Abstract:
A process model lean notation provides an easy to understand way to categorize the process elements of a process using a process definition grammar. Process model lean notation allows an organization to rapidly identify the process elements of a process and the interactions between the process elements, and produces a process categorization that includes an ordered sequence of the process elements. A process categorization provides a structured presentation of the process elements and clearly indicates for each process element the task accomplished, the actor responsible for and/or performing the task, the tool that may be used to perform the task, and the work product that may result by performing the task.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Priority Claim 
         [0002]    This application claims the benefit of priority to EPO application Serial No. ______, filed on ______. 
         [0003]    2. Technical Field 
         [0004]    This disclosure concerns a system and method for categorizing a process. In particular, this disclosure relates to a system and method to efficiently identify discrete process elements of a process, and the interactions between the process elements, in order to produce a process categorization that includes an ordered sequence of the process elements. 
         [0005]    3. Background Information 
         [0006]    Organizations continue to face demands for more efficient and effective ways to analyze, model and improve business processes, while the complexity of known business process modeling (BPM) tools grow more sophisticated and resource intensive. Business process engineers often require significant training, expertise and continued effort to maintain proficiency in the utilization of known BPM tools. Today, organizations have very little time to digest and comprehend the results produced by such complex BPM tools. Consequently, many organizations fail to realize the benefits of engaging BPM initiatives. 
         [0007]    Known BPM tools provide a way to identify and record the process elements of a process, analyze the process element of the process and identify modifications that may improve the performance of the process. BPM tools identify direct relationships between process elements and the requirements addressed by each process element. BPM tools further provide process performance information that can be examined to quantitatively evaluate the performance of a process. 
         [0008]    BPM tools may be categorized into three types, including: process mapping modeling tools; modelers for software development; and modeling tools embedded in BPM systems. Process mapping modeling tools include MS-Visio®, ProVision Tools® from Proforma Corp., and Business Architect (ARIS)® from IDS Scheer. Modelers for software development include Rational Software Architect® from IBM that is capable of generating unified modeling language (UML) diagrams. Modeling tools embedded in BPM systems include Websphere® from IBM that is capable of generating workflow applications, Netweaver® from SAP, and Fusion® from ORACLE. Some of the BPM language standards include: business process modeling notation (BPMN); business process execution language (BPEL), unified modeling language (UML); and the object process methodology (OPM). 
         [0009]    Business process modeling notation (BPMN) provides a graphical notation scheme for drawing business processes in a workflow. BPMN further provides a set of graphical elements used to produce business process diagrams (BPDs). BPMN graphical elements include: flow objects; connecting objects; swimlanes; and artifacts. BPMN models can be ambiguous and confusing because the BPDs can be overloaded with information and modeling a single business process may result in different BPMN notation variations. In other words, for a single business process multiple different BPMN representations of the process may result. Communicating BPMN models based on a business process diagram without additional information is difficult and BPMN does not provide support for representing process states. 
         [0010]    Unified/universal modeling language (UML) provides a standardized visual specification language for object modeling. UML further provides a general-purpose modeling language that includes a graphical notation used to create an abstract model of a system, referred to as a UML model. UML attempts to achieve compatibility with a wide variety of available implementation languages. UML is considered a bloated and complex language that contains many diagrams and constructs that make learning and adopting UML difficult. 
         [0011]    Object process methodology (OPM) depicts systems using object models and process models. OPM employs a specialized tool called an object-process case tool to model processes. OPM employs two types of elements: entities that represent elements of a system (i.e., objects, states and processes); and links (i.e., structural and procedural). A structural link represents a relation between two objects. A procedural link represents a link between an object and a process and indicates a change in the state of the object. OPM employs an object process diagram (OPD) to depict links between objects and processes. OPD utilizes three (3) refinement and abstraction mechanisms to handle the complexity of a process. The three mechanisms include: (1) zooming in and out; (2) folding and unfolding; and (3) state expression and suppression. OPM also includes an object process language (OPL) used to translate an OPD into a natural language text string that may be interpretable by a computer. OPD imposes a learning curve and investment that many organizations may not be positioned to accept. 
         [0012]    Organizations often rely on process maps and flow diagrams to inform or update members regarding the performance of various components. However, complex BPM tools and languages impose significant resource and training requirements that prevent organizations from quickly and easily learning to use and understand such tools and languages. New members of an organization, unfamiliar with the processes of the organization, may find the mappings and flow diagrams produced by such complex and sophisticated BPM tools too difficult to comprehend. 
         [0013]    The difficulties associated with using overly complex BPM tools and languages may be compounded by, for example, (1) the amount of information required, (2) the levels of detail required to document each process element, and (3) the intricate techniques used to validate each process element. Known systems and methods of applying businesses process modeling principles fail to provide organizations the ability to economically and efficiently understand processes of interest and locate process flaws. The amount of effort required to define processes using complex business process modeling tools and languages may discourage organizations from initiating business process modeling projects, and thereby, prevent organizations from realizing the full benefits of BPM initiatives. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0014]    The disclosed methods and processes for a process model lean notation provide a simplified process definition grammar. Process definition grammar provides an efficient and understandable way to categorize the process elements of a process, and thereby model the process. Process model lean notation, as indicated by the name, takes a minimalist approach to defining processes. Process model lean notation addresses many of the shortcomings imposed by known BPM tools and languages by avoiding using graphical notations, and several categories and sub-categories to define process elements. Process definition grammar employs a natural language text notation to assign two interrelated levels of categorization to each process element of a process. Because process model lean notation limits process categorizations to two interrelated levels and utilizes concise natural language text notation for the process definition grammar, easily understandable process categorizations can be quickly produced. Each process element within a process may be assigned a first process level tag and a corresponding second process level tag dictated by the first process level tag. The first level process categories and corresponding second level process categories are comprehensive, clear and understandable to a person with little or no experience using BPM tools. Process definition grammar may include a process element identifier that is a unique alphanumeric value assigned to each process element that provides a brief description of the corresponding process element. The process element identifier combined with the first process level tag and the second process level tag assigned to each of the individual process elements of the process creates an ordered sequence that reflects the order in which processing may occur for the process. 
         [0015]    Process definition grammar may be applied to the process elements of a process to produce a process categorization (e.g., a business process model) that includes column headings corresponding to the process definition grammar, and for each process element, a row entry with values corresponding to each column heading. The process categorization is an easy tool to use and understand to define a process, identify process inefficiencies and refine a process. 
