diff --git a/_data/members.yml b/_data/members.yml index dd12abda..8daf8aaa 100644 --- a/_data/members.yml +++ b/_data/members.yml @@ -948,3 +948,7 @@ piotr.klimiec: linkedin: piotr-klimiec github: klimiec twitter: piotr_twit + +kamila.rybkiewicz: + name: Kamila Rybkiewicz + bio: An enthusiast of agile teamwork and close collaboration. Her personal mission is to bridge the gap between Business and Technology in the area of Process Excellence and Process Automation. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/_posts/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes.md b/_posts/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..f5459e59 --- /dev/null +++ b/_posts/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes.md @@ -0,0 +1,68 @@ +--- +layout: post +title: "BPMN: The Key to Understanding Business Processes" +author: kamila.rybkiewicz +tags: [tech, bpmn, process mining, event storming, business processes] +--- + +If you have experience with Event Storming and have ever found yourself wishing there was a way to document the insights gathered during a session, +or wanting to communicate the process to other team members, then I have a solution for you. This idea can be expressed in a famous saying: +>_One picture is worth more than a thousand words._ + +As a passionate [process mapper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_process_mapping), I am convinced that [Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_Process_Model_and_Notation) is the key to understanding the analysis and optimization of business processes. +I resonate deeply with the idea that graphical visualization using BPMN allows for clear representation of processes, +making it easier for all participants to understand, regardless of their role within the organization. Familiarity with BPMN is not solely vital for business +analysts, but also serves as a valuable tool for developers, testers, and project managers. Crafting process maps at the initial stages of any project, featuring +both the current AS-IS and intended TO-BE process, paves the way for more efficient and transparent communication between technical teams and their business stakeholders. +I love that “Aha” moment when participants discover and share knowledge about the process, leading to synergy and better understanding among both business and technical teams. + +![BPMN simple example](/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_example_1.png) + +## BPMN: Basics and Functions + +BPMN is a standard graphical notation language that enables the depiction of business processes in a way that is understandable to all stakeholders. +Using graphical elements such as tasks, events, decision gateways, and flows, BPMN allows for the precise definition of the sequence of actions, +resources, and the role of each participant in the process. +Here is a simple example. Keep in mind that in real life, maps are usually much more complex. + +![BPMN example](/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_example_2.png) + +## Benefits from a Broader Perspective +Mapping processes with BPMN brings numerous benefits to organizations. First, it enables a better understanding and analysis of business processes, +leading to improved communication and collaboration between different departments. In my opinion, it should always be the first step before +undertaking actions aimed at optimizing, standardizing, and automating business processes. Moreover, it helps identify those responsible for +processes, as well as define the participants and the dependencies between them. Overall, process management aims to increase awareness and +improve process efficiency within the company, which is a priority for every organization. + +## Updating Maps: Processes in Constant Motion +However, it is essential to remember that business processes are dynamic and continuously changing. Creating a process map is only the +first step. Unfortunately, these maps require regular updates to reflect the actual state of processes and continue to serve as a tool +for understanding, analysis, and optimization. + +## Synergy with Event Storming +Event Storming, as described in this [article]({% post_url 2022-07-19-event-storming-workshops %}), +is also close to my heart because the similarity between [BPM (Business Process Modelling)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_process_modeling) +using BPMN and Event Storming is undeniable. Both approaches emphasize +communication and knowledge sharing, leading to better understanding and effective optimization of processes. The difference lies in the +fact that Event Storming focuses on an interactive workshop, while BPMN offers a specific process notation. From my experience, these two +worlds can be combined. To retain the knowledge discovered in Event Storming workshops, I suggest documenting the process in BPMN notation, +which serves as an excellent material for further work on process optimization or spreading knowledge about it further. The importance of +open communication and preventing knowledge loss is elaborated [here]({% post_url 2023-10-30-battle-against-knowledge-loss %}). +Although BPM, using BPMN for process notation, and Event Storming, a workshop method, are distinct, they both aim to enhance process understanding. +Below is my comparison: + +![BPMN vs Event Storming](/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_vs_es.png) + +## Process Mining: Immersion in the Process +Process Mining is a technique for process analysis that naturally complements BPMN process mapping. It represents a higher level +of process management by utilizing real data, such as process +logs from various systems, to show how processes actually unfold in practice. Moreover, we can use a Conformance +Checker to compare our desired process model (or how we think it goes), presented through a BPMN map, with actual behaviors and deviations. +This enables organizations to identify areas for optimization and improvement, monitor compliance with established standards, and respond +to changes in the business environment. + +## Summary +BPMN, along with Process Mining and Event Storming, are tools that allow for a better understanding of business processes. They are the key +and the beginning of something more, namely, a process management approach within companies. Through this, organizations can gain a deeper +understanding of their processes, identify areas for improvement, respond to changes in the business environment, and strive for efficiency +improvements at every level of operation. diff --git a/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_example_1.png b/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_example_1.png new file mode 100644 index 00000000..a69e4feb Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_example_1.png differ diff --git a/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_example_2.png b/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_example_2.png new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d49a2745 Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_example_2.png differ diff --git a/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_vs_es.png b/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_vs_es.png new file mode 100644 index 00000000..e2237903 Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/img/articles/2024-07-16-bpmn-the-key-to-understanding-business-processes/bpmn_vs_es.png differ diff --git a/assets/img/authors/kamila.rybkiewicz.jpg b/assets/img/authors/kamila.rybkiewicz.jpg new file mode 100644 index 00000000..486c00b9 Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/img/authors/kamila.rybkiewicz.jpg differ diff --git a/authors/kamila.rybkiewicz/index.md b/authors/kamila.rybkiewicz/index.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..5644dc8d --- /dev/null +++ b/authors/kamila.rybkiewicz/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +--- +layout: author +author: kamila.rybkiewicz +--- \ No newline at end of file