Improve Your Process Models By Modeling Decisions 
James Taylor 
CEO
Business Process Value Proposition 
Efficiency 
Consistency 
Cost Reduction 
Customer Experience 
Agility
Complexity Challenges 
Efficiency 
Consistency 
Cost Reduction 
Customer Experience 
Agility
Smarter 
Simpler 
More Agile 
Decision Modeling makes Processes…
Agenda 
Decisions Cause Process Complexity 
Introducing Decision Modeling 
Impact on Process Modeling 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
4
Decisions Cause Process Complexity
Accept low-risk applicant 
Decline high-risk applicant 
Process medium-risk applicant 
Age<21 
21<=Age<50 
Age>50 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
6
Accept low-risk applicant 
Decline high-risk applicant 
Process medium-risk applicant 
Age<21 
21<=Age<50 
Age>50 
Previous Heart Attack, Existing Cancer 
Good Medical Record 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
7
Accept low-risk applicant 
Decline high-risk applicant 
Process medium-risk applicant 
Age<21 
21<=Age<50 
Age>50 
Previous Heart Attack, Existing Cancer 
Good Medical Record 
New Customer 
Long-standing Customer 
1 or fewer Claims 
Multiple Claims 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
8
Accept low-risk applicant 
Decline high-risk applicant 
Process medium-risk applicant 
Age<21 
21<=Age<50 
Age>50 
Previous Heart Attack, Existing Cancer 
Good Medical Record 
New Customer 
Long-standing Customer 
1 or fewer Claims 
Multiple Claims 
No Class I or II sports 
Class II sport 
Class I sport 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
9
Accept low-risk applicant 
Decline high-risk applicant 
Process medium-risk applicant 
Age<21 
21<=Age<50 
Age>50 
Previous Heart Attack, Existing Cancer 
Good Medical Record 
New Customer 
Long-standing Customer 
1 or fewer Claims 
Multiple Claims 
No Class I or II sports 
Class II sport 
Class I sport 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Embedding decisions causes complexity 
10
Process low-risk applicant 
Process high-risk applicant 
Process medium-risk applicant 
Low risk 
Medium risk 
High risk 
Determine applicant type 
11 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Identifying decisions simplifies processes
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
12 
Many similar processes cause complexity
Human 
Decision 
Human 
Decision 
Process 
A 
Process 
B 
Process 
C 
Decisions Pause Processes 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
13
Human 
Decision 
Human 
Decision 
Automated Decisions 
Straight Through Processing 
Manage Rules Handle Exceptions 
Process 
A 
Process 
B 
Process 
C 
A 
B 
C 
Automated Decisions Drive STP 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
14
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Complexity 
Value 
Automated 
Decisions 
Expert 
Decisions 
Manual 
Decisions 
15 
Business Rules 
Advanced Analytics
Business Rules Can Improve Processes 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
But not if they are spread through the process like Peanut Butter 
Or dumped into a big bucket of rules
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Analytics Can Improve Processes 
Business Processes 
Analytic Environment 
But only if they can be applied to the process effectively 
17
Decision Models To The Rescue Remove process complexity Enable straight through processing design Improve agility Streamlines business processes Make business rules effective Integrate advanced analytics 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
18
Introducing Decision Modeling
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Repeatable decisions 
Non trivial decisions 
With a measurable business impact 
That are candidates for automation 
20
21 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014
Decision Modeling And BABOK® v3 
BABOK® Guide, Version 3.0 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Excerpted from the BABOK®, © IIBA 
Perspectives 
Business Intelligence 
Business Process Management 
Techniques 
Decision Modeling is one of only a handful of new analysis techniques
Decision Modeling in BABOK® 3 How repeatable business decisions are made Decision models show how data and knowledge are combined to make a specific decision These models can … involve the breaking down of a more complex decision into its components Complex decisions can be modeled graphically Information Sub-decisions Business rules Analytical insight Linked to business processes…. 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
23
“… provide a common notation that is readily understandable by all business users... DMN creates a standardized bridge for the gap between the business decision design and decision implementation.” 