         [0016]    The process categorization may be implemented using a spreadsheet and the functionality of the spreadsheet (e.g., filtering and sorting) may be used to quickly view and navigate a process categorization. For example, using the filtering function of a spreadsheet, a process categorization can be filtered to only show process elements of a particular first level tag (e.g., SIPOC). Implementing a process categorization using a spreadsheet may allow process elements to be filtered based on multiple elements of the process definition grammar. 
         [0017]    Other systems, methods, and features of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art, upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts or elements throughout the different views. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a process categorization template with column headings. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates another embodiment of a process categorization template with column headings. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of the second process level tags that interrelate to the first process level tag of metadata identifier. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of the second process level tags that interrelate to the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of the second process level tags that interrelate to the first process level tag of ‘process’ identifier. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of the second process level tags that correspond to the first process level tag of performance identifier. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a process categorization for a process that resolves non-compliance issues. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example of a process categorization for a process that approves a compliance waiver request. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9   a  shows the logic flow that may be used to apply process definition grammar to categorize the process elements of a process. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9   b  illustrates an example of a process categorization for a patent filing process for a company. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9   c  further illustrates the example of a process categorization for a patent filing process for a company. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a process model lean notation system as a component of a process model lean notation system configuration. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment of process model lean notation memory with process definition grammar logic. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of process model lean notation memory with the process categorization. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    Process model lean notation may be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, a system, and stored on a computer readable medium and executable by a processor in communication with the computer readable medium. Process model lean notation provides a process definition grammar that employs two interrelated process level categories used to assign each process element a first process level tag and an interrelated second process level tag. Process definition grammar also provides a process element identifier that together with the first process level tag and the second process level tag assigned to the process elements of a process creates an ordered sequence that reflects the order in which processing may occur for the process. 
         [0034]    Process definition grammar includes first process level tags that represent high-level process categories (first level process categories) in which a process element may be categorized. The first process level tags represent or correspond to the first level process categories: (1) metadata; (2) supplier-input-process-output-customer (SIPOC); (3) process; (4) performance; and (5) methodology. The first level process categories are intended and/or defined to be comprehensive, clear and easily understandable to a person with little or no experience using BPM tools and languages. The first level process categories, in turn, each correspond to interrelated second level process sub-categories. The second process level tags represent or correspond to the second level process sub-categories that interrelate to the first level process categories. 
         [0035]    The (1) metadata category interrelates to sub-categories, topics and/or data about a process, including: an owner; a version; a release date; an author; revision history; and/or a policy related to the process. The metadata category provides a way to categorize process elements that improve the understanding, characteristics, and management of data about a process. These sub-categories, topics and/or data correspond to the second level process tags which, in turn, correspond to a specific first level process tag indicated by the metadata category. 
         [0036]    The (2) SIPOC category interrelates to sub-categories, topics and/or data that represent a supplier, input, a requirement of the input, an output, a requirement of the output, and/or a customer of the process. The SIPOC category employs the elements of a tool used in the Six Sigma methodology referred to as a SIPOC diagram, also known as a high level process map that is used to identify all the relevant elements of a process improvement project before work begins. These sub-categories, topics and/or data correspond to the second level process tags which, in turn, correspond to a specific first level process tag indicated by the SIPOC category. 
         [0037]    The (3) ‘process’ category interrelates to sub-categories, topics and/or data that represent a type of logical processing, including: sequential; conditional; loop; a process call; a process state; and/or a process state change. These sub-categories, topics and/or data correspond to the second level process tags which, in turn, correspond to a specific first level process tag indicated by the ‘process’ category. 
         [0038]    The (4) performance category interrelates to sub-categories, topics and/or data that represent a performance goal, a performance factor, an auxiliary performance measurement, a performance measurement, and/or a performance factor-measurement relationship. These sub-categories, topics and/or data correspond to the second level process tags which, in turn, correspond to a specific first level process tag indicated by the performance category. 
         [0039]    The (5) methodology category interrelates to sub-categories, topics and/or data that represent an element of a methodology. For example, a methodology may specify certain requisite activities for a process, the evidence of which a process element assigned that methodology category may represent. These sub-categories, topics and/or data correspond to the second level process tags which, in turn, correspond to a specific first level process tag indicated by the Methodology category. 
         [0040]    Process model lean notation also provides a workflow aspect that indicates, for each process element, an actor responsible for: a task being performed to produce a work product; a machine used to produce the work product; the work product expected as a result of completing the task; and the task. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a process categorization template  100  with column headings corresponding to the process definition grammar, including: ‘first and second process level tags’  102 ; ‘process element identifier’  104 ; ‘actor role identifier’  106 , ‘machine identifier’  108 ; ‘work product identifier’  110 ; ‘process element complete (PEC) indicator’  112 ; and ‘task identifier’  114 .  FIG. 1  further illustrates, under the ‘first and second process level tags’  102  column heading, the first process level tag and second process level tag combinations corresponding to first level process categories of: metadata  302  (e.g.,  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 , and  126 ); a methodology identifier  128 ; and a process  602  (e.g.,  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 , and  142 ). 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  illustrates another embodiment of a process categorization template  200  that includes, under the ‘first and second process level tags’  102  column heading, first process level tag and second process level tag combinations corresponding to first level process categories of: SIPOC  402  (e.g.,  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214  and  216 ); and performance  502  (e.g.,  218 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 , and  226 ). Each row entry corresponding to the column headings of the process categorization template (e.g.,  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114 ) may be pre-configured so that the values are presented in a pull-down menu list. 
