RE: Definition of business process

[Cory Casanave <cory-c@dataaccess.com>]

It may be better to position ebXML as having a specification (not model) of
the externally visible (e-) business process.  While the internal business
process must, logically, "fit" or be fitted to this external specification
it does not have to be an extension of it from the modeling perspective.
Specifically, there would be no requirement to model internal processes to
adhere to the external specification.  Modeling is usually thought of as a
process of discovery, which may be miss-leading to the users of ebXML.
Those creating a new process specification (E.G. SWIFT) will probably have
to "model" some process so as to specify it, but that modeling may not be
formal or visible in the final result.

Note that this distinction is somewhat soft, but may better communicate the
intent and reduce fears that users would have to model their business to use
ebXML.  An ebXML process specification should not have to be large, complex
or a burden (Most b2b processes are quite simple).

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Bob Haugen [SMTP:linkage@interaccess.com]
> Sent:	Wednesday, February 09, 2000 8:54 AM
> To:	'ebxml-bp@lists.oasis-open.org'; 'ebxml-core@lists.oasis-open.org'
> Subject:	RE: Definition of business process
> 
> Jacque Littre wrote:
> >You will find in the ? below my interpretation of what is usually meant
> by "Business >Process" and business modeling as understood in
> >business analysis activities (an activity part of software engineering in
> general). 
> [...]
> >Business modeling is one of the most important activity of Business
> Analysis.
> [...]
> >The reason to go through business modelling is usually for business
> >reengineering or business improvement. 
> 
> Yes, that is the context that I usually associate with business process
> modeling: analyzing the internal processes of an existing business
> to improve it, usually by eliminating non-value-adding activities.
> 
> It is a very different context from (my understanding of) ebXML,
> which is concerned with the external relations among many
> businesses.  That is why I think of economic exchanges
> first when I think of ebXML.  
> 
> I don't doubt that Christian Huemer is correct when he
> states that internal processes will need to be considered,
> but I certainly wouldn't start there.
> 
> That is my personal view, of course - I'm still trying to learn 
> what the ebXML consensus view is.  In that light, Jacques,
> you wrote a good definition of business process modeling,
> but is that what you think ebXML should do?
> 
> >Some good references in this area are the "Catalysis" method 
> >by Desmond d'Souza and Alan Wills 
> 
> Yes, Catalysis is excellent.  Maybe more complex than is
> needed for ebXML?
> 
> Thanks for your feedback,
> Bob Haugen