A
- Automated Activity
- An automated activity refers to a task or step in a business process that is executed by a software system, rather than by a human. Automated activities can be used to automate a wide range of tasks, such as data entry, data validation, data processing, and communication.
- Automated Inventory Management System
- An automated inventory management system (IMS) automates various steps in the inventory management procedures, such as supply chain management, fleet maintenance, etc.
B
- Business Intelligence
- Business intelligence (BI) combines business analytics, data mining, and visualization, to help organizations make data-based decisions.
- Business Process Modeling
- Business process modeling stands for representing an enterprise’s processes so that the exact business processes can be analyzed, improved, and automated.
D
- Digital Transformation
- Digital Transformation is the process of shifting business processes into the digital world using such technologies as e-signature, digital documents, etc.
E
- Enterprise Resource Planning
- Enterprise Resource Planning is real-time business management using technologies to complete day-to-day tasks.
F
- Flowchart
- A flowchart is a type of diagram that is commonly used to represent a workflow or process. It uses a set of standardized symbols and shapes to depict the flow of tasks or decisions within a system. The flowchart typically starts with a designated “start” symbol and ends with an “end” symbol, with the various steps in between represented by shapes such as rectangles, diamonds, and ovals. These shapes are connected by arrows that indicate the flow of the process, and may include additional information such as labels or annotations to explain the tasks being represented. Flowcharts are often used in business and software development to document and analyze processes, and can also be used as a tool for process improvement.
- Framework & Enterprise Architecture
- A framework’s goal is to assist architects, designers, and engineers in comprehending how an organization’s systems and assets are logically structured and managed.
G
- Gap Analysis
- Gap Analysis involves the comparison of actual performance with potential or desired performance.
M
- Manual Activity
- A manual activity refers to a task or step in a business process that is executed by a human, rather than by a software system. Manual activities can include tasks such as data entry, data validation, decision making, communication, and other tasks that require human judgment, expertise, or interpretation.
P
- Parallel Routing
- In a workflow, parallel routing is a technique used to split a process into multiple parallel paths, allowing multiple tasks or subtasks to be executed at the same time.
Parallel routing is represented by multiple arrows branching off from a single task or decision point and each arrow represents a different path or subtask. The different paths or subtasks can be executed simultaneously, allowing the overall process to be completed more quickly.
- Post-Condition
- In a workflow, a post-condition is a rule or condition that must be satisfied after a specific task or step is executed. A post-condition defines the state or outcome that should be reached after the task or step is completed, and it’s used to control the flow of the process.
- Pre-Condition
- In a workflow, a pre-condition is a rule or condition that must be satisfied before a specific task or step can be executed. A pre-condition acts as a gatekeeper, controlling the flow of the process and ensuring that certain tasks are only executed under certain conditions.
- Process Definition Tool (PDT)
- A Process Definition Tool (PDT) is a software application that is used to create, document, and manage the definition of business processes. A PDT allows an organization to model, document, and analyze its processes in a way that is easily understood by all stakeholders. The tool typically provides a user-friendly interface for creating process diagrams, as well as a set of standard symbols and shapes that are commonly used in process modeling.
R
- Robotic Process Automation
- A form of business process automation technology based on software robots or on artificial intelligence.
S
- Swimlane diagram
- A swimlane diagram is a type of flowchart that is used to represent the flow of tasks or activities within an organization or system, with a particular emphasis on showing the roles and responsibilities of different groups or individuals. A swimlane is a horizontal or vertical lane that is used to group together related tasks or steps in the process. The swimlanes are typically arranged either horizontally or vertically, with each lane representing a specific role, department, or individual involved in the process.
The process flow is depicted by arrows connecting the different tasks or steps within the swimlanes. These diagrams can help to clearly depict and understand the flow of tasks and the roles and responsibilities of different actors. Swimlane diagrams are often used in business process modeling, and it could also be used as a tool for business process improvement and process re-engineering.
W
- Workflow
- Workflow is the sequence of tasks, steps, and decisions that need to be followed to complete a specific process. It can be thought of as a set of instructions that describe how a process should be performed, including the order in which tasks are to be completed, who is responsible for performing each task, and what should happen next based on the outcome of each task.
Workflows can be used to automate a wide range of business processes, such as invoicing, order fulfillment, human resources, and project management. The goal of a workflow is to make sure that tasks are completed in the correct order and by the right people, and to ensure that the process is efficient and accurate.
- Workflow Automation
- The technology-enabled automation of complex business processes. It can streamline a business for simplicity, increase service quality, and cut costs.
- Workflow Reference Model
- A Workflow Reference Model (WfRM) is a framework that provides a common understanding of the concepts and components that are involved in the design, execution, and management of workflows. The purpose of a WfRM is to provide a common language and a set of best practices for designing, implementing, and managing workflows.
- Workflow engine
- A workflow engine is a software component that is used to automate and manage the execution of business processes. A workflow engine is responsible for executing the steps in a workflow, determining which tasks should be performed next, and managing the flow of data and information between the different tasks.
- Workflow management system (WMS)
- A workflow management system (WMS) is a software application that is designed to help organizations automate and manage their business processes. A WMS allows an organization to define and implement a workflow – a series of tasks, steps, and decisions – that need to be followed to complete a specific process. The system can then be used to track the progress of the workflow, manage the flow of information and documents, and ensure that tasks are completed in the correct order and by the right people.
A WMS can be used to automate a wide range of business processes, such as invoicing, order fulfillment, human resources, and project management. It can also be used to integrate different systems, such as email, calendar, and customer relationship management (CRM) software. WMS allows you to streamline the process and make it more efficient, reduce errors and delays, and give you real-time visibility into the status of your processes, also it’s common to have a built-in reporting and analytics tools to measure the performance of the process.
- Workflow mapping
- Workflow mapping is the process of documenting and analyzing the steps, tasks, and decision points involved in a business process or workflow. The goal of workflow mapping is to understand and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the process, by identifying areas of inefficiency, delays, or bottlenecks, as well as areas where errors are likely to occur.
The workflow mapping process typically involves creating a visual representation of the process, using tools such as flowcharts, swimlane diagrams, or process maps. These diagrams are used to identify the key steps and tasks in the process, as well as the inputs, outputs, and decision points. As part of the mapping process, stakeholders and process participants are typically interviewed to gather information and input on the process
- Worklist
- A worklist is a list of tasks that need to be completed, usually in the context of a workflow management system. A worklist typically includes information such as the task name, a brief description of what needs to be done, the due date, the assigned person, and the current status of the task (e.g. “”Not started””, “”In progress””, “”Completed””).
A worklist can be thought of as a “”to-do list”” for a workflow, providing a clear overview of the tasks that need to be completed and the order in which they should be done. It allows to track the progress of the workflow and to manage the work distribution. It also allows to track the status of each task, for example if a task is assigned, in progress, completed, or rejected.
In a workflow management system, a worklist is typically managed by a workflow engine, which assigns tasks to the appropriate individuals, tracks the progress of tasks, and sends notifications when tasks are completed or when deadlines are approaching.