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From Lego Bricks to Business Value: End-to-End Process Modeling Done Right
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✅ Process Models Need Purpose Beyond the Modeler:
Caspar and Russell argue that too often, process modelers design for themselves—not the end users, system integrators, or future teams who will rely on the documentation. A model is only valuable if it’s understandable and actionable by others.
✅ Granularity is Key—And Often Overlooked:
Process models must have consistent granularity across end-to-end processes. If one team dives deep while another stays high-level, the result is a mess of mismatched detail. Defining a common granularity is essential for readability and alignment.
✅ Hierarchies: Flexible or Fixed?
Should you enforce a rigid number of levels, or let domains grow organically?
Russell prefers a fixed hierarchy for reporting and governance, while Caspar argues for dynamic hierarchies—adjusting the layers based on complexity and ownership. Both agree: too many layers create confusion; too few limit clarity.
✅ End-to-End Workshops Unlock True Understanding:
A standout story: Russell shares how a customer’s bottom-up process design didn’t match the top-down end-to-end flow—until a workshop revealed gaps in handovers, compliance checks, and system integration. The lesson? Bring people together early and often.
✅ Naming Conventions: Less Code, More Clarity:
Caspar warns against stuffing hierarchy codes into process names (“1.2.3.4 Create Sales Order”), favoring clear, descriptive titles that support search and comprehension. Codes belong in metadata, not front and center.
✅ BPMN Models ≠ Process Hierarchies:
Russell reminds us: process hierarchies are structures, not actual processes. Don’t confuse categories like “Finance” with executable processes like “Create Invoice.” Keep hierarchies simple, processes precise.
✅ Process Modelers: Less Ego, More Empathy:
In a tongue-in-cheek moment, Caspar quips: “Process modelers are selfish bastards. They need to think about others.” The real takeaway: Process modeling is a service, not an art project.
✅ The Lego Analogy:
Caspar’s favorite metaphor: Process hierarchies are like Lego boxes—they organize bricks so everyone can build efficiently. Without structure, it’s just a chaotic pile.
✅ Final Word:
Process models should serve multiple audiences: the integrators, the rollout teams, the end users, and future generations. Build with empathy, not just logic.
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