Process analysis is an essential tool for the efficient and effective control of business processes. It collects information that is needed to identify problems. Furthermore, the inclusion of different process perspectives enables a differentiated view of workflows and the resources and objects to be used.
The three perspectives of process analysis
In general, three perspectives can be defined according to which activities or processes can be analyzed. The perspectives consider the same process, but at different levels:
- Resource perspective: This is found at the highest level and describes which resources are involved in the execution of an activity.
- Process perspective: Describes the manner in which the work is carried out.
- Object perspective: Provides information about which objects are used, modified, or created.
Resources and objects are thus assigned to the respective process steps, which can then be examined in more detail in the corresponding perspective.
Process analysis can be carried out in many different ways. All methods follow the same basic principle: First, the goal is defined (asses). For process analysis, this means identifying the necessary processes and clarifying the overarching motivation. This is followed by the planning phase (aim). Here, decisions must be made on how and when a problem or challenge can be solved or addressed. Finally, the solution is applied to the problem (act).