A brief overview of the BPMN process mapping notation with a simple worked example

1. Process mapping using BPMN
Business Improvement Team
January 2010
Tuesday, May 08, 2012 Process mapping & Lean 1

2. How we build up a process map
• Brown paper and
Post-its!
• On Post-it notes,
write down each
stage of the process
• On the brown paper
mark out “swim
lanes”
• Stick them on the
map and draw lines
between
• Refine until complete
Process mapping 2

3. Creating the “as is” map
• Once the brown paper map is complete, a BPMN process
map is created.
• BPMN symbols include:
Process mapping and Lean 3

4. Process maps – an example
Manager
• Start of process – this
shows it begins with
something done by
the manager
HR
• Each symbol is
placed in the
appropriate swim
Payroll
lane
Employee
Tuesday, May 08, 2012 Event Name and Venue 4

5. Process maps – an example
Notify HR of
Manager
change of
contract /
hours
• Process task
(something
• Process
happens)
HR
flow –
arrow
shows
direction
Payroll
Employee
Tuesday, May 08, 2012 Event Name and Venue 5

6. Process maps – an example
Post approval
form (PAF)
Notify HR of
• Process artefact =
Manager
change of
something created
contract /
hours
like a document
Complete
Extension or • Association – shows
HR
Change of
contract form
links between tasks
and artefacts
Payroll
• This new task happens after the
previous one – the flow crosses over
“swim lanes” to show a new person is
involved with the process (= hand off)
Employee
Tuesday, May 08, 2012 Event Name and Venue 6

7. Process maps – an example
Post approval
form (PAF)
Notify HR of
Manager
change of
contract /
hours
New career line –
insert contract
details
Complete
Contract
Extension or Update Print payroll Send form to
HR
extension
Change of EMPOWER form payroll
PAF received
contract form
Payroll form
3 copies: 1 to
payroll, one to
• Gateway – this is when a
personal file and
one for audit file
process splits – here both
paths are followed (A + B
Payroll
• Annotation – gives = parallel), but
additional information sometimes it’s a decision
about part of the (A or B = exclusive). More
process complex gateways are
Employee
Tuesday, May 08, 2012 also possible (e.g. A and7
B but not C = inclusive)

8. Process maps – an example
Post approval
form (PAF)
Notify HR of
Manager
change of
contract /
hours
New career line –
insert contract
details
Complete Update
Contract
Extension or Update Print payroll Send form to establishment Issue new
HR
extension
Change of EMPOWER form payroll spreadsheet contract
PAF received
contract form note section
Payroll form Contract
3 copies: 1 to
payroll, one to
2 copies: one to
personal file and
personal file and
one for audit file
one for employee
Update
Payroll
payroll system
• End of process
(this can happen
more than once
in a process)
Employee
Sign & return
contract

9. Process maps – an example
Post approval
form (PAF)
Notify HR of
Manager
change of
contract /
hours
New career line
– insert
contract details
Complete Contract Update
Print
Extension or extension Update Send form establishment Issue new
HR
payroll
Change of PAF EMPOWER to payroll spreadsheet contract
form
contract form received note section
Payroll
form Contract
3 copies: 1 to 2 copies: one
payroll, one to to personal
personal file and file and one
one for audit file for employee
Update
payroll
Payroll
system
Employee
Sign &
Tuesday, May 08, 2012 return
Event Name and Venue 9
contract

10. Want to know more?
• This was a simple and brief overview – there are lots
of good Web resources available, e.g.
– BizAgi Process Modeler – a freeware, highly functional
BPMN compliant application (http://bit.ly/3nVIJM);
– Open Management Group’s BPMN site
(http://www.bpmn.org/);
– A poster showing all the BPMN symbols with brief
description of each one (http://bit.ly/6IBZxI)
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