Efficient high-end modelling tools have an important advantage compared with tools oriented to graphics: They support a methods-compliant modelling. The tools provide for the fact that in an organizational chart, only organization unities and places can be used, in a process model, however, functions and events. And these elements can be even connected in sensible way with each other. Therefore, it is ensured that the originating models are sensible and uniform and fulfil, for instance, the requirements of a simulation or workflow system.
This is not the case with the easy to use popular graphic-oriented modelling tools such as Microsoft Visio. Here the modelling constructs can be used mostly arbitrarily - also senselessly - and connect with each other. The results are non-uniform, incomplete and inconsistent models. So long as the models are used only for pure visualization, this may be tolerable. However, to integrate several models into a comprehensive model, or to provide workable process models for a business process management system, is not feasible with tools purely oriented to graphics.
The BPM-X Designer solves these problems. As an add-on to Microsoft Visio, it extends this program with the ability of methods-compliant modelling. As with all high-end modelling tools, BPM-X Designer has different diagram types for the modelling of different circumstances, such as process models, organizational charts, data models etc. In every diagram type, only the appropriate elements can be used and be connected according to the principles of the method. Therefore, diagrams provided by different modellers become uniform, methods-compliant and consistent.
Nevertheless, the BPM-X Designer remains a simple, easy to use, and cost-effective tool. The modellers continue to work with the Visio compliant interface with which they are familiar. Only now, the elements in the diagrams are methods-compliant. The user will find that BPM-X Designer does not permit the input of a non-compliant connection between two elements. A Visio modeller can work productively with the BPM-X Designer without appreciable training time. Nevertheless, the diagrams provided by him have a clearly higher use.
The BPM-X Designer already contains the most important methods of process modelling, such as value added chains diagrams, EPKs, organizational charts, etc. The methods can be also adapted to one’s own need. Furthermore, any new methods can be defined and be visualized with the help of available or custom Visio symbols.
The diagrams are stored by the BPM-X Designer as normal Visio files, and are therefore formatted from the outset to be exchanged through the BPM-X Converter with other modelling tools and business process management systems.
