Hi,

I have been tasked with modeling our existing payment process and I'm struggling figuring out which tool (BPMN or UML tools [Altova Umodel] are at my disposal) is appropriate in some cases.  For instance, A client begins the payment process by entering our system and choosing a payment amount.  Then they submit the payment request, which is then submitted to a payment gateway, which is then submitted to a funding institution, which is then...  Would this be considered a 'business process' or a 'design process'?

What I initially used was a Use Case diagram to specify what functions take place and what people and systems are involved.  I then modeled a sequence diagram to show the interaction between everything.

I guess what I'm trying to get is this:  Is BPMN supposed to be used only for modeling processes where people do stuff, or can it also be used to show what systems do in general?

Thanks,

vinny

BPMN has a lot of modeling advantages over UML; however I caution strongly not to use it if your customer is not familiar with it. You will have to spend time teaching it -not to mention learning it yourself.

I lecture on it from time to time and some of the newer concepts and modeling rules are confusing to some business people.

As a general rule ALWAYS use methods, techniques, taxonomies and the like that your client is already familiar with. This is critical to keeping their interest and trust. No need to be fancy ... we have an axiom in the BA world which states that documents are created only to the extent that they are needed to gain trust and understanding.

Perry McLeod, CBAP, PMP | Senior Business Analysis Consultant PJM Limited
Vice President Professional Development and Certification, IIBA Toronto/GTA

Thanks, all three of you, for the information!    Combining all three posts provides for me exactly what I needed to know...

Regards,

vinny