         [0043]    Referring briefly to  FIGS. 9   a,    9   b  and  9   c.    FIG. 9   a  illustrates an exemplary logic flow  900   a  that may be used to apply process definition grammar to categorize the process elements of a process. For each process element, a first process level tag may be assigned ( 902 ) and an interrelated second process level tag based on the first process level tag may be assigned ( 904 ). A process element identifier may be assigned to each process element ( 906 ). An actor role identifier, work product identifier, machine identifier, and the task identifier may be assigned to each process element ( 908 ). Where no additional process elements are identified for categorization, the process categorization of the process elements includes an ordered sequence of the process elements ( 910 ). 
         [0044]      FIGS. 9   b  and  9   c  illustrate an example of a process categorization for a patent filing process for a company. The task identifiers (e.g.,  912 - 924  and  929 - 941 ) provide a short description of each process element of the patent filing process for the company. Pseudo code may be used as the task identifiers values to describe the logical processing of the process elements of a process. Each process element may be assigned a first process level tag and a second process level tag (e.g.,  942 - 954  and  955 - 967 ). Each process element may be further assigned a process element identifier (e.g.,  968 - 974  and  975 - 976 ). 
         [0045]    The patent filing process, as categorized, may be identified by the title “patent filing process”  968  and the owner of this process may be identified by the company name  969 . The patent filing process  968  may be developed and refined through multiple versions (e.g., version 01.)  970 . The release date  971  of the version  970  may be expressed as a date (e.g., mm/dd/yyyy). The patent filing process  968  may have one or more authors  972 . The patent filing process  968  may correspond to a particular company policy, for example, a disclosure requirement  973  policy that requires invention disclosures be submitted to the company&#39;s intellectual property department. The patent filing process  968  may identify an inventor  974  as a supplier to the patent filing process  968 , and the inputs to the process may include ideas  919 , that are novel and non-obvious  920 . The patent filing process  968  includes documenting an idea  921 , submitting the idea in a disclosure form  922 , reviewing the disclosure form  923 , drafting a patent application  924  and reviewing and signing the patent application  929 . 
         [0046]    An actor role identifier (e.g.,  977 - 978 ), machine identifier (e.g.,  983 - 986 ) and work product identifier (e.g.,  989 - 992 ) may be assigned to each process element. An attorney  977  may use an email software  983  application to send an email  989  to the inventor  978  (e.g., inventor name  974 ) to review the disclosure. During the course of preparing the patent application, while clarifications are needed  931 , additional documentation may be needed  932 . The inventor  978  may use an authoring tool  984  to produce additional documents  990 . The inventor  978  may submit the additional documentation  934  using the email software  983  application to send the additional documentation in an email  989  to the attorney  977 . The attorney  977  may use a meeting scheduling software  985  application to schedule a disclosure review meeting  935  with the inventor and the meeting scheduling software may produce a meeting identifier  991  that the inventor and attorney use to participate in the meeting. The attorney  977  and inventor  978  may use the telephone  986  to conduct the disclosure review meeting  936  and the meeting may result in action items  992  for the attorney and/or inventor. The attorney  977  may use the email software  983  application to send a report of the disclosure review meeting in an email  989 . When no more clarifications are needed  938 , the patent application is filed with the patent office  939 , and the company  975  (e.g., the customer and beneficiary of the patent filing process  940 ) receives a patent application filing receipt  976  from the patent office  941 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 3 through 8 , discussed below, correspond and provide additional details, embodiments and descriptions of the process definition grammar utilized and discussed in connection with  FIGS. 9   a  through  9   c.    
         [0048]    Returning to  FIG. 3 , an embodiment of the second process level tags  300  that interrelate to the first process level tag of metadata identifier  302  is illustrated. A process element assigned the metadata identifier  302  indicates that the process element represents data about the corresponding process. A second process level tag interrelating to the metadata identifier  302  may be assigned to a process element from the group consisting of: an owner identifier  304 ; a version identifier  306 ; a release identifier  308 ; an author identifier  310 ; a revision history identifier  312 ; and a policy identifier  314 . 
         [0049]    The owner identifier  304  corresponds to a process element that identifies an owner of the process. The owner of a process may be identified as a person, a team, a department within an organization, system and another process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of metadata identifier  302  and second process level tag of owner identifier  304  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Meta.Owner  116 . 
         [0050]    The version identifier  306  may be assigned to a process element that identifies the current version of the process being categorized. A process element assigned the first process level tag of metadata identifier  302  and second process level tag of version identifier  306  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Meta.Version  120 . 
         [0051]    The release identifier  308  may be assigned to a process element that identifies the release date of the current version of the process being categorized so that the version identifier  306  and the release identifier  308  correspond. A process element assigned the first process level tag of metadata identifier  302  and second process level tag of release identifier  308  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Meta.Rel  118 . 
         [0052]    The author identifier  310  may be assigned to process elements that identify the author(s) of the process being categorized. The author identifier  310  may be assigned to multiple process elements according to the number of authors of the process being categorized. A process element assigned the first process level tag of metadata identifier  302  and second process level tag of author identifier  310  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Meta.Author  122 . 
         [0053]    The revision history identifier  312  may be assigned to each process element that identifies a revision history summary for a related release of the process being categorized. For example, for each process element assigned a release identifier  308 , a corresponding process element may be assigned a revision history identifier  312 . A process element assigned the first process level tag of metadata identifier  302  and second process level tag of revision history identifier  312  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Meta.RevHistory  124 . 
         [0054]    The policy identifier  314  may be assigned to each process element that identifies a policy corresponding to the process being categorized. A process element assigned the first process level tag of metadata identifier  302  and second process level tag of policy identifier  314  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Meta.Policy  126 . The process categorization may include process elements assigned the metadata identifier  302  in any particular order. 
         [0055]      FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of the second process level tags  400  that interrelate to the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402 . A process element assigned the SIPOC identifier  402  indicates that the process element represents a supplier, input, a requirement of the input, an output, a requirement of the output, and/or a customer of the process. A second process level tag that corresponds to the SIPOC identifier  402  may be assigned to a process element from the group consisting of: a SIPOC process identifier  404 , a supplier identifier  406 , input identifier  408 , input requirement identifier  410 , output identifier  412 , output requirement identifier  414  and a customer identifier  416 . 
         [0056]    The SIPOC process identifier  404  may be assigned to a process element that identifies the process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of SIPOC process identifier  404  may be identified by the process model lean notation of SIPOC.ProcID  202 . A first process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of SIPOC process identifier  404  (e.g., SIPOC.ProcID  202 ) may precede a second process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and any other of the second process level tags that interrelate to the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402 . 
