Process Modeling

Modeling: An Everyday Example.

A classic example of modeling is a map. Why have maps been so important to us for centuries? Well, because if we used an exact image—that is, a photo—of a large landscape as a guide, we would probably never reach our destination. The flood of information would make it almost impossible to decipher. That’s why maps were developed: they show only the information that is relevant, such as roads and expressways. The targeted reduction of information greatly increases the added value for the user. Process modeling serves a similar purpose.

Why Process Modeling?

Business processes can be very complex and confusing. Let’s take a look at the production process of a car, for example. A car is produced at different locations within many production steps, some of which run in parallel. Modeling helps you keep track of all this. Targeted process modeling only presents the relevant information. In process management, relevant information includes the process steps, their sequence, and associated attributes. In other words: which step is implemented in which order over what period of time. Attributes can include the costs, the location, or responsible persons. In this way, the entire process can be examined through modeling and corresponding analyses carried out.

Process Modeling As Part Of Process Mining.

Part of process mining is data-based modeling. Modeling is performed on the basis of real process data. This is a very exact and objective method to model a real process. However, the process mining model is not only used to represent real processes, but also to represent optimal processes—so called target processes. Target processes serve as benchmarks, especially if certain regulations or rules have to be observed during process implementation. Conformance checking compares the model to the real process and the target process model. This enables all deviations from the target to be identified at a glance.

Related terms: Activities, Process Management