagrams of business processes and information flows are constructed, a sequence of functions is displayed in which the choice of specific process alternatives is rather complicated, and there are no object interaction schemes.

Functional modeling of business processes has a significant advantage - visibility and clarity of display at different levels of abstraction. This is especially important at the stage of introduction of created business processes into the departments of the company.

With a functional approach, the detailing of operations is presented in a somewhat subjective form, which leads to the complexity of building business processes.

Modeling of business processes in the object-oriented approach is built according to the following scheme: first, classes of objects are distinguished, and then actions are determined in which objects must take part. Objects can be active, that is, performing actions (organizational units, certain performers, information subsystems), and passive, on which actions are performed (we are talking about equipment, documentation, materials). Modeling business processes in an object-oriented way reflects the objects, functions and events in which certain processes are performed because of the objects.

The object-oriented approach also has a number of advantages, the main of which is a more precise definition of operations on objects, which leads to a reasonable solution to the problem of the expediency of their existence.

We also note the minus of the method. Specific processes for decision makers become less visible. But thanks to modern software products It is quite easy to represent functional schemes of objects.

Complex business process modeling methodologies have the most promise. For example, thanks to ARIS technology, it is possible to select the most optimal models, taking into account the goals of the analysis.

Applied business process modeling methods

Now we can note the trend of integration of different methods of modeling and analysis of systems. It manifests itself in the fact that integrated tools for modeling business processes are being created. One of them is a product of the German company IDS Scheer called ARIS - Architecture of Integrated Information System.

The ARIS system includes a set of tools that allow you to analyze and model the work of the company. The system is based on various methods modeling, collectively reflecting different views on the environment under study. The same model can be created using several methods. Thanks to this, experts different levels theoretical knowledge can use it for their own purposes and configure it to interact with systems with their own specifics.

The ARIS system provides support for 4 types of models that reflect various objects of the system under study:

To create models of the types described above, use both own ways ARIS simulation, and various well-known methods and languages ​​- ERM, UML, OMT, etc.

When modeling business processes, each aspect of the company's activities is first considered separately. After all aspects have been worked out, an integrated model is created that displays all the relationships of different aspects with each other.

In ARIS, models are diagrams consisting of various objects - “functions”, “events”, “ structural units”, “documents”, etc. All sorts of connections are established between objects. At the same time, each object has its own set of attributes, which is assigned to it, which allows you to enter additional information about him. Attribute values ​​can be used during simulation or cost analysis.

The key business model of ARIS is eEPC (extended Event Driven Process Chain - an extended model of the chain of business processes controlled by events). In fact, it expands the capabilities of IDEF0, IDEF3 and DFD, has its own pluses and minuses. Using a sufficient number of objects connected to each other by various types of links allows you to significantly increase the size of the model and turn it into a poorly readable one.

In eEPS, a business process is a flow of sequential work (functions, procedures, activities) arranged in chronological order. The exact duration of the procedures in eEPS is not displayed clearly, as a result of which it is possible that during the development of models there will be situations in which one performer will have to solve two tasks at the same time. The logic symbols used in the simulation help to show the branching and connection of the process. To find out how long the processes actually take, you should use other description tools, for example, Gantt charts in the MS Project system.

Ericsson Penker

The Ericsson-Penker method is interesting mainly because within its framework an attempt was made to use the UML when process modeling of business processes was carried out. The developers of the method have created their own UML profile to perform business process modeling. To do this, they introduced a set of stereotypes that described the resources, processes, goals and rules of the company.

Within the framework of the method, 4 main categories of business model are used:

1. Resources - different objects that are used or participate in business processes (we can talk about materials, products, people, information).

2. Processes are activities that result in the transition of resources from one state to another according to certain business rules.

3. Goals - the purpose of business processes. They can be divided into components and correlate these sub-goals with specific processes.

4. Business rules - conditions or restrictions on the implementation of business processes (functional, structural, behavioral). Rules can be defined using the OCL language.

