Example of modeling requirements in a process diagram

re: Example of modeling requirements in a process diagram

chris — Fri, 23 May 2008 03:15:34 GMT

what tool are you using for BPM modeling?

re: Example of modeling requirements in a process diagram

NickMalik — Fri, 23 May 2008 03:19:38 GMT

Sparx Enterprise Architect

re: Example of modeling requirements in a process diagram

Casey — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:27:30 GMT

Having been recently brought onto a project that is in deep difficulties, I can vouch for this as an excellent approach. One of our first tasks was to break down the requirements into a series of diagrams much like this - that were intended to let the USERS of the system see what it did.

The diagrams would probably be (or at least many developers would say), too simplistic for develeopers to use - but they can't ignore them as the business has clear sight of the processes now, and has validated they are a match for their requirements.

Our diagrams took nothing more than Visio, and an output of a few sheets of A4 paper chained together on the wall by PostItNote arrows - but they give great visibility

re: Example of modeling requirements in a process diagram

Kevin Kujawski — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:13:39 GMT

Any other similar tools that you'd recommend in addition to Sparx that work in this manner?

This is exactly the technique I plan to use with the replacement of a 20+ year old system with significant customization that works tightly with somewhat unique business processes for my industry. I really only planned on documenting critical functions in some areas for "key" processes. I also planned to link, at the process flow level - current state business issues, anticipated future state challenges (e.g., new regulations, trends), business goals, and the success metrics that would monitor the "issues" and health of the process (i.e., to ensure proper information was being captured). The triggers concept is really intriguing.

To me, this puts requirements in context and will also help with prioritization. Requirements linked to resolving the most business issues, challenges, achieving business goals and providing key metrics are likely the most important. This could remove some personal preferences from the requirements prioritization process.

re: Example of modeling requirements in a process diagram

Mike Kelly — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:13:51 GMT

IF you have only one tool that you purchase and use, Sparx Enterprise Architect should be that tool.

re: Example of modeling requirements in a process diagram

Kevin Kujawski — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:23:39 GMT

One other thought... Microsoft should provide better non-VBS linkages between custom Visio properties and Access or SQL Server to allow better tagging of information to Visio process diagrams (i.e., populate a Visio custom property called "requirements" from a listing in a database - with some filtering, of course... who'd want to search through a few thousand requirements?).

re: Example of modeling requirements in a process diagram

NickMalik — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:16:44 GMT

Hi Kevin,

I want better tools too. There's a good bit of work inside Microsoft on modeling tools under the moniker of Oslo, so I'm hopeful. Until those tools are out, and mature, there's Sparx.

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