         [0057]    The supplier identifier  406  may be assigned to each process element that identifies a supplier to a corresponding SIPOC process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of supplier identifier  406  may be identified by the process model lean notation of SIPOC.Supp  204 . 
         [0058]    The input identifier  408  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to an input from a supplier identified by a process element assigned the supplier identifier  406 . A process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of input identifier  408  may be identified by the process model lean notation of SIPOC.In  206 . A first process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of supplier identifier  406  (e.g., SIPOC.Supp  204 ) may be followed by a second process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of input identifier  408  (e.g., SIPOC.In  206 ). 
         [0059]    The input requirement identifier  410  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to a requirement for an input from a supplier to a corresponding SIPOC process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of input requirement identifier  410  may be identified by the process model lean notation of SIPOC.InReq  208 . 
         [0060]    The output identifier  412  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to an output from a corresponding SIPOC process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of output identifier  412  may be identified by the process model lean notation of SIPOC.Out  214 . 
         [0061]    The output requirement identifier  414  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to a requirement for an output from a corresponding SIPOC process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of output requirement identifier  414  may be identified by the process model lean notation of SIPOC.OutReq  216 . 
         [0062]    The customer identifier  416  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to a customer of a SIPOC process. The customer of a SIPOC process may include a person, team, a department within an organization, system and another process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of customer identifier  416  may be identified by the process model lean notation of SIPOC.Cust  212 . A first process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of customer identifier  416  (e.g., SIPOC.Cust  212 ) may be followed by a second process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of output identifier  412  (e.g., SIPOC.Out  210 ). 
         [0063]      FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of the second process level tags  500  that interrelate to the first process level tag of ‘process’ identifier  502 . A process element assigned the process identifier  502  indicates that the process element represents a type of logical processing, including: sequential; conditional; loop; a process call; a process state; and a process state change. A second process level tag that corresponds to the process identifier  502  may be assigned to a process element from the group consisting of: a sequence identifier  504 , a condition identifier  506 , loop identifier  508 , process call identifier  510 , process state identifier  512 , and process state change identifier  514 . A first process element assigned the first process level tag of SIPOC identifier  402  and the second process level tag of input requirement identifier  410  (e.g., SIPOC.InReq  208 ) may be followed by a second process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and any other second process level tag that interrelates to the first process level tag of process identifier  502 . 
         [0064]    The sequence identifier  504  may be assigned to each process element that identifies sequential processing performed by a process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of sequence identifier  504  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Proc.Seq  130 . 
         [0065]    The condition identifier  506  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to conditional processing performed by a process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of condition identifier  506  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Proc.Cond  132 . A first process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of condition identifier  506  (e.g., Proc.Cond  132 ) may be followed by a second process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of sequence identifier  504  (e.g., Proc.Seq  130 ). 
         [0066]    The loop identifier  508  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to iterative processing (e.g., a “for loop” or “do while loop”) performed by a process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of loop identifier  508  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Proc.Loop  134 . A first process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of loop identifier  508  (e.g., Proc.Loop  134 ) may be followed by at least one process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and any other second process level tag that interrelates to the first process level tag of process identifier  502 . 
         [0067]    The process call identifier  510  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to a call to a second process and/or a sub-process of a first process. A first process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of process call identifier  510  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Proc.Call  136 . 
         [0068]    The process state identifier  512  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to state information (e.g., the context of processing) for the process being categorized. The process state identifier  512  corresponds to a process element that identifies and/or establishes the context in which processing is performed by a process. A first process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of process state identifier  512  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Proc.State  140 . A first process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of process state identifier  512  (e.g., Proc.State  140 ) may be followed by at least one process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of sequence identifier  504  (e.g., Proc.Seq  130 ). 
         [0069]    The process state change identifier  514  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to state change information for a process. A process element assigned the process state change identifier  514  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Proc.StateChg  142 . A first process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of process state change identifier  514  (e.g., Proc.StateChg  142 ) may precede at least one process element assigned the first process level tag of process identifier  502  and the second process level tag of process state identifier  512  (e.g., Proc.State  140 ). 
         [0070]    The process state identifier  512  and process state change identifier  514  provide a way to define the automata of a process (e.g., a state machine). The process state identifier  512  reflects the context under which processing occurs until a condition and/or event result in a state change reflected by the process state change identifier  514 . The process elements, process state identifiers  512  and/or a process state change identifiers  514  of a process may be analyzed to identify an optimal number of states (e.g., minimize the number of states) and process elements necessary to perform the functions of the process. 
         [0071]    Table 1 illustrates an example of a process identified as a ‘check status’ process that includes eight (8) process elements. Each line of Table 1 may represent a process element of the process ‘check status’ to which the process definition grammar of the process model lean notation may be applied. Line 1 of Table 1 may be categorized as a process state that indicates the context in which succeeding process elements perform. Line 2 of Table 1 may be categorized as a first conditional process element, while lines 3 and 4 may be categorized as sequential process elements corresponding to the first conditional process element of line 2. Line 5 of Table 1 may be categorized as a second conditional process element corresponding to the first conditional process element, and line 6 may be categorized as a sequential process element corresponding to the second conditional process element of line 5. Line 7 of Table 1 may be categorized as a third conditional process element corresponding to the first and second conditional process elements, and line 8 may be categorized as a process state change that indicates that the context has changed. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Process Elements for a Check Status Process 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 1 Check_Changed_Status := True; 
               
