'Can anyone recommend a good tool for process mapping and modelling?'
The latest LinkedIn discussion on process tools set me thinking.
The answer of course is that it all depends. What's a good car? It might be a seven-seater SUV or a Ferrari or a Smart Car - it all depends on what you need.
Here's my way of looking at it. It's not scientific and can't pretend to be unbiased. It's jottings over a cup of tea, and yes it probably is inspired by a Domino's menu.
Ten things that you might want in a process tool, and what they would lead you to choose.
11 Aug 2011 Why Management 2.0 Will Be Built Upon BPM
14 Jul 2010 All Process Modelling Tools Are NOT Equal
It's a good start, although as you say, somewhat biased. Tools like Aris supports both Analytics, Compliance and Governance. Nevertheless, it is an important discussion, and one that surely depends on what requirements you have.
And that's what I'd like to see more of; a discussion on the requirements, some of them are a bit vaguely defined (what does "process made simple, personalized and invaluable" actually mean? And how do tools bridge the IT:Business divide?). A pretty good discussion about modelling in general can be found here: http://www.ariscommunity.com/users/rob-davis/2010-06-22-dont-leap-modelling-think-about-your-customers-first ; though that isn't tool-specific. It does however, provide a vaulable set of questions to ask and answer, some of which may help answer the tool question as well.
On a somewhat different yet related note; how does one go about getting a demo of Nimbus to play around with? Or is it even possible?
Posted by: Robertlohne | 15 September 2011 at 07:06 AM
Hi Robert - thanks for your comments.
You're right that "process made simple, personalized and valuable" sounds fluffy. If I'd had more words to play with, I would have written something like: "Process that is easy on the eye, graphical and intuitive; delivered to my desktop or smartphone as an authoritative and intelligent 'operations manual', integrated with real-time KPI metrics and compliance actions, and with storyboards appropriate to my role showing me step-by-step how to get real work done."
Similarly, "a framework that can bridge the IT:Business divide" might be:"a process management platform that provides IT with 20:20 visibility of the real end-to-end operational business processes [the complete As-Is]; that enables a high-value dialog between IT and the business about automation and improvement; that creates a common understanding that dramatically reduces the risk of IT project failures; that is multi-layered and meets the needs of IT and all the other process stakeholders."
There's much more about Nimbus Control at www.nimbuspartners.com and you can sign up there for an introductory webinar. Our annual conference is in London later this month: you can register (for free) at www.inspiring-performance.com
Kind regards, Mike
Posted by: Mike Gammage | 15 September 2011 at 10:48 AM