The requirements for modelling tools and business process management systems are becoming more and more complicated. The result is the use of different systems in the different departments of a company. The systems are purchased based on the prevailing requirements.
Currently, a trend is developing in the process creation. Many companies pursue the philosophy that every process owner can undertake modelling with his own tools. So, just as everybody today can write and send his own e-mails, simple tools should be used to create or modify processes. At the same time, it is necessary that these processes can be published in an easy manner.
Just as there are EAI-and other middleware systems for the integration of heterogeneous operating systems, there is the BPM-Xchange Suite for the integration of heterogeneous process modelling systems. The software consists of 4 independently functioning modules.
The BPM-X Converter combines the models and methods of different modelling tools and systems, such as MS Visio, SolMan, ARISTM and others. Therefore, it is possible to provide a clear analysis, from different company sources, which use different tools.
BPM-X Designer is an intelligent add-on to MS Visio which allows method modeling with Visio by the application of Smart Shapes.
BPM-X Browser is the publishing tool which provides HTML files from the models which can be navigated with any Internet browser.
With the help of the BPM-X Administrator, the tools BPM-X Converter, BPM-X Designer and BPM-X Browser are configured.
What distinguishes all these tools is the easy operability without big training costs - with a savings potential of up to 80% of the cost compared with other software products.
The precise knowledge of one’s own business processes is a valuable possession and a central success factor of a company. Ever since the advent of Business Process Management Systems (BPMS), and increasing legal requirements for the process documentation (e.g., Basel II, Sarbanes-Oxley), process models can no longer be considered non-binding illustrations. Rather, they serve as the central source for the control of effectively conducted processes. The scope stretches from process descriptions which are converted independently by employees, up to the formal process definitions which can be executed automatically by a BPMS or workflow management system.
Process models and process descriptions can be found in the a range of different systems, e.g., in simple graphic tools, efficient high-end modelling tools, BPMS, Content Management Systems, quality management software, etc. For the creation of universal business process management, it is necessary to synchronize these as-is process models in different notations, and to exchange model contents with as little loss as possible.
