Modelling different workflow-options

[Former Member]

Hi,

There is a wiki which tells us the different work-flow options you can use:

SAP Business Workflow,

Guided Procedures

Collaboration tasks

ccBPM

etc.

Question1: is the a comprehensive tool to model these different altogether or do we need SAP Business Workflow's own modelling tool, UML for guided procedures, ? for Collaboration tasks and BPMN for BPEL separately (I hope it's not...).

Question 2: How does ARIS EPC's relate to this: the EPC is used for business-modelling. This should be the starting point for configurating different workflow-options, (using different models?).

Greetings Theo

[Former Member]

Hi,

Not quite the same but I think a related topic...

The future fit of SAP strategy and direction on Enterprise Architecture Frameworks and Business Process Modelling methods.

At the EA day at Tech Ed we heard SAP was developing an EA Framework based on TOGAF from the Open Group.

How will that framework fit and work in an integrated way to BPM Tools. (i.e. I have heard in an ASUG IDS-Scheer presentation that there is planned an "embedded version of ARIS" for the next NetWeaver release.

We are looking at both using ARIS here (as a big SAP Customer) but also looking at developing/articulating an Enterprise Architecture Framework as well. (Not just for the SAP world, but across IT). We are unsure which direction to head in.

Any tips please?

Regards, Phil G

[Former Member]

Hello Phil:

I'm glad you brought this up. Lemme see if I can address everything here as best as I can:

1) That is correct. We (SAP) are developing an EA Framework. However, this is, IMHO, not SAP-specific. I'd argue that it isn't because it doesn't require any product behind it; that is, it's <i>technology/product independant</i>. As a testament to the "<b><i>revolutionary evolution</i></b>" SAP is undertaking in terms of product development and technology in general, the NetWeaver platform can fit into the/an EA framework, not the other way around. So instead of working your strategic architecture models around SAP, you can take a more strategic approach towards SAP.

2) Yes, this new EA framework has strong roots in the TOGAF. IMHO, I see other methods and delivery process influences peeking out as well. So far, I like the holistic approach our team is taking in it's development - it should be a very good "release". Look out this year for announcements - if I come upon something, I'll mention it in my blog.

3) In terms of your ARIS question, I understand that the nice folks at ARIS are working closely with us to ensure that their design/modelling tools will have the capability to model against this new EA Framework - and like other tools I've used like Rational Enterprise Suite, Enterprise Architect, Visio, et al, they usually do.

4) In terms of "fit", there's nothing to "fit". EA Frameworks, by design, are supposed to work like a skeleton; that is, like an 8-year old child's skeleton, an EA Framework should be rigorous enough to maintain it's structure, but adaptable enough to grow and mould as the body grows and matures. Perhaps not the best analogy, but maybe enough to illustrate context and meaning.

5) My experience taught me to work smart and not hard - no point inventing and reinventing the wheel. That is, with respect to your organization developing it's own EA Framework - I think that's a very responsible and smart endeavour... but I'd also leverage what's out there as I develop what's right for my organization. So if you feel that what we (SAP) develop can work within the context of your organization (think old 80/20 rules), then I'd say call us and leverage away. After all, that's our raison d'etre

Hope my blathering helps and gives you something to think about. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to email/call me. If I don't know it, I'm sure I can find someone who can.

- Tery

[Former Member]

Hi Tery,

Thanks.

We certainly don't intend to re-invent the wheel when developing our EA Framework, which is why we are interested in what is already out there and what can be provided as a base.

As we progress this this year, it would be great to be able to leverage off expertise and artifacts that are already available. As a global SAP customer, I am hoping we can do that.

Cheers, Phil G.