A Comparison of Business Process Modeling Tools
Business process modeling tools document and represent the policies, practices and operational procedures of an organization to understand how different business processes interrelate and to aid in analyzing and optimizing the operational processes. Several business process modeling tools available meet the needs of different-sized organizations, from simple text-based modeling to advanced enterprise-wide technological solutions.
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Reasons for Modelling Business Processes
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Organizations have several reasons for modeling business processes. Some regulations require that an organization model business processes, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley act. Some organizations model business processes to determine where inefficiencies lie, to automate the processes or as the basis for strategic planning. Documenting current business practices requires business process modeling as do corporate mergers.
Business Process Modeling Tools
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Modeling tools allow an organization to create a visual representation of the way a business process works, while also allowing for text-based documentation, annotations and comments. They allow multiple views of an existing process and the use of standard elements for modeling, such as flow chart symbols, ensure consistency and portability of the models produced. This also allows for reusability of the models and the elements, resulting in long-term cost-savings for the organization. Some modeling tools allow simulation of the business process, which can lead to insights regarding the weaknesses and strengths of the current process.
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IBM WebSphere Business Modeler
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One of the popular enterprise business modeling tools is IBM's WebSphere Business Modeler. It supports the documentation, redesign and execution elements of business process modeling, with features specifically geared to meeting an organization's requirements for each element. It offers four different modes to accommodate users' technical abilities, from beginner for non-technical users to a Websphere process server for advanced Information Technology professionals. It uses multidimensional models rather than just drawings and takes input from many sections of the organization beyond just the business process being modeled. This allows for a richer modeling experience. The application allows multiple users to collaborate on a single model and allows publishing to the web so that users can view the model and offer input into its design. It also has reporting and simulation capabilities.
Metastorm ProVision
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Metastorm's Provision Enterprise Architecture modeling application is one of the leading business process modeling tools. It offers a comprehensive enterprise architecture solution that models an organization's resources and the interactions between them and how they relate to the organization's goals and strategic plans. It offers native support for Sarbanes-Oxley modeling as well as other key regulatory modeling requirements, powerful modeling tools, multiple modeling languages, business process analysis and business process modeling capability, collaboration tools, simulation, reporting, integration with other systems, taxonomy and framework accelerators and a host of other powerful business process modeling features.
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References
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Comments
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It would also be fair to state that these two are among the most expensive modelers available and that there are literally hundreds of other modelers that will also meet a business modeling challenge. The others, especially from the smaller and newer venders are also much more in tune with today's requirements for your company rather than these tools which are build to there respective company's requirements, culture and marketing benefits. Bottom line: Look around, you will find the modeling tool for your particular company's unique needs. David C. Brown Business CyberSecurity, Inc.