5. The main diagram of the UML method is the activity diagram. Ericsson-Penker demonstrates the process as an activity with the "process" stereotype (the representation is based on the extension of the IDEF0 method). A complete business model includes many views that are similar to software architecture views. All views are separately expressed in one or more UML diagrams. Diagrams can include different views and depict goals, rules, processes, and resources in interaction. The method uses 4 different views of the business model:

Rational Unified Process

There is also business process modeling according to the Rational Unified Process (RUP) methodology, within which two models are built:

The business process model is an extension of the UML use case model by introducing a set of stereotypes - Business Actor (actor stereotype) and Business Use Case (use case stereotype). Business Actor is a kind of role that is external to the company's business processes. Business Use Case acts as a description of the order of activities in a single process, bringing visible results to a specific person. This definition similar to the general definition of a business process, but its essence is more precise. In terms of the Business Use Case object model, this is a class. Its objects are certain flows of events in the described business process.

When describing a Business Use Case, you can also indicate the goal. It, as in the case of the Eriksson-Penker method, is modeled using a class with the "goal" stereotype, and the goal tree is depicted as a class diagram.

For each Business Use Case, it is necessary to build an object model to describe the business process in terms of objects interacting with each other (business objects - Business Object), which belong to two classes - Business Worker and Business Entity.

Business Worker is a class that represents an abstract worker that performs specific work in a business process. Performers are in interaction and implement Business Use Case scenarios. As for the Business Entity (entity), it is an object of various actions performed by executors.

In the business analysis model, in addition to the diagrams of the above classes, there may be:

• organizational, which represent the system structure - company divisions, positions, specific persons in the hierarchy, the relationship between them, the territorial affiliation of structural departments;
• functional, which reflects the hierarchy of chains facing the administrative apparatus, with a set of function trees necessary for the implementation of existing tasks;
• informational, which reflects the structure of information that is required to perform all functions in the system as a whole;
• management models, which are a comprehensive view of the execution of business processes.
• conceptual, showing the structure of problems and goals;
• process representation, which is the interaction between resources and a process (as a set of activity diagrams);
• a structural view showing the structure of the company and resources (class diagrams are displayed);
• representation of behavior (how individual resources behave, as well as detailing resources in the form of diagrams of work, states and interactions).
• business processes (Business Use Case Model);
• business analysis (Business Analysis Model).

1. Sequence diagrams (and cooperative diagrams) that describe Business Use Case scenarios as a sequence of message exchange between objects - actors and objects that are performers. Thanks to such diagrams, it is possible to determine what responsibilities this or that performer should be assigned to, and display a set of his operations in the model.
2. Activity diagrams that describe the relationship between scenarios in one or more Business Use Cases.
3. State diagrams that describe how individual business processes behave.

There are certain advantages to the Rational Unified Process modeling approach:

• building a business process model is carried out around the interested people involved in the process and their tasks; Thanks to the model, you can understand what the company's customers need. The approach is used, for the most part, for firms operating in the service sector (trading and insurance companies, banking organizations);
• Using use case-based modeling, customers better understand business models.

But it is worth emphasizing that when modeling the work large enterprise, which both produces products and provides services, you need to use different ways to create models. This is due to the fact that, for example, when modeling production processes it is better to use process modeling of business processes, in particular, the Eriksson-Penker method.

IBM WebSphere Business Modeler

IBM WebSphere Business Modeler allows you to model and simulate business processes, analyze and create reports for their improvement. The system has a number of advantages, including:

1. Extensive and best-in-class capabilities for analysis, simulation and modeling.
2. Continuous improvement of processes.
3. Improved integration options.
4. Improved return on investment.
5. Improved development features.

The main feature is more extensive opportunities for simulating business processes. In the model, you can add business values, isolate additional data. You can also export models in formats used in other applications.

When importing or defining models from other sources, it is possible to perform a more accurate analysis of the operation of business processes. You can associate processes with information models, organizations, resources. With customizable and standard reports, analysis data can be exchanged.

It is allowed to implement several versions of models at the same time and publish process models.