               
                   
                 2 If Status_Changed = True then 
               
               
                   
                 3  Evaluate_Status_Value; 
               
               
                   
                 4  Clear_Status_Value; 
               
               
                   
                 5 Else 
               
               
                   
                 6  Set_Status_Value; 
               
               
                   
                 7 End if 
               
               
                   
                 8 Check_Changed_Status := False; 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0072]    Table 2 illustrates first process level tag and second process level tag combinations and process element identifiers assigned to the process elements of the process shown in Table 1. Table 2 illustrates that the first process level tag and second process level tag together with the process element identifier create an ordered sequence of process elements. Table 2 illustrates that multiple process elements may be assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combinations of Proc.Seq (e.g., lines 3, 4 and 6), while a process element identifier that conforms to a naming convention (e.g., SD_Condition1_Sequence1, SD_Condition1_Sequence2 and SD_Condition2_Sequence1) combined with the first process level tag and second process level tag combinations create an ordered sequence of process elements. Table 2 further illustrates that multiple process elements assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combinations of Proc.Cond (e.g., lines 2, 5 and 7) and process element identifiers that conform to a naming convention (e.g., SD_Condition1, SD_Condition2 and SD_Condition3) create an ordered sequence of process elements. Table 2 also illustrates that where at least one process element is assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination of Proc.State and a process element identifier that conforms to a naming convention (e.g., State_Description) another process element assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination of Proc.StateChg and a process element identifier that conforms to that naming convention (e.g., SD_State_Chg_Description) creates an ordered sequence of process elements. The process element identifier, together with the first process level tag and second process level tag, create an ordered sequence of process elements that reflects the order in which processing may occur for a process. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Ordered Sequence of Process Elements 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 First and Second Process Level Tags 
                 Process element identifier 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 Proc.State 
                 State_Description (SD) 
               
