Abstract:
Systems, methods, and computer program products for business transformation of business performance indicators. Exemplary embodiments include a method for business transformation of business performance indicators, the method including building and refining a process model in a process modeler, defining metrics, key performance indicators and events, and creating metrics for capturing working duration and decision paths, specifying and preparing the process model for deployment, deploying the process model, calculating the working durations, the decision paths and the key performance indicators, measuring the process model real-time and feeding the working duration and decision percentage data into the process modeler.

Description:
TRADEMARKS 
       [0001]    IBM® is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y., U.S.A. Other names used herein may be registered trademarks, trademarks or product names of International Business Machines Corporation or other companies. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to IT-enabled business transformation, and particularly to systems, methods, and computer program products for business transformation of business performance indicators. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Background 
         [0005]    One important aspect of IT enabled business transformation is the feedback of business process measurements into the process for continuous process improvement. Until now measurements have been “after-the-fact”, i.e., they occur monthly or quarterly and are at the end of the reporting period, which is typically too late to fix the business process or prevent exposure to the business environment due to unplanned events. “Real-time” reporting for the process saves time and results in quicker process improvement and therefore yields competitive advantage. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Exemplary embodiments include a method for business transformation of business performance indicators, the method including building and refining a process model in a process modeler, defining metrics, key performance indicators and events, and creating metrics for capturing working duration and decision paths, specifying and preparing the process model for deployment, deploying the process model, calculating the working durations, the decision paths and the key performance indicators, measuring the process model real-time and feeding the working duration and decision percentage data into the process modeler. 
         [0007]    System and computer program products corresponding to the above-summarized methods are also described and claimed herein. 
         [0008]    Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a better understanding of the invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and to the drawings. 
       TECHNICAL EFFECTS 
       [0009]    As a result of the summarized invention, technically we have achieved a solution which provides systems, methods and computer program products that interlock the operational business measurements with real time capability. As such, process enhancements can be attained by integrating a monitor with an execution process, which provides capability to use workflow for both automation and notification in a real time business environment based on well defined business measurements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram a of a system for implementing systems, business transformation of business performance indicators in accordance with exemplary embodiments; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a flow for business transformation of business performance indicators in accordance with exemplary embodiments; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flow chart for a method for business transformation of business performance indicators in accordance with exemplary embodiments. 
       
    
    
       [0014]    The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    Exemplary embodiments include systems, methods and computer program products which are implemented for a “business process” in a business environment. In exemplary embodiments, by interlocking the operational business measurements with real time capability, process enhancements can be attained by integrating a monitor with an execution process, which provides capability to use workflow for both automation and notification in a real time business environment based on well defined business measurements. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a system  100  for implementing systems, business transformation of business performance indicators in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The methods described herein can be implemented in software (e.g., firmware), hardware, or a combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the methods described herein are implemented in software, as an executable program, and is executed by a special or general-purpose digital computer, such as a personal computer, workstation, minicomputer, or mainframe computer. The system  100  therefore includes general-purpose computer  101 . 
         [0017]    In exemplary embodiments, in terms of hardware architecture, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the computer  101  includes a processor  101 , memory  110  coupled to a memory controller  115 , and one or more input and/or output (I/O) devices  140 ,  145  (or peripherals) that are communicatively coupled via a local input/output controller  135 . The input/output controller  135  can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The input/output controller  135  may have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, to enable communications. Further, the local interface may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components. 
         [0018]    The processor  105  is a hardware device for executing software, particularly that stored in memory  110 . The processor  105  can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the computer  101 , a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, or generally any device for executing software instructions. 
         [0019]    The memory  110  can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)) and nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), tape, compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), disk, diskette, cartridge, cassette or the like, etc.). Moreover, the memory  110  may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory  110  can have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remote from one another, but can be accessed by the processor  105 . 
