Event-driven Process Chain Diagrams

"Business process improvement (BPI) is a systematic approach to help an organization optimize its underlying processes to achieve more efficient results. ...
An organization is only as good as its processes. To be able to make the necessary changes in an organization, one needs to understand the key processes of the company. Rummler and Brache suggested a model for running a Process Improvement and Management project (PI&M), containing the following steps:
1. Identify the process to be improved (based on a critical business issue): The identification of key processes can be a formal or informal exercise. The management team might select processes by applying a set of criteria derived from strategic and tactical priorities, or process selection is based on obvious performance gaps. It is important is to select the process(es) which have the greatest impact on a competitive advantage or customer requirement.
2. Develop the objective(s) for the project based on the requirements of the process: The focus might be on quality improvement, productivity, cost, customer service or cycle time. The goal is however always the same; to get the key process under control.
3. Select the members of the cross-functional team: A horizontal (cross-functional) analysis is carried out by a team composed of representatives of all functions involved in the process. While a consultant or in-house staff person can do the job, the quality of the analysis and the commitment to change is far greater with a cross-functional team.
4. Document the current process by creating a flowchart or "organization map": Describe the process regarding the Organizational level, the Process level and the Job/ Performer level according to Rummler. Develop a cross-functional process map for the process.
5. Identify "disconnects" in the process: “Disconnections” are everything that inhibit the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. The identification should be categorized into the three levels: The Organizational level, the Process level and the Job/ Performer level.
6. Recommend changes (organizational, in the process or in its execution): Categorize and prioritize the main problems and possibilities, evaluate alternative solutions. Develop a cross-functional process map for the recommended process.
7. Establish process and sub-process measures: The process measures should reflect the objectives of the project.
8. Implement the improvements." [Business process improvement. Wikipedia]
The opportunity flow chart example "Replacing engine oil" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the Cross-Functional Flowcharts solution from the Business Processes area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

This flowchart example was created on the base of land sales process diagram from the Property management webpage of the VicRoads website.
[www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/ planning-and-projects/ property-services/ property-management]
"VicRoads or the Roads Corporation of Victoria is a statutory corporation which is the state road and traffic authority in the state of Victoria, Australia. It is responsible for maintenance and construction of the state arterial road network, as well as driver licensing and vehicle registration. VicRoads has broad responsibility for road safety policy and research. It is also responsible for regulating the accident towing industry in Victoria." [VicRoads. Wikipedia]
"Sales Process.
Once it has been established with the relevant VicRoads Regions/ Projects and other business areas that properties are identified as surplus to VicRoads’ operational needs, they are incorporated in the VicRoads annual sales program.
Following approval: relevant VicRoads Regional Manager and the VicRoads Chief Executive (and in some circumstances Minster for Public Transport and Roads) must approve all land deemed surplus and available for disposal.
The method of sale is then determined and consultant advice is sought:
(1) Planning.
(2) Valuer General Victoria (Valuer General’s office must provide a valuation for all sales).
(3) Government Land Monitor (Land Monitor approval is sought if the value exceeds $750,000).
(4) Environmental.
(5) Local Council." [www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/ planning-and-projects/ property-services/ property-management]
The example "Land sales process flowchart" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the Sales Flowcharts solution from the Marketing area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.