               
                 2 
                 Proc.Cond 
                 SD_Condition1 
               
               
                 3 
                 Proc.Seq 
                 SD_Condition1_Sequence1 
               
               
                 4 
                 Proc.Seq 
                 SD_Condition1_Sequence2 
               
               
                 5 
                 Proc.Cond 
                 SD_Condition2 
               
               
                 6 
                 Proc.Seq 
                 SD_Condition2_Sequence1 
               
               
                 7 
                 Proc.Cond 
                 SD_Condition3 
               
               
                 8 
                 Proc.StateChg 
                 SD_State_Chg_Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0073]      FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of the second process level tags  600  that correspond to the first process level tag of performance identifier  602 . A process element assigned the performance identifier  602  indicates that the process element represents a performance goal, a performance factor, an auxiliary performance measurement, a performance measurement, and/or a performance factor-measurement relationship. A second process level tag that interrelates to the first process level tag of performance identifier  602  may be assigned to a process element from the group consisting of: a performance goal  604 ; a performance factor  606 ; an auxiliary performance measurement  608 ; a performance measurement  610 ; and a performance factor-measurement relationship  612 . 
         [0074]    The performance goal  604  may be assigned to each process element that identifies a performance goal (e.g., target performance) for a process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of performance identifier  602  and the second process level tag of performance goal  604  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Perf.Goal  220 . 
         [0075]    The performance factor  606  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to a factor related to the performance of a process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of performance identifier  602  and the second process level tag of performance factor  606  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Perf.X  222 . 
         [0076]    The auxiliary performance measurement  608  may be assigned to each process element that identifies an intermediate performance measurement of the output of a process. The auxiliary performance measurement  608  may be assigned to each process element that identifies an intermediate performance measurement of the output of a sub-process of a process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of performance identifier  602  and the second process level tag of auxiliary performance measurement  608  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Perf.Aux  224 . 
         [0077]    The performance measurement  610  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to the performance measurement of the output of a process. The performance measurement  610  may be assigned to each process element that corresponds to the performance measurement of the output of a sub-process to a process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of performance identifier  602  and the second process level tag of performance measurement  610  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Perf.Y  218 . 
         [0078]    The performance factor-measurement relationship  612  may be assigned to each process element that identifies relationship information between performance factors, auxiliary performance measurements and performance measurements corresponding to a process. A process element assigned the first process level tag of performance identifier  602  and the second process level tag of performance factor-measurement relationship  612  may be identified by the process model lean notation of Perf.F(X)  226 . A first process element assigned the first process level tag of performance identifier  602  and the second process level tag of performance factor  606  (e.g., Perf.X  222 ) may be followed by a second process element corresponding to the same process assigned the first process level tag of performance identifier  602  and the second process level tag of performance factor-measurement relationship  610  (e.g., Perf.F(x)  226 ). 
         [0079]    A process element assigned the first process level tag of methodology identifier  128  indicates that the process element represents an element of a methodology. A process element assigned the first process level tag of Methodology identifier  128  may be assigned a second process level tag of null value. The first process level tag of Methodology identifier  128  may refer to any number of methodologies (e.g., Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI), Six Sigma, PmBok®, and Lean methodology). For example, a process element that maps to the Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI) methodology may be assigned a first process level tag of ‘CMMI’ and a null value for the second process level tag. A process element assigned the first process level tag of methodology identifier  128  may be assigned a non-null value for the second process level tag based on the methodology identified by the methodology identifier  128  and/or the preference of the user. 
         [0080]    In one implementation, the Methodology identifier  128  comprises the value ‘methodology’ for the first process level tag so that process elements that correspond to any methodology may be easily identified (e.g., filtering process elements in a categorization based on the first process level tag value of ‘methodology’). The second process level tag of a process element, assigned the methodology identifier  128  value ‘methodology’ for the first process level tag, may refer to a specific methodology (e.g., Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI), Six Sigma, PmBok®, and Lean methodology). For example, a first process element that maps to the Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI) methodology may be assigned a first process level tag value of ‘methodology’ and a second process level tag value of ‘CMMI’. While a second process element that maps to the Six Sigma® methodology may be assigned a first process level tag value of ‘methodology’ and a second process level tag value of ‘SixSigma’. The process categorization can be filtered to show only those process elements corresponding to methodologies (e.g., any methodology) because the first process element and the second process element are assigned the first process level tag value of ‘methodology’. The ability to filter process elements according to whether the process elements correspond to methodologies provides a way to perform detailed analysis and identify possible interrelationships between process elements and various methodologies. 
