process-mapper

Reference Files

• references/bpmn-notation.md - BPMN 2.0 symbol reference table with events, activities, gateways, flows, and swimlanes. Read this in Step 3 when mapping processes using BPMN notation.

Overview

Based on Business Process Change by Paul Harmon - the BPTrends 3-level process architecture (Enterprise, Business Process, Implementation) that prevents the most common process mapping mistake: starting at the wrong level of detail. Also draws on Business Analysis Techniques by James Cadle for BPMN notation and swimlane techniques, and Rummler-Brache's 3-level analysis (Organization, Process, Performer). The key insight from Harmon: before you draw a single box or arrow, locate the process within the enterprise value chain. A process mapped at the wrong level is either too abstract to act on or too detailed to see the real problems.

Workflow

Step 1: Identify the process level (Harmon's 3 levels)

Determine which level you are mapping:

• Level 1 - Enterprise: Value chain view - how this process fits into the organization's end-to-end value delivery
• Level 2 - Business Process: The process itself - trigger to outcome, with subprocesses
• Level 3 - Implementation: Detailed task-level steps within a subprocess

Most BA process mapping operates at Level 2. Start at Level 1 to establish context, then zoom into Level 2.