The only way to really understand how a business is functioning is to model the processes being used to achieve the current measurable results and performance, for subsequent analysis and investigation. Call us to learn more about how we can help.
Modelling (or capturing) a process graphically with the help of the process operators can reveal process inconsistencies, delays, loops and bottlenecks and also shows how many systems and actors (users) actually influence the final output delivered to the business’s customers.
One of the most effective approaches in Process Re-engineering / Improvement initiatives is the Lean Six Sigma method. We’ve also been involved in gaining ISO20000 and ISO9001 accreditations for a tier 1 banking client of an IT Services company, and a household name Security Company. Success with external auditors requires you to demonstrate continuous improvement across your specific process metrics.
A systemic analysis of the current (‘As Is’) processes provides our clients with an opportunity to think creatively and analytically about what they could change organisationally (with ‘To Be’ processes) to achieve better results.
The OPAL Method in the frame above is best suited to capturing a high-level view of the As Is situation , and for drafting options / prototypes of the new processes. The activities run through the centre, left to right, the pink are the actors (people), the grey are the systems involved and the inputs and outputs of the activities are shown along the top.
Once the options have been explored and understood, after winning buy-in from the operators and management, the process should be formally documented to communicate to the users how the process is to be handled from here on. The methods used now are all fairly similar variations on the theme shown below, an ISO/CMMI compliant Swimlane Process Diagram. Depending on the complexity of the process, the model might be accompanied by explanatory text (in the final document) presented in numbered paragraphs, to identify which part of the process is being described in detail.