         [0081]    Although process definition grammar may be applied so that process elements assigned the same first process level tag create an ordered sequence of process elements, process elements assigned different first process level tags may not correspond to any particular ordered sequence. For example, a process categorization may include a first process element assigned the metadata identifier  302  and a second process element assigned the SIPOC identifier  402  with no restriction as to the order in which the first process element and second process element are presented. However, a process categorization may reflect a first process level tag preference so that process elements assigned different first process level tags correspond to a preferred ordered sequence. For example, process elements assigned the metadata identifier  302  may precede other process elements assigned the SIPOC identifier  402  in a process categorization, in order to create a preferred ordered sequence of process elements. 
         [0082]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a process categorization  700  for a process that resolves non-compliance issues. The ordered sequence of process elements includes a first process element assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination Proc.Loop  702  (e.g., the process identifier  502  and the loop identifier  508 ), a process element identifier  704  of “non-compliance loop 1”, and a task identifier  706  value of “for each identified non-compliance issue”. The process element categorized by  702 - 704 - 706  indicates that the process element corresponds to a “for loop”. 
         [0083]    The next process element, in the ordered sequence of process elements, is assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination Proc.State  708  (e.g., the process identifier  502  and the process state identifier  512 ), a process element identifier  710  of “solving1”, and a task identifier  712  of “resolution of non-compliance”  712 . The process element categorized by  708 - 710 - 712  indicates that the process element identifies and/or establishes the context (e.g., “solving”) in which related process elements perform. 
         [0084]    The next process element is assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination Proc.Seq  714  (e.g., the process identifier  502  and the sequence identifier  504 ), a process element identifier  716  of “solving_seq1”, the actor role identifier  718  of “Actor 3”, the machine identifier  720  of process element machines (PEM), the work product identifier  722  of “defect 1”, and a task identifier  724  of “define the action to be performed”. The process element categorized by  714 - 716 - 718 - 720 - 722 - 724  indicates that “Actor 3” is responsible for the tasks performed using the PEM to produce the “defect 1” work product. 
         [0085]    The first process element assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination Proc.State  708  and a process element identifier  710  of “solving1” followed by the second process element assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination Proc.Seq  714  and a process element identifier  716  “solving1_seq1” creates an ordered sequence. Where multiple process elements are assigned the same first process level tag and second process level tag combination (e.g., “Proc.Seq”  714 ,  726 ,  730 , and  734 ), process element identifiers that conform to a naming convention (e.g., ‘solving1_seq1’  716 , ‘solving1_seq2’  728 , ‘solving1_seq2’  732 , and ‘solving1_seq2’  736 ) create an ordered sequence of process elements. The first process element assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination Proc.StateChg  746  is preceded by at least one other process element assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination Proc.State (e.g.,  708  and  738 ). Where a first process element and a second process element are assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination Proc.Loop (e.g.,  702  and  762 ), process element identifiers that conform to a naming convention (e.g., “non-compliance_loop1”  704  and “non-compliance_loop2”  764 ) create an ordered sequence of process elements. 
         [0086]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example of a process categorization  800  for a process that approves a compliance waiver request. The ordered sequence of process elements includes a first process element assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination Proc.State  802  (e.g., the process identifier  502  and process state identifier  512 ), a process element identifier  804  of “waiver requested 1”, and a task identifier  806  of “compliance waiver requested”. The process element categorized by  802 - 804 - 806  indicates that the process element identifies and/or establishes the context (e.g., “waiver requested”) in which related process elements perform. 
         [0087]    The next process element is assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination Proc.Cond  808  (e.g., the process identifier  502  and the condition identifier  506 ), a process element identifier  810  of “waiver requested conditional 1”, and a task identifier  812  of “if waiver requires approval”. The process element categorized by  808 - 810 - 812  indicates that the process element corresponds to conditional processing where approval of a waiver may be required. 
         [0088]    The first process element assigned Proc.Cond  808  and a process element identifier  810  of “waiver conditional 1” followed by the second process element assigned the first process level tag and second process level tag combination Proc.Seq  814  and a process element identifier  816  of “waiver conditional 1 sequence 1” creates an ordered sequence. Where multiple process elements are assigned the same first process level tag and second process level tag combination (e.g., Proc.Seq  814 ,  818 , and  826 ), process element identifiers that conform to a naming convention (e.g., ‘waiver conditional 1 sequence 1’  816 , ‘waiver conditional 1 sequence 2’  820 , and ‘waiver conditional 2 sequence 1’  828 ) create an ordered sequence of process elements. Where multiple process elements are assigned the same first process level tag and second process level tag combination (e.g., Proc.Cond  808 ,  822 , and  830 ), process element identifiers that conform to a naming convention (e.g., ‘waiver conditional 1’  810 , ‘waiver conditional 2’  824 , and ‘waiver conditional 3’  832 ) create an ordered sequence of process elements. 
         [0089]      FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a process model lean notation system  1002  as a component of a process model lean notation system configuration  1000 . Process model lean notation system configuration  1000  may further include process elements machines (PEM)  1004 , SIPOC systems  1006 , and performance management systems  1008 . The process elements machines (PEM)  1004  may include electronic and non-electronic tools such as e-mail applications and systems, and productivity systems and applications. Process model lean notation system configuration  1000  may further include various repositories and/or databases, including a repository of process categorizations  1010  where process categorizations are stored for later retrieval and use, methodologies repository  1012  and work product repository  1014 . The various components of the process model lean notation system configuration  1000  may be connected to a network  1016  (e.g., the Internet). Process model lean notation system  1002  includes a processor  1018 , a communication interface  1020  and a memory  1022  used to communicate to the various components of the process model lean notation system configuration  1000 . The memory  1022  may include process definition grammar logic  1024 , a process categorization  1026  and a user interface  1028  used to view and manipulate the process categorization  1026 . The processor  1018  is operable to execute the process definition grammar logic  1024  to produce the process categorization  1026 . A user may apply the process definition grammar logic  1024  to each process element of a process to produce the process categorization  1026 . 
