Put modeling into action

- So now that we know what the four different models are and how they interrelate, let's discuss how we put our modeling practice into action with your stakeholders. The key to understanding which model you need to focus on is in understanding your objective. Depending on your objectives, the emphasis or focus on each model will be different. Essentially, you'll need to use them in some degree to ensure you have adequate coverage and don't miss anything. Ask yourself, what is the area of focus? What already exists? Who is the end user? And how will the information I am capturing be used? Answering all of these questions will greatly assist in ensuring that you have the right stakeholders at the right workshops, and that you are delivering the best quality business processes fit for purpose. Throughout the course I will have mentioned the use of workshops and walk-throughs with key stakeholders and subject matter experts. Let's talk a little about engaging these subject matter experts in process elicitation workshops. Firstly, target your SME audience to meet your needs. Collaboration with key stakeholders and subject matter experts is exceptionally important, ensuring that you set up a workshop environment that has a clear objective, and that the right people are present and participating. The last thing we want to do is make false assumptions during our modeling. Let's make use of the whiteboard. Whiteboards are great because you can freely outline the context, and go back and update or build upon them at any point. In my experience, I've found making use of colored markers for distinction between actors or a change in process flow to be a great help. The best thing about using a whiteboard is that at the end of the session you can take a photo of the information you have captured, and go back and document it at your leisure. Another great method is simply using sticky notes. These sticky notes are particularly good if you're mapping cross-functional flow or flowchart process maps. During a workshop situation you can have your stakeholders participate, and together map out a process on a whiteboard, wall, or even a table. The sticky notes can be easily added, removed, or moved about as the process is discussed and agreed upon. The beauty of using sticky notes is everyone can see, comment, and get involved in the mapping process. Again, don't forget to take a photo so you can document the processes later. Next, once you have completed your diagram you are ready to have it validated. A stakeholder walk-through session is ideal. In my experience the best way to do this is to project your models up on a screen and walk through each step of the process to ensure that your audience is happy. And finally, to achieve sign off or approval, ensure that you have the key stakeholders who are responsible for sign off present at your walk-through sessions. I'd also recommend that you include representation from the ones who will be using your maps whether that is for training purposes or organizational change management needs. Modeling is an awesome way to leverage the use of visuals. With these diagrams you can capture, analyze, and determine future ways that organizations perform the work required.