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