Use Cases 
1.Modeling Human Decision-making 
2.Modeling Requirements for automated Decision-making 
3.Implementing automated Decision-making 
OMG Specification 
Submitted by Decision Management Solutions, IBM, Oracle, TIBCO, FICO, Escape Velocity, KUL, Model Systems, KPI, Visumpoint 
Decision Modeling and Notation (DMN) 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
24
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
25 
Manual Business Processes Decisions Where does the process stop? Work lists, queues Manual intervention Escalation, referral Not all manual tasks are decisions but many are Even if you don’t think you will automate these decisions, identify them
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
26 
Hidden Business Process Decisions Process models are often used to model decision- making Key clues for decisions: Gateway complexity – gateways linked to gateways Lots of business rules spread throughout a process that might change independently of the process Step back and identify the decision involved
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Decisions Require Information “Determine Parts Availability” requires BOM and Inventory information “Validate Tax Return” requires Return and Citizen information “Refer claim for fraud” requires Claim and Provider information 
27
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Decisions Require Knowledge “Reorder parts” requires supplier capabilities and shortage risks “Validate Tax Return” requires Tax Regulations “Refer claim for fraud” requires likelihood of fraud 
28
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Decisions Require Decisions Is this a good time to make an offer? Which product should the offer be for? How valuable an offer? These decisions must be made first 
29
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
A Decision Model 
Decision 
Input Data 
Dependent Decisions 
Authority 
30
A Complete Definition Definition Question and Allowed Answers Links to KPIs and Objectives Context Processes, Events, Systems Organizational roles Decomposition 
31 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014
Impact on Processes
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
A Business Process Without Decisions 
33
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Model Decisions to Bring Clarity 
Separating Decisions simplifies 
Modeling Decisions brings clarity 
34
Integrates with process models at decision points 
Maps to implementation details 
DMN In Context 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
35
This government agency used decision models to understand its requirements for a new package selection effort point. 
The combination of process models AND decision models was key. 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Decision Models & Process Models 
36
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Manages Business Rules 
Documented sources 
Coherent rule groups 
Ownership, volatility 
37
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Manages Rule Iterations 
38
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Traces Impact of Changes 
39
This client built a decision model with over 300 decision nodes to manage a complex eligibility decision involving thousands of rules. 
The graphical decision model facilitated discussions and made it easy to manage and navigate. 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Decision Models & Business Rules 
40
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Ties Analytics To Outcomes 
41
This decision model of best practices for deciding if a claim should be paid automatically, examined or referred for fraud ensures front life staff are taking advantage of analytic fraud detection. 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Analytic Decision Models in Claims 
42
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Decision Models Build Understanding 
Uncover Gaps 
Automation Opportunities 
Data Requirements 
Shared Understanding 
Rule Sources 
Analytics 
43
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
44 
Separate Models Adds Agility 
v1 
v2 
v3 
v4 
v5 
v1 
v2 
v3 
v4 
v5 
v1 
v2 
v1 
v2 
v3 
v4 
v5 
v6 
v1 
v1 
v2 
v3 
v4 
v5 
Stable business process 
Variable change cycle 
Matched change cycle
Process and Decision Modeling Decisions first class object Decisions linked, not buried New process is simplified Independent process & decision changes Decisions are reusable Decisions are explicitly modeled Decisions an afterthought Decisions buried in process Process becomes complex Decisions only evolve with process Hard to share decisions Hard to model decisions precisely 
Processes Models Only 
Process AND Decision Models 
45 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014
Getting Started
Decision Modeling Enables Straight Through Processing Improves Agility Integrates Advanced Analytics Improves Alignment 
A B 
C 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
47
Getting Started 
Identify Decisions Early 
Tie Decisions to Project Objectives 
Model Decisions and Processes 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
48
Questions?
Recap
Getting Started 
Identify Decisions Early 
Tie Decisions to Project Objectives 
Model Decisions and Processes 
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
51
© Decision Management Solutions, 2014 
Learn More Consulting Decision Modeling Decision Management Training and Workshops Online DecisionsFirst Modeler Collaborative decision modeling software Standards Based, Vendor Neutral Free Trial & Tutorial Questions? Comments? http://decisionmanagementsolutions.com james@decisionmanagementsolutions.com Business Rules Predictive Analytics On-site 
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Improve your Process Models by Modeling Decisions

  • 1.