         [0090]    The process definition grammar logic  1024  may communicate with the SIPOC systems  106  to receive the process elements corresponding to the SIPOC identifier  402 . Process definition grammar logic  1024  may communicate with the performance management systems  1008  to receive the process elements corresponding to the performance identifier  502 . The performance management systems  1008  may include enterprise resource management, project management and various activity monitoring systems. 
         [0091]      FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment of process model lean notation memory  1100  with process definition grammar logic  1024 . Process definition grammar logic  1024  includes first process level tags  1102 , second process level tags  1104  and process element attributes  1106 . Process definition grammar logic  1024  determines a first level process category and an interrelated second level process sub-category for each process element and assigns a corresponding first process level tag  1102  and an interrelated second process level tag  1104  to each of the process elements of a process. 
         [0092]    For example, the first process level tag of methodology identifier  128  identifies process elements that map to a methodology (e.g., the first level process category), while an interrelated second process level tag corresponding to the first process level tag of methodology identifier  128  may include any second level process sub-category of the methodology identified by the methodology identifier  128  (e.g., methodology 2 nd  process level tag  1108 ). Process definition grammar logic  1024  may communicate with the methodologies repository  1012  to receive the process elements assigned the first process level tag of methodology identifier  128  and the second process level tag of methodology 2 nd  process level tag  1108 . 
         [0093]    Process definition grammar logic  1024  may assign each process element a process element identifier  1110 . The process element identifier  1110  may comprise a unique alphanumeric value that provides a brief description of the corresponding process element. Process definition grammar logic  1024  may assign, for each process element, an actor role identifier  1112 , work product identifier  1114 , machine identifier  1116 , and task identifier  1118 . 
         [0094]    The process elements machines (PEM)  1004  may interact with the work product repository  1014  to generate work product, and store and retrieve work product identified by the work product identifier  1114 . Process definition grammar logic  1024  may receive the value of each work product identifier  1114  from the work product repository  1014 . 
         [0095]    Process definition grammar logic  1024  may assign a value (e.g., “verified” and “complete”) to a process element confirmation (PEC) indicator  1120 , for each process element, that confirms verification and/or execution of the corresponding process element. A user may review the process categorization  1026  to verify each process element and use the user interface  1028  to update the PEC indicator  1120  with a value (e.g., “verified”, “complete” and/or the initials of the person completing and/or verifying the process element) for each corresponding process element. Process definition grammar logic  1024  may, for each process element, update the PEC indicator  1120  with a value (e.g., “verified”, “complete” and/or the initials of the person completing and/or verifying the process element) based on validating the corresponding process element attributes  1106  using information received from the systems (e.g.,  1004 ,  1006  and  1008 ) and repositories (e.g.,  1010 ,  1012 , and  1014 ). The PEC indicator  1120  may include a default value (e.g., “unverified” and “incomplete”) so that process elements that have not been verified can be quickly identified. 
         [0096]      FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of process model lean notation memory  1200  with the process categorization  1026 . The process categorization  1026  includes an ordered sequence of process elements  1202 . Process definition grammar logic  1024  may use the first process level tag  1102  and second process level tag  1103  together with the process element identifier  1110  to create the ordered sequence of process elements  1202 . Process model lean notation system  1002  receives process elements (e.g., first process element (FPE)  1204 , second process element (SPE)  1206 , and Nth process element (NPE)  1208 ) that define a process. Process definition grammar logic  1024  may use the process categorization  1026  to generate a process mapping of the process. Process definition grammar logic  1024  may complete the ordered sequence of process elements  1202  once process definition grammar logic  1024  assigns each of the process elements of a process a first process level tag  1102  (e.g.,  1210 ,  1212  and  1214 ), a second process level tag  1104  (e.g.,  1216 ,  1218  and  1220 ), the process element attributes  1106  (e.g.,  1222 ,  1224  and  1226 ) and in particular the process element identifier  1110  (e.g.,  1228 , 1230  and  1232 ). 
         [0097]    The systems may be implemented in many different ways. For example, although some features are shown as computer program products embodied as a signal or data stream and/or stored in computer-readable memories (e.g., as logic implemented as computer-executable instructions or as data structures in memory), all or part of the systems, logic, and data structures may be stored on, distributed across, or read from other machine-readable media. The media may include hard disks, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, a signal, such as a signal received from a network or partitioned into sections and received in multiple packets communicated across a network. The systems may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The files, schemas, and messages used by the systems may employ formats that are different from the formats described above. 
         [0098]    Furthermore, the systems may be implemented with additional, different, or fewer components. As one example, a processor or any other logic may be implemented with a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a DSP, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), program instructions, discrete analogue or digital logic, or a combination of other types of circuits or logic. As another example, memories may be DRAM, SRAM, Flash or any other type of memory. The systems may be distributed among multiple components, such as among multiple processors and memories, optionally including multiple distributed processing systems. Logic, such as programs or circuitry, may be combined or split among multiple programs, distributed across several memories and processors, and may be implemented in or as a function library, such as a dynamic link library (DLL) or other shared library. 
         [0099]    While various embodiments of the process model lean notation have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.