Recently, I participated in a survey where they asked: what are key best practices that a solution architect should remember. When I reread my answers, I found that my best practices actually also work fine for process architects.
Here they are:
1. Beware YAGNI (You are not going to use it): base your solution architecture on traceable requirements and no more
2. Mind the coupling of components: the less a component knows, the better
3. Beware TAGRI (They aren’t going to read it): travel light, document what’s necessary and translate/summarize to various stakeholder viewpoints to get buy-in (or at least understanding)
(TAGRI was defