Hoofdstuk 5: Process discovery
Process discovery is all about gathering information about the existing (as-is) processes that will be
modelled. Process modelling is part of the BPM lifecycle step “process discovery”.
Phases
1. Defining the setting
- Assemble a team in a company that will be responsible for working on the
process
2. Gathering information
- Build an understanding of the process. Different discovery methods can be used
to acquire information on a process
3. Conducting the modelling task
- Organize the creation of the process model. The modelling methodology gives
guidance for mapping out the process in a systematic way
4. Assuring process model quality
- Guarantee that the resulting process model meets different quality criteria. This
phase is important for establishing trust in the process model.
The fact that domain and modelling knowledge is available in different persons, creates 3 challenges.
Challenge 1: fragmented process knowledge (iterative validation process)
Challenge 2: domain experts typically think processes on a case level (abstraction from instance level
to process level)
Challenge 3: domain experts are not familiar with modelling languages (translation to natural-
language)
Analyst
A good process analyst:
- Gets the right people on board
- Formulates and tests hypotheses
- Identifies patterns
- Pays attention to model aesthetics
1
Process discovery is all about gathering information about the existing (as-is) processes that will be
modelled. Process modelling is part of the BPM lifecycle step “process discovery”.
Phases
1. Defining the setting
- Assemble a team in a company that will be responsible for working on the
process
2. Gathering information
- Build an understanding of the process. Different discovery methods can be used
to acquire information on a process
3. Conducting the modelling task
- Organize the creation of the process model. The modelling methodology gives
guidance for mapping out the process in a systematic way
4. Assuring process model quality
- Guarantee that the resulting process model meets different quality criteria. This
phase is important for establishing trust in the process model.
The fact that domain and modelling knowledge is available in different persons, creates 3 challenges.
Challenge 1: fragmented process knowledge (iterative validation process)
Challenge 2: domain experts typically think processes on a case level (abstraction from instance level
to process level)
Challenge 3: domain experts are not familiar with modelling languages (translation to natural-
language)
Analyst
A good process analyst:
- Gets the right people on board
- Formulates and tests hypotheses
- Identifies patterns
- Pays attention to model aesthetics
1
