Analys of information need as a part of process modeling

The objective of this bachelor's thesis is to apply relevant knowledge to practical process modeling in a concrete medium size logistic operation, specifically identifying areas where there are "quick wins" possible, with minimum resources required on the part of the organization. The modeling was done in the ARIS Business Architect software. Relevant definitions and literature research are provided to put the modeling approach into context of the extensive literature on process management. The conflict between the optimum and realistic involvement of the organization's employees in creating the models was addressed by a level of detail of the description where the process steps can be documented materially by screenshots in the ERP system (SAP in this case), individual states of the material and information throughout the main process and by stipulations in the contract with the principal customer. This approach creates a risk of inconsistent, albeit detailed and relevant models. Two features address this pitfall: stringent use of the controls provided by the ARIS software to check library of objects (no synonymy or homonymy even when processes are dealt with form different angles at different times) and embedding of the detailed sub process descriptions (input and output of the detailed sub process always connects to the superior level of description). It appears that observing these principles provides for very early practical results from process modeling. It is thus possible to address some immediate concerns of the organization's functions -- management of organizational change, FMEA process, ensuring legal and contractual compliance etc. A section of the thesis deals with evaluating the maturity of processes. A set of criteria is proposed in analogy to the COBIT method of maturity assessment, A sample process is evaluated using this set of criteria The organization under review is part of the automotive supply chain, observing the principles of lean operation -- namely the pull principle. Interesting analogies exist between this principle being observed in the flow of material and handling of information. Instances are being shown where the non-observance of the pull principle creates problems and some solutions in practical process modeling are suggested to overcome these.