Summary BPMN

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9. BPMN

a. Signal event
In some cases, a signal kicks off a new process

Occurs often in combination with an error
 Only to be used when a regular activity is not sufficient
 No arrow to the signal symbol is needed. Signal events can send signals over several
processes

i. Signal event: trigger, throw or catch
Signal event Symbol Meaning
Trigger The process starts when the signal has been received


Throw The process stops when a signal has been sent


Catch The process stops when a signal is received


End The process ends when the signal has been sent


ii. Intermediate boundary signal event
When a signal is received during the activity, this arrow is followed
- Interrupting
- Non-interrupting

Example: exercise canteen




BPM Axel Mortier BPMN

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b. Six sigma
i. What is it?
Set of techniques to improve processes

Goals:
- Improve quality of output
- Decrease number of defects
- Decrease variability

Utilize primarily statistical methods




ii. Origin
Date
80’s Developed and introduced by Motorola
90’s Became mainstream through the success of GE
Today Widely used in industrial and administrative environments
 Often implemented in combination with lean

iii. Conditions
Can only be used when:
- A defect of the output of a process can be defined
- Specification limits can be set up
- The process is statistically in control

Examples of defects:
- A can of cola filled with less than 33cl
- A delivery that arrives 1 day late
- An invoice without PO number

 DEFECTS ARE MEASURED AS: DPMO= defects per million opportunities




BPM Axel Mortier BPMN