Viewing a process
Prerequisite
- Access to the View > Process (PM023) menu.
Introduction
The process view menu allows performing quick and efficient searches on the data of created processes.
See below further details on this search:
Viewing a process
1. To view the data of a process, access the View > Process (PM023) menu.
2. Use the Search filters to find the desired process and click on the Search button.
3. Select the process in the list of records and expand the button.
4. Choose whether you wish to view the process flowchart or the process data screen.
The following information can also be viewed:
Process tree
The process tree can be viewed by clicking on the (view process tree) button, placed on the toolbar of several screens (mentioned in this manual).
Through it, you can view the data of a process, in tree format.
See an example of the process tree:
Input and output diagram
See how to generate the diagram of process inputs, outputs, and stakeholders:
1. Locate and select the desired process, on the screen with the respective functionality (Activity/decision creation, process creation, process view, Activity/decision view, Task and Flowchart view).
2. Then, click on the toolbar button. At this point, the input and output diagram screen will be displayed. See the example:
3. This diagram aims to present all the inputs and outputs of materials and information that occurred in the process items, as well as stakeholders.
- Supplier: The suppliers of the materials/information of each input are listed in the Supplier column. Each rectangle in this region represents a supplier.
- Inputs: The Inputs column displays all the information or materials used by the process. Each parallelogram in this region represents an input. Click on the item to open its data screen.
- Outputs: The Outputs column displays all the information or materials generated by the process. Each parallelogram in this region represents an output. Click on the item to open its data screen.
- Process: The Process column displays the process item. If this process has sub-processes, they may be viewed (in an input & output diagram, or a new tab) when expanding the process through the icon. Click on the item to open its data screen.
- Customer: The Customer column lists customers of the input materials/information. Each rectangle in this region represents a customer.
Note that the input and output information and material are associated on the process or activity data screens.
Turtle diagram
The Turtle diagram is an analysis tool that can be applied to all types of activities, decisions, and processes identified in the organization.
Each diagram has six boxes that focus on the process execution, inputs, and outputs.
The Turtle diagram of a process or activity can be viewed through the button, located on several system screens (mentioned in this manual).
See an example of the diagram:
Process flowchart
To view the flowchart of a process, click on the button, located on several screens on the File, Management, and View menus and on other components with which processes can be associated.
When viewing the flowchart through the File > Process (PM022) menu, it will be possible to enable process editing, as long as the user has the proper permissions, and the process type has a simplified revision control. To do that, click on the Enable editing button, which is displayed in the flowchart and in the process data screen.
However, in processes whose types have ISO9000 or Workflow revision control, changes in the flowchart can only be performed by the drafter in the revision draft step.
See below a process flowchart through the View > Process (PM023) menu:
Above the process flowchart, the Heat map button is displayed. This resource allows users to analyze the execution of process instances. This tool enables tracking the most accessed routes in the flowchart, checking which process steps work better and are more executed. Thus, it is possible to understand where improvements should be made and how failures can be avoided.
RACI Matrix
When discussing human resource management in the development of a project or process, the matter of the roles to be performed over time soon comes to mind. After all, it is unthinkable to track the schedule and manage the scope (and deliverables) without team members properly acknowledging their responsibilities in the project/process life cycle.
The best way to ensure processes will run smoothly is to map all parties involved, assigning functions to each person in the tasks to be performed. The RACI matrix is composed of an acronym, which also defines the roles and assignments of those involved.
Responsible | The group of people (or the user) responsible for the execution, development, conclusion, and delivery of the activity. |
Accountable | Corresponds to the party with authority to organize the task, track its development and accept or formally reject a delivery. The Accountable role is that of the approver, who will be held accountable for any deviations. Thus, there should only be one authority per task. |
Consulted | All of those who are able to give tips, opinions, and suggestions to improve the development of the task or enhance the deliverable. They must respond to the questionings of the Responsible, whereas the responsible must request their involvement to add value or solve questions on the task being executed. |
Informed | Everyone who must receive the information on the conclusion and start of an activity (or even a delivery) which will generate impactful changes in their daily routines. |
The RACI matrix is available both through the process data and through the button available on the button bars of the process file and view menus. See below how the RACI Matrix is displayed:
CMDB
CMDB, the acronym for Configuration Management Database, is a database that gathers relevant information on the components of the information system. It is mainly used in the IT services of an organization in situations that require detailed tracking of the relationship between assets and business processes.
In SoftExpert Process, the CMDB relationship structure can be accessed through the CMDB button located on the process data screen:
In SoftExpert Asset, the CMDB relationship structure can be accessed through the button, located on the button bars of the following menus: Asset definition (AS016), View assets (AS030), and View computers (AS073).
The structure can also be viewed in the third quadrant of the menus mentioned above, through the Relationships option, which is available in the asset data screen.
Analyzing a process
To analyze a process, simply select it and click on the button located on the toolbar of the view screens of several SoftExpert resources. This feature integrated with the Analytics component allows for creating analytical visions of the process for better control and planning of the procedure.
Conclusion
Thus, you have learned how to view several process data types!