In case you missed it...
Candace began the discussion by talking about how process visibility makes it easier to focus on change efforts. Often, managers are assigned the task of improving an end product, but they’re not the ones responsible for the day-to-day processes that make that product operational, meaning when it comes to improvement efforts they have no idea where to start. In order to streamline and set objective performance indicators, TAB Bank set themselves a clear goal to hit: $1 billion. They brought in the process owners and functional managers to sit down together and collaboratively map out the process. Using Signavio as a tool was especially useful because they were able to map it in real-time during the discussion. This allowed them to identify and discuss pain points on the spot, speeding progress. Next, they mapped out the process as they wanted it to be to meet their business objectives -- the future-state -- and compared the two. This gave them a great jumping off point to reach their goal.
Candace focused on three specific areas where users can transform simple process mapping to process management in her presentation: understanding the cost impact of change, closing the gap between business users and IT, and leveraging process efforts to reduce training workloads. If you want to hear her tell it in her own words, you can download the whole TAB Bank webcast recording.
Understanding the cost impact of change
Signavio is an ideal tool in terms of understanding the cost impact of change. Candace noted that simulations are very important for analyzing budgets and future spending. She also said that it helps with employee buy-in, because it demonstrates the “why” behind the change. This saves time and money. And it’s helpful if you need to demonstrate value to management because it easily shows why products or people are worth the extra investment.
Closing the gap between business users and IT
Process management can also help close the gap between IT and business users. This is normally the role of product managers. Before Signavio, TAB Bank relied on a Word document with a bullet-point list or Excel documents. Now with Signavio, they have process maps to show what deliverables are, and how the process should flow. It’s been a great tool for internal IT development and allows them to ask questions and see what exactly is happening deep down in the process so they can understand what business users want.
One specific example shared by Candace, which illustrates the delays and misunderstanding caused by poor Business/IT alignment is the development of an automated scorecard for one of the Bank’s products. The purpose of the scorecard was to automatically approve or decline customers, or create an exception when an application was made. Before using Signavio, they tried to explain this process with an Excel sheet but the developers couldn’t figure out how to implement it, and the business users didn’t know how to explain it clearly to IT. After modeling the process using Signavio, the business users showed the process to the developers, allowing everyone to get on the same page.
Leveraging process efforts to reduce training workloads
The other process management scenario that Candace discussed was leveraging process efforts to reduce training workloads. Before, all their training materials and manuals were printed. If they needed an update, addendums were added, notes were scribbled in, or the updates just weren’t implemented uniformly. The manuals were stored in different locations and even the ones that were digitized required access permissions. Now, all the materials are collected using Signavio and accessible in SAP Signavio Collaboration Hub. Not only has TAB Bank created a single source of truth in regards to the training material, they’ve optimized it by connecting the materials directly to process maps. This means that users have the ability to drill down on subprocesses, and link to value chains and pool lanes that correspond to job titles. So in the end, they have a wealth of information accessible through the training materials.
Go from process mapping to process management
These are just a few of the great insights Candace shared in the live webcast about moving beyond process mapping to process management. If you couldn’t make the live broadcast, you can still hear about how TAB Bank is using Signavio by requesting a download of the webcast (just click on the box at the top right-hand side of this page). Or, request a demo to see how we can change your processes.