    Improve Your ProcessModels By Modeling Decisions James Taylor CEO
  • 2.
    Business Process ValueProposition Efficiency Consistency Cost Reduction Customer Experience Agility
  • 3.
    Complexity Challenges Efficiency Consistency Cost Reduction Customer Experience Agility
  • 4.
    Smarter Simpler MoreAgile Decision Modeling makes Processes…
  • 5.
    Agenda Decisions CauseProcess Complexity Introducing Decision Modeling Impact on Process Modeling © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 4
  • 6.
  • 7.
    Accept low-risk applicant Decline high-risk applicant Process medium-risk applicant Age<21 21<=Age<50 Age>50 © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 6
  • 8.
    Accept low-risk applicant Decline high-risk applicant Process medium-risk applicant Age<21 21<=Age<50 Age>50 Previous Heart Attack, Existing Cancer Good Medical Record © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 7
  • 9.
    Accept low-risk applicant Decline high-risk applicant Process medium-risk applicant Age<21 21<=Age<50 Age>50 Previous Heart Attack, Existing Cancer Good Medical Record New Customer Long-standing Customer 1 or fewer Claims Multiple Claims © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 8
  • 10.
    Accept low-risk applicant Decline high-risk applicant Process medium-risk applicant Age<21 21<=Age<50 Age>50 Previous Heart Attack, Existing Cancer Good Medical Record New Customer Long-standing Customer 1 or fewer Claims Multiple Claims No Class I or II sports Class II sport Class I sport © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 9
  • 11.
    Accept low-risk applicant Decline high-risk applicant Process medium-risk applicant Age<21 21<=Age<50 Age>50 Previous Heart Attack, Existing Cancer Good Medical Record New Customer Long-standing Customer 1 or fewer Claims Multiple Claims No Class I or II sports Class II sport Class I sport © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 Embedding decisions causes complexity 10
  • 12.
    Process low-risk applicant Process high-risk applicant Process medium-risk applicant Low risk Medium risk High risk Determine applicant type 11 © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 Identifying decisions simplifies processes
  • 13.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 12 Many similar processes cause complexity
  • 14.
    Human Decision Human Decision Process A Process B Process C Decisions Pause Processes © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 13
  • 15.
    Human Decision Human Decision Automated Decisions Straight Through Processing Manage Rules Handle Exceptions Process A Process B Process C A B C Automated Decisions Drive STP © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 14
  • 16.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Complexity Value Automated Decisions Expert Decisions Manual Decisions 15 Business Rules Advanced Analytics
  • 17.
    Business Rules CanImprove Processes © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 But not if they are spread through the process like Peanut Butter Or dumped into a big bucket of rules
  • 18.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Analytics Can Improve Processes Business Processes Analytic Environment But only if they can be applied to the process effectively 17
  • 19.
    Decision Models ToThe Rescue Remove process complexity Enable straight through processing design Improve agility Streamlines business processes Make business rules effective Integrate advanced analytics © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 18
  • 20.
  • 21.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Repeatable decisions Non trivial decisions With a measurable business impact That are candidates for automation 20
  • 22.
    21 © DecisionManagement Solutions, 2014
  • 23.
    Decision Modeling AndBABOK® v3 BABOK® Guide, Version 3.0 © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 Excerpted from the BABOK®, © IIBA Perspectives Business Intelligence Business Process Management Techniques Decision Modeling is one of only a handful of new analysis techniques
  • 24.
    Decision Modeling inBABOK® 3 How repeatable business decisions are made Decision models show how data and knowledge are combined to make a specific decision These models can … involve the breaking down of a more complex decision into its components Complex decisions can be modeled graphically Information Sub-decisions Business rules Analytical insight Linked to business processes…. © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 23
  • 25.