         [0020]    The software in memory  110  may include one or more separate programs, each of which comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In the example of  FIG. 1 , the software in the memory  110  includes the business transformation methods described herein in accordance with exemplary embodiments and a suitable operating system (OS)  111 . The operating system  111  essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, such the business transformation systems and methods described herein, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. 
         [0021]    The business transformation methods described herein may be in the form of a source program, executable program (object code), script, or any other entity comprising a set of instructions to be performed. When a source program, then the program needs to be translated via a compiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not be included within the memory  110 , so as to operate properly in connection with the O/S  111 . Furthermore, the business transformation methods can be written as an object oriented programming language, which has classes of data and methods, or a procedure programming language, which has routines, subroutines, and/or functions. 
         [0022]    In exemplary embodiments, a conventional keyboard  150  and mouse  155  can be coupled to the input/output controller  135 . Other output devices such as the I/O devices  140 ,  145  may include input devices, for example but not limited to a printer, a scanner, microphone, and the like. Finally, the I/O devices  140 ,  145  may further include devices that communicate both inputs and outputs, for instance but not limited to, a NIC or modulator/demodulator (for accessing other files, devices, systems, or a network), a radio frequency (RF) or other transceiver, a telephonic interface, a bridge, a router, and the like. The system  100  can further include a display controller  125  coupled to a display  130 . In exemplary embodiments, the system  100  can further include a network interface  160  for coupling to a network  165 . The network  165  can be an IP-based network for communication between the computer  101  and any external server, client and the like via a broadband connection. The network  165  transmits and receives data between the computer  101  and external systems. In exemplary embodiments, network  165  can be a managed IP network administered by a service provider. The network  165  may be implemented in a wireless fashion, e.g., using wireless protocols and technologies, such as WiFi, WiMax, etc. The network  165  can also be a packet-switched network such as a local area network, wide area network, metropolitan area network, Internet network, or other similar type of network environment. The network  165  may be a fixed wireless network, a wireless local area network (LAN), a wireless wide area network (WAN) a personal area network (PAN), a virtual private network (VPN), intranet or other suitable network system and includes equipment for receiving and transmitting signals. 
         [0023]    If the computer  101  is a PC, workstation, intelligent device or the like, the software in the memory  110  may further include a basic input output system (BIOS) (omitted for simplicity). The BIOS is a set of essential software routines that initialize and test hardware at startup, start the OS  111 , and support the transfer of data among the hardware devices. The BIOS is stored in ROM so that the BIOS can be executed when the computer  101  is activated. 
         [0024]    When the computer  101  is in operation, the processor  105  is configured to execute software stored within the memory  110 , to communicate data to and from the memory  110 , and to generally control operations of the computer  101  pursuant to the software. The business transformation methods described herein and the OS  111 , in whole or in part, but typically the latter, are read by the processor  105 , perhaps buffered within the processor  105 , and then executed. 
         [0025]    When the systems and methods described herein are implemented in software, as is shown in  FIG. 1 , it the methods can be stored on any computer readable medium, such as storage  120 , for use by or in connection with any computer related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that can contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer related system or method. The business transformation methods described herein can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In exemplary embodiments, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (electronic), a read-only memory (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber (optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Note that the computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via for instance optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. 
         [0026]    In exemplary embodiments, where the business transformation methods are implemented in hardware, the business transformation methods described herein can implemented with any or a combination of the following technologies, which are each well known in the art: a discrete logic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementing logic functions upon data signals, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, a programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a flow  200  for business transformation of business performance indicators in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The flow  200  includes a process modeler  205  in communication with a business measures editor  210  and an integration developer  215 . The business measures editor  210  is in communication with a process server. The business measures editor  210  is in communication with a business monitor  230 . In exemplary embodiments a common event infrastructure (CEI)  225  is disposed between and in communication with the process server  220  and the business monitor  230 . A business monitor dashboards  235  is further in communication with the business monitor  230  and the process modeler. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flow chart for a method  300  for business transformation of business performance indicators in accordance with exemplary embodiments. At block  305 , the method  300  via the process modeler  205  builds and refines a process model, which includes simulating what-if conditions and selecting processes for monitoring. At block  310 , the method  300  via the business measures editor, defines and create metrics (and key performance indicators (KPI) and events) for capturing working duration and decision paths. In exemplary embodiments, an observation model can be generated between the process modeler  205  and the business measures editor  210  via communication and verification between the process modeler  205  and the business measures editor  210 . At block  315 , the method  300 , via the integration developer, further specifies and prepares the processes for deployment. At block  320 , the method  300 , via the process server  220 , deploys the processes and, via the business monitor  230 , deploys the business measures model. In exemplary embodiments, the business monitor  230  calculates working durations, decision paths and other KPIs. At block  325 , via the business monitor dashboards, the processes are measured real-time. At block  330 , the working duration and decision percentage data is fed back into the process modeler  205  to begin the flow over again. 
