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name: process-modeling description: Master process modeling with BPMN, flowcharts, swimlane diagrams, and process optimization techniques for business process improvement.

Process Modeling

Create clear process models using BPMN, flowcharts, and swimlane diagrams to analyze, document, and optimize business processes.

When to Use This Skill

• Documenting current processes (AS-IS)
• Designing future processes (TO-BE)
• Analyzing process inefficiencies
• Communicating workflows
• Identifying automation opportunities
• Standardizing procedures
• Training and onboarding
• Process improvement initiatives

Core Concepts

1. BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation)

Key Elements:

• Events: Start, intermediate, end
• Activities: Tasks, sub-processes
• Gateways: Decisions, parallel, exclusive
• Sequence Flows: Process flow
• Pools/Lanes: Participants, roles

Example BPMN:

Copy[Start] → [Receive Order] → <Payment OK?> → [Process Order] → [Ship] → [End]
                                     ↓
                                [Cancel Order] → [Notify Customer] → [End]

2. Swimlane Diagrams

Structure:

CopyCustomer    | [Browse] → [Select] → [Checkout] → [Receive]
System      |            [Validate] → [Process] → [Send Email]
Warehouse   |                         [Pick] → [Pack] → [Ship]

3. Flowchart Symbols

• Rectangle: Process/Activity
• Diamond: Decision
• Oval: Start/End
• Arrow: Flow direction
• Parallelogram: Input/Output

Best Practices

1. Start simple - High-level first, then detail
2. Use standard notation - BPMN or UML
3. Show exceptions - Error paths and edge cases
4. Validate with users - Ensure accuracy
5. Keep readable - Clear labels, logical flow
6. Document assumptions - Note constraints
7. Version control - Track changes
8. Focus on value - Highlight improvements

Resources

• BPMN 2.0 Specification: OMG standard
• Lucidchart: Process modeling tool
• Draw.io: Free diagramming tool