The Secret Behind Process Maps and Process Models

When you need to document a business process, a good starting point is to map the process. This approach allows everyone to share the same understanding of what work gets done. Even though this is widely regarded as very important, not many people know the difference between a process map and a process model, how useful process models can be, or even how to convert a process map into a process model.

What is a process map?

A process map is an initial description of a business process in graphic form. Just like a road map, it shows you how to get from point A to point B. Process maps are frequently used to capture the sequence of activities that represent a single everyday scenario. They are often drawn using non-standard shapes, conveying limited information from a single narrow viewpoint.

Then what is a process model?

On the other hand, process models accurately represent how your business works, containing essential information that cannot be captured in a simple process map. A process model includes additional elements, such as data related to relationships, events and activities in a process. To capture this detail, the analyst should use standardized shapes and notation rules, such as Business Process Model and Notation 2.0 (BPMN), which is easy to learn and widely adopted.

So why do we need process models?

While process maps are useful for quick visual analysis of a process, without a narrative alongside them, they make it difficult to interpret or understand the process correctly. Basic maps cannot be used to test a process’s logic. This means that using static process maps for process documentation causes your pursuit of business maturity to falter once you want to move beyond the basic description of business processes into the phases of measuring, improving, and managing them.

A real benefit of accurately defining processes with well-developed process models is the ability to simulate the behavior of real-world processes using a dynamic model. When simulating processes, you can compare measured results with simulated cycle time, cost, and resource utilization. “What-If?” analysis can then be performed to determine the optimum future state.

Join our Business Process Mapping and Modelling Course to learn the correct methods and techniques to develop clear, accurate process maps and models for your organization.

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