       Example 
       [0029]    In exemplary embodiments, a business measurement system can monitor the real time execution of a Sub-Capacity Automation process for IBM zSeries. The monitor is part of a package that is implemented at the time process tools are deployed. In this case existing legacy system transactions were intercepted and routed to a beta version of the Websphere Business Monitor (e.g., the business monitor  230 ) to demonstrate the benefits of using the Monitor in a legacy business environment. This beta version (6.03) of the Websphere business monitor utilizes leading edge IBM DB2 cubes multidimensional database technology and Alphabox graphic technology. 
         [0030]    A team of business process experts, architects, developers and process owners was assembled to define a real time operational business monitor environment. Websphere Business Monitor was implemented to enable the business process environment for future enhancements using workflow in conjunction with the legacy environment. The architects and developers configured the test server system, punched holes in firewalls, implemented the business model and created XML transactions. The business modelers and measurement experts told the developers what to measure and configured the Monitor dashboard. The process owners ensured that the measurements would provide maximum value for process improvement. 
         [0031]    Actual production data from the Sub-Capacity Automation process system in Copenhagen was converted to CBE (common business event) format and sent to the Monitor test server in Pittsburgh using IBM&#39;s MQSeries product. The portals in the Monitor Dashboard were configured to generate sample charts and reports that gave insight into event characteristics and demonstrated the real time nature of the Monitor. 
         [0032]    Process measurements were analyzed in three dimensions (date, country, and geography) using IBM&#39;s DB2 Cube and Alphablox drill down graphics. Auxiliary reports were created which isolated data anomalies to specific countries. Specific instances of the CBE events were viewed for the most granular level of diagnosis and analysis. The proof-of-concept live demonstration was shown to management and was well received. Plans are already being made to expand the implementation to other processes. 
         [0033]    In exemplary embodiments, XML translations from the legacy system in Copenhagen were submitted directly to the CEI, thereby bypassing a large part of the architectural infrastructure. The XML transactions contained information from the legacy system housed on a mainframe in Copenhagen for the zSeries sub-capacity reporting process. The process server  220  is loaded with a model from WID, which tells the monitor  230  how to interpret the data and how to display the information in the monitor  230 . The XML transactions are generated by code written on the legacy systems and then sent real-time to the CEI  225 . Whenever a transaction is sent, it is interpreted and reported by the monitor  230 , which can be a message to an executive to take real-time action, or it can be an update to graphic charts or both. As such, the systems and methods described herein were adapted to an existing legacy system. 
         [0034]    The capabilities of the present invention can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware or some combination thereof. 
         [0035]    As one example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be included in an article of manufacture (e.g., one or more computer program products) having, for instance, computer usable media. The media has embodied therein, for instance, computer readable program code means for providing and facilitating the capabilities of the present invention. The article of manufacture can be included as a part of a computer system or sold separately. 
         [0036]    Additionally, at least one program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying at least one program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the capabilities of the present invention can be provided. 
         [0037]    The flow diagrams depicted herein are just examples. There may be many variations to these diagrams or the steps (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention. 
         [0038]    While the preferred embodiment to the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.