    “… provide acommon notation that is readily understandable by all business users... DMN creates a standardized bridge for the gap between the business decision design and decision implementation.” Use Cases 1.Modeling Human Decision-making 2.Modeling Requirements for automated Decision-making 3.Implementing automated Decision-making OMG Specification Submitted by Decision Management Solutions, IBM, Oracle, TIBCO, FICO, Escape Velocity, KUL, Model Systems, KPI, Visumpoint Decision Modeling and Notation (DMN) © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 24
  • 26.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 25 Manual Business Processes Decisions Where does the process stop? Work lists, queues Manual intervention Escalation, referral Not all manual tasks are decisions but many are Even if you don’t think you will automate these decisions, identify them
  • 27.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 26 Hidden Business Process Decisions Process models are often used to model decision- making Key clues for decisions: Gateway complexity – gateways linked to gateways Lots of business rules spread throughout a process that might change independently of the process Step back and identify the decision involved
  • 28.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Decisions Require Information “Determine Parts Availability” requires BOM and Inventory information “Validate Tax Return” requires Return and Citizen information “Refer claim for fraud” requires Claim and Provider information 27
  • 29.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Decisions Require Knowledge “Reorder parts” requires supplier capabilities and shortage risks “Validate Tax Return” requires Tax Regulations “Refer claim for fraud” requires likelihood of fraud 28
  • 30.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Decisions Require Decisions Is this a good time to make an offer? Which product should the offer be for? How valuable an offer? These decisions must be made first 29
  • 31.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 A Decision Model Decision Input Data Dependent Decisions Authority 30
  • 32.
    A Complete DefinitionDefinition Question and Allowed Answers Links to KPIs and Objectives Context Processes, Events, Systems Organizational roles Decomposition 31 © Decision Management Solutions, 2014
  • 33.
  • 34.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 A Business Process Without Decisions 33
  • 35.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Model Decisions to Bring Clarity Separating Decisions simplifies Modeling Decisions brings clarity 34
  • 36.
    Integrates with processmodels at decision points Maps to implementation details DMN In Context © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 35
  • 37.
    This government agencyused decision models to understand its requirements for a new package selection effort point. The combination of process models AND decision models was key. © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 Decision Models & Process Models 36
  • 38.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Manages Business Rules Documented sources Coherent rule groups Ownership, volatility 37
  • 39.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Manages Rule Iterations 38
  • 40.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Traces Impact of Changes 39
  • 41.
    This client builta decision model with over 300 decision nodes to manage a complex eligibility decision involving thousands of rules. The graphical decision model facilitated discussions and made it easy to manage and navigate. © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 Decision Models & Business Rules 40
  • 42.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Ties Analytics To Outcomes 41
  • 43.
    This decision modelof best practices for deciding if a claim should be paid automatically, examined or referred for fraud ensures front life staff are taking advantage of analytic fraud detection. © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 Analytic Decision Models in Claims 42
  • 44.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Decision Models Build Understanding Uncover Gaps Automation Opportunities Data Requirements Shared Understanding Rule Sources Analytics 43
  • 45.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 44 Separate Models Adds Agility v1 v2 v3 v4 v5 v1 v2 v3 v4 v5 v1 v2 v1 v2 v3 v4 v5 v6 v1 v1 v2 v3 v4 v5 Stable business process Variable change cycle Matched change cycle
  • 46.
    Process and DecisionModeling Decisions first class object Decisions linked, not buried New process is simplified Independent process & decision changes Decisions are reusable Decisions are explicitly modeled Decisions an afterthought Decisions buried in process Process becomes complex Decisions only evolve with process Hard to share decisions Hard to model decisions precisely Processes Models Only Process AND Decision Models 45 © Decision Management Solutions, 2014
  • 47.
  • 48.
    Decision Modeling EnablesStraight Through Processing Improves Agility Integrates Advanced Analytics Improves Alignment A B C © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 47
  • 49.
    Getting Started IdentifyDecisions Early Tie Decisions to Project Objectives Model Decisions and Processes © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 48
  • 50.
  • 51.
  • 52.
    Getting Started IdentifyDecisions Early Tie Decisions to Project Objectives Model Decisions and Processes © Decision Management Solutions, 2014 51
  • 53.
    © Decision ManagementSolutions, 2014 Learn More Consulting Decision Modeling Decision Management Training and Workshops Online DecisionsFirst Modeler Collaborative decision modeling software Standards Based, Vendor Neutral Free Trial & Tutorial Questions? Comments? http://decisionmanagementsolutions.com james@decisionmanagementsolutions.com Business Rules Predictive Analytics On-site 52