Function Hierarchy Diagrammer

Open on Existing Function

From Process Model to Function HierarchyBase Process X

D

E

C

AA

B

C

D

E

X

B

What Is a Function Hierarchy?

• Represents business processes independent of organizational, geographical, or political boundaries

• Shows how the business fits together

• Results from functional decomposition

Process Models and Function Hierarchies

Where can I model . . .Where can I model . . .

The detailed steps in a function/process?The detailed steps in a function/process? PM/FHD

The sequence of steps?The sequence of steps? PM

What starts it off?What starts it off? PM

What results from it?What results from it? PM

Where it fits with the rest of the business?Where it fits with the rest of the business? FHD

The data it uses or produces?The data it uses or produces? PM/FHD

The materials it uses or produces?The materials it uses or produces? PM

Who is responsible for it?Who is responsible for it? PM/RON

Why use FHD instead of PM?

• Vertical View Vs. Horizontal• Organizational Capability

– Reparenting Automation Functions

– Business Rules as Functions

• Documentation Capability• Organizational Preference

Building a Function Hierarchy from Scratch

11. Identify the top-level or root function.. Identify the top-level or root function.

2.2. Decompose the functions. Decompose the functions.

33. Group subfunctions.. Group subfunctions.

44. Remove all references to mechanisms.. Remove all references to mechanisms.

55. Identify common functions.. Identify common functions.

How to Decompose FunctionsCollect informationCollect information

List candidate functionsList candidate functions

Write a top-level functionWrite a top-level function

Decompose and include functionsDecompose and include functionsfrom the candidate listfrom the candidate list

Review for completeness and relevanceReview for completeness and relevance

Feedback to othersFeedback to others

Decompose to elementary level and add detailDecompose to elementary level and add detail

Elementary Business Functions

If an intermediate step is valid, the function is not elementary.

• Take the business from one state of consistency to another or do not change the state of the business at all

• Must always continue to conclusion or be totally undone

Atomic Functions

• Defined as those on lowest level of hierarchy

• Elementary Business Functions may be atomic (most frequent case)

• Could be composed of atomic functions

Stop Decomposing When . . .

• The hierarchy:– Is accurate and self-contained .– Covers the scope.– Can be read.

• The names are succinct and meaningful.

• The functions have been sufficiently decomposed.

Documentation in PM

• Automation Check Box• Timing and Cost Analysis (Main,Resources)• Presentation (Multimedia)• Descriptive Documentation (Text)

Documentation in FHD

Immediate = Form

Overnight = Report

Documentation in FHD

Documentation in FHD

Documentation in FHD

Documentation in FHD

Common Functions

Terminatemembership

Identifydelinquentmembers

Requestreturn ofoverdue

items

Invalidatemembership

of delinquent customer

Managedelinquent

memberships

Are the Functions Really Common?

• Do the functions carry out the same processing?

• Do the functions manipulate the same information?

• Do the functions have identical decompositions?

Combining Common Functions

1. Identify common business functions.

2. Trace the route back up to the common parent.

3. Replace the common functions with a single function.

Beware of Mechanisms!Mechanism:Mechanism:

We take the customer’s photograph and stick it to the bottom left-hand side of a blank card. Wefill in all the member’s details on the card. Finally, we cover the card in plastic before giving

it to the member in person or mailing it to the member.

Business Function:

Issue new membership card

Indicating Candidates for Automation

• Select the To-be-automated box• Use color• Reparent functions into a new

hierarchy

B D ECA

X

B D E