Harbarian process modeling

HPM Process Diagram

Harbarian Process Modeling (HPM) is a method of visually documenting an organization’s internal processes in an effective and simplistic manner. This method provides a high-level overview of a process, or workflow, so that any stakeholder can readily read and understand the information. The HPM method is comprised of two levels:

• 1. Process diagrams: High-level overviews of specific processes or workflows
• 2. Systems diagrams: Mapping how each process is correlated, as well as various inputs, outputs, goals, feedback loops, and external factors.

HPM Method Steps

In order to successfully utilize the HPM method, one must follow several steps to elicit the relevant information:

• 1. Identification
  • a. Identify all groups/teams (each becomes a process series, e.g. 1.0, 2.0, 3.0…)
  • b. Identify the major processes completed by each team (e.g. 3.1, 3.2, 3.3…)
  • c. Identify the major phases of each process (e.g. Request, Evaluate, Process, Close)
  • d. Identify all steps in each process (including tasks, decision points, inspections, input documents and output documents)
• 2. Collaborate
  • a. Create a draft of each process diagram
  • b. Review each process diagram with the group/team for consensus
  • c. Review each process diagram with others groups/teams to gain consensus from an external perspective
• 3. Connect
  • a. Make each group/team a “system”
  • b. Using the group/team’s processes, identify:
    • i. Inputs (what is needed to start?)
    • ii. Transformations (mostly processes)
    • iii. Outputs (can include processes, such as archiving or data compilation)
    • iv. Feedback Loops (how is the process evaluated, improved, reviewed)
    • v. External Factors (major influences – market, legal, seasonal, etc.)
    • vi. Goals (what is the purpose? Keep the system focused)
  • c. Connect all relevant parts together
• 4. Maintain
  • a. These are “living documents” and must be treated as such. Processes & workflows will change over time and need to be reflected in these diagrams.

Process Series

Each organization is unique and is both structured differently and functions differently than any other organization. For this reason, the Business Analyst needs to use their own skills and critical thinking abilities to determine how process series will be assigned. The primary technique when using the HPM method is to assign a unique process series number to each group/team. For example:

• 1.0 Data Management Team
  • 1.1 Change Request Process
  • 1.2 Space Request Process
  • 1.3 Archiving Process
• 2.0 Design Team
  • 2.1 Project Design Process
  • 2.2 Furniture Layout Process
  • 2.3 Ordering New Product Process

Process Diagrams

Process diagrams visually map out a specific workflow that is completed. These diagrams include an overview of the major phases of a workflow, as indicated in the circles, and then the steps of the workflow. There are 6 primary shapes used within these diagrams (see LEGEND below). Additionally, arrows are used to indicate the flow. Standard grey lines with an arrow head show the standard sequential flow. (Y)es and (N)o arrows are used for decision points within the diagram. Dotted/dashed lines show an association (a connection of some sort) that is usually self-apparent or else explained within the diagram. Larger directional arrows also indicated points where the workflow connects to another process diagram.

Systems Diagrams

Parts of a HPM Systems Diagram

Systems diagrams encompass all of the work completed by either a group/team or organizational function. HPM systems diagrams rely on Systems Thinking to understand a functioning portion of an organization independently from the whole.