Process modelling

The objective of process modelling is to reflect the essential aspects of processes (existing or planned) in the domain under consideration. Examples of process types of interest for process modelling are: System development processes, business processes, work processes, interactions, command and control processes, learning processes, and processes in introduction of technology in organisations.

Processes are one aspect of a rich and complex picture, and when modelling the processes, we must include other aspects related to the processes as well, such as:

• Actors and their roles with respect to the processes
• Resources used by the processes
• Results produced by the processes
• Factors constraining the processes

Often, process modelling turns out to be the necessary instrument to get the overview of a complex and apparently chaotic domain. In enterprise development, process models might be the base for documenting the current state, guide in assessing improvement efforts, and support the development towards a future, desired state.
Within knowledge intensive work, process modelling might support the planning and execution of complex tasks, e.g. within the system development domain.

SINTEF offers assistance within a number of areas of process modelling application. Some examples are:

• Support in the description and utilization of system and enterprise architectures.
• Adjusting / tailoring system development methodology.
• Developing interactive, living models supported by active, model based tools in knowledge intensive work.