• A simple formula to understand that an enterprise needs business process automation

Which business process modeling standard to use

With an integrated approach to management, they mainly use the IDEF0 business process modeling standard, since this is a classic method. Key Principle approach lies in the fact that the company's activities are structured on the basis of its business processes, and not the organizational chart. Business processes that generate a meaningful result for the consumer are the most valuable, and in the future they need to be improved.

The IDEF0 business process modeling standard is a set of procedures and rules designed to develop a functional model of an object of a specific subject area.

The IDEF0 model is a series of diagrams with accompanying documents. Diagrams break a multi-stage object into several components (blocks), which greatly simplifies the process. Details of all blocks are shown as blocks in other diagrams. All detailed diagrams are block decompositions from the previous level. At each stage of decomposition, the diagram of the previous level is called the parent diagram for the more detailed diagram. The total number of levels in the model is no more than 5-6. Experience shows that this is quite enough to build a complete functional model. modern company working in any field.

Initially, the IDEF1 standard was developed to become a tool for analyzing and studying the relationship between information flows within financial activities enterprises. Modeling business processes according to the IDEF1 methodology is designed to show how the information structure companies.

Information modeling of business processes includes several components. The main elements are:

• diagrams - drawings information model with a certain structure, representing the relationship and composition of the data used based on a set of rules;
• dictionary - each element of the model is accompanied by a text description.

The main concept in IDEF1 is an entity, which is defined as an abstract or real object endowed with a set of known distinctive properties. Each entity has attributes and a name.

Since it is quite difficult to analyze dynamic systems, at the moment the standard is almost not used, and it has hardly appeared, it has ceased to be developed. Today there are algorithms and their computer implementations, with the help of which it becomes possible to turn a set of IDEF0 statistical programs into dynamic models, the basis for which are "colored Petri nets" (CPN - Color Petri Nets).

IDEF3 - IDEF14

The main element of IDEF3 is a diagram, as in IDEF0. An equally important component is the action, which is also called the “unit of work”. Actions within this system are reflected in the form of a rectangle of diagrams. Actions are called using verbal nouns or verbs. However, each has a unique identification number that is not reused, even if the action is removed during model development. In IDEF3 diagrams, the action number is usually preceded by the number of its parent. The ending of one often contributes to the beginning of another action or even several. It also happens that one action may require others to be completed before its implementation can begin.

IDEF4 is a methodology for building object-oriented systems. Thanks to IDEF4, you can visually display the structure of objects and the underlying principles by which they interact. This makes it possible to analyze and improve complex object-oriented systems.

IDEF5 is a methodology for studying complex systems.

IDEF6 - Design Rationale Capture - rationale for design actions. IDEF6 makes it possible to greatly simplify the process of obtaining information about modeling, its presentation and application in the creation of management systems by firms. “Knowledge about the method” is certain circumstances, reasons, ulterior motives that justify the chosen methods for creating models. That is, “knowledge of the method” can be interpreted as an answer to the question: “Why did this particular model turn out, with these and not other characteristics?”. Most of the modeling methods focus on the models being created, without delving into their development. The IDEF6 variant is aimed specifically at development.

IDEF 7 - Information System Auditing - audit of information systems. The method is in demand, but it has not been finalized.

IDEF8 - User Interface Modeling. Method for creating interfaces for interaction between the system and the operator (user interfaces). At the moment, when developing interfaces, the main attention is paid to them. appearance. IDFE8 focuses on programming optimal user-interface communication at 3 levels: operation (what it is); interaction options that depend on the specific role of the user (how exactly this or that user should perform it); and, finally, on the components of the interface (the controls offered by it for the operation).

IDEF9 - Scenario-Driven IS Design (Business Constraint Discovery method) - a method for studying business constraints. Designed to facilitate the detection and analysis of limitations in the company's work environment. As a rule, when creating models, they do not fully describe the constraints that can change the course of processes in the organization. Information about the main restrictions, the nature of their impact on the best option remains not fully coordinated, undistributed rationally, but often it is absent in principle. This does not always mean that the constructed models are not viable. It's just that their implementation will be accompanied by certain difficulties, which will lead to unrealized potential. However, when it is precisely the improvement of structures or adaptation to likely changes that takes place, information about the limitations becomes very important.

IDEF10 - Implementation Architecture Modeling - modeling of the execution architecture. The business process modeling system is quite in demand, despite the fact that it has not been fully developed.

IDEF11 - Information Artifact Modeling. Also in demand, but not fully developed method.

IDEF12 - Organization Modeling - organizational modeling of business processes. The method is in demand, but not fully developed.

IDEF13 - Three Schema Mapping Design - three-scheme design of information transformation. Demanded, but not finally created method.

IDEF14 - Network Design - design method computer networks, which are based on specific network components, network configurations, requirements analysis. The method also supports a decision on the reasonable allocation of funds, which allows significant savings.

Information flow diagrams DFD is a hierarchy of functional processes that link information flows. The purpose of the view is to show how each process transforms inputs into outputs, and to show relationships between processes.

According to this method, the system model is defined as a hierarchy of information flow diagrams that describe the asynchronous process of data transformation from their input into the system to issuance to the user. Information sources(entities from the outside) generate information flows that carry data to processes or subsystems. The same transform data into new streams that transmit information to other subsystems or processes, information accumulators or external entities - data consumers.

Information flow diagrams have a number of components, the key ones being:

• external entities;
• systems and subsystems;
• processes;
• information accumulators;
• information flows.

An external entity is designated as a square, which is located above the diagram and casts a shadow on it. So it is more convenient to select a character from the rest.

A subsystem is identified by a number - that's what it's designed for. In the name field, enter its name in the form of a sentence, where there is a subject, appropriate additions and definitions.

The process is a transformation according to a certain algorithm of input information flows into output ones. Physically, it is implemented in a number of ways: by creating a department in the company that processes input documentation and reports; program preparation; using a logical device in the form of an apparatus, etc.

A process, like a subsystem, is identified by a number. The name of the process is entered in the name field - a sentence where there is an active unambiguous verb in an indefinite form (calculate, calculate, receive, check), followed by nouns in the accusative case, for example: “Enter information about current costs”, “Check the receipt of funds " etc.

The company department, program, or hardware device that performs a given process is known through information from the physical implementation field.

A data storage device is an abstract device where information is stored. This data can be transferred to the drive at any time and, after a certain time, isolate. In this case, the options for placement and isolation can be different. As a storage device, you can use a file cabinet, microfiche, table, file, etc.

The data drive is assigned an arbitrary number and the letter D. The name of the drive is chosen so that, looking at it, the designer receives maximum information.

As a rule, the storage of information is a prototype of the future database. The information stored in it must match the model.

A data flow defines the information that is sent over a connection from a source to a destination. The flow of information on the diagram is shown as a line that ends with an arrow showing where the flow is going. Each data stream has a name that reflects the information it contains.

The construction of the DFD hierarchy is required, first of all, for a clear and understandable description of the system at all levels of detail, as well as the division of these levels into several parts with a certain relationship.

• How to put things in order in business processes if you got a “bad” company

The main stages of business process modeling

Stage 1. Identification.

At this stage, business processes are identified, the boundaries of their modeling and interactions are described, and different goals are often set. Processes may already exist in the company (then they are described as is (As Is)) or developed, adjusted (To Be).

Stage 2. Collection of information.

Based on the knowledge about the process, specialists are engaged in determining its control points, identifying in them key indicators, make a plan for collecting information about the process. All obtained data is further used for analysis.

Stage 3. Information analysis.

The information collected in the previous step is analyzed, see if they disagree with the actual data (as business requirements for the process should be developed) and resort to simulation.

Stage 4. Making improvements.

When the development of business requirements comes to an end, they begin to implement them, making changes to the methodological documentation, information systems, carrying out a number of organizational measures, making adjustments to the reporting system, etc. Once a business process is implemented, it is considered as an active element in the process management system.

Stage 5. Implementation control.

At a certain control time set during implementation or on the basis of information collected during planned monitoring, it is analyzed how effective the introduction of the business process is. As part of the analysis, they compare actual and planned indicators and conclude whether it is necessary to introduce into the business process additional changes. If yes, then they start continuously improving business processes again.

• improving the "as it should be" model. Business process modeling is not limited to creating a “how it should be” model. Each of the processes continues to change and improve along the way, so process models should be regularly reviewed and improved. This stage of modeling is associated with continuous improvement of processes and improvement of the business process model.

Types of business process modeling

Modeling business processes can have a different focus. It depends on what problems it is supposed to solve with its help. Accounting for absolutely all influences on the process can significantly complicate the model and lead to redundancy in the description of the process. To avoid this, business process modeling is divided by type. The type of simulation is selected depending on the characteristics of the process under study.

Most often, for the purposes of process improvement, the following types of modeling are used:

• Functional modeling. This type of modeling implies the description of processes in the form of interconnected, clearly structured functions. At the same time, a strict temporal sequence of functions, in the form in which it exists in real processes, is not necessary.
• Object Modeling- implies the description of processes as a set of interacting objects - i.e. production units. An object is any object that is transformed during the execution of processes.
• Simulation- with this type of business process modeling, it is meant to model the behavior of processes in various external and internal conditions with an analysis of the dynamic characteristics of processes and an analysis of the distribution of resources.

The division of modeling by type is performed to simplify the work and focus on certain characteristics of the process. In this case, for the same process can be applied different kinds modeling. This allows you to work with one type of model independently of others.

Principles of business process modeling

Business process modeling is based on a number of principles that make it possible to create adequate process models. Their observance makes it possible to describe a set of process state parameters in such a way that within one model the components are closely interconnected, while individual models remain sufficiently independent of each other.

The main principles of business process modeling are as follows:

• Decomposition principle– each process can be represented by a set of hierarchically arranged elements. In accordance with this principle, the process must be detailed into its constituent elements.
• Focus Principle– to develop a model, it is necessary to abstract from many process parameters and focus on key aspects. For each model, these aspects may be different.
• Documentation principle– the elements included in the process must be formalized and fixed in the model. Different designations must be used for different process elements. Fixing elements in the model depends on the type of modeling and the chosen methods.
• Consistency principle- all elements included in the process model must have an unambiguous interpretation and not contradict each other.
• The principle of completeness and sufficiency- before including this or that element in the model, it is necessary to evaluate its impact on the process. If the element is not essential for the execution of the process, then its inclusion in the model is not advisable, because it can only complicate the business process model.

Methods for modeling business processes

Today there are enough a large number of methods of modeling business processes. These methods are for different types modeling and allow you to focus on different aspects. They contain both graphical and textual tools, through which you can visualize the main components of the process and give precise definitions of the parameters and relationships of elements.

Most often in quality management business process modeling is performed using the following methods:

Flow Chart Diagram (workflow diagram) is a graphical process representation method in which operations, data, process equipment, etc. are depicted with special symbols. The method is used to display a logical sequence of process actions. The main advantage of the method is its flexibility. The process can be represented in many ways.

Data Flow Diagram (data flow diagram). A data flow diagram or DFD is used to show the transfer of information (data) from one operation of a process to another. DFD describes the relationship of operations through information and data. This method is the basis of the structural analysis of processes, since allows you to decompose the process into logical levels. Each process can be broken down into sub-processes at a higher level of detail. The use of DFD allows you to reflect only the flow of information, but not the flow of materials. A data flow diagram shows how information enters and exits a process, what actions change information, where information is stored in a process, and so on.

Role Activity Diagram (diagram of roles). It is used to model a process in terms of individual roles, groups of roles, and how roles interact in a process. A role is an abstract element of a process that performs some organizational function. The role diagram shows the degree of "responsibility" for the process and its operations, as well as the interaction of roles.

IDEF (Integrated Definition for Function Modeling) - is a whole set of methods for describing various aspects of business processes (IDEF0, IDEF1, IDEF1X, IDEF2, IDEF3, IDEF4, IDEF5). These methods are based on the SADT (Structured Analysis and Design Technique) methodology. The IDEF0 and IDEF3 methods are most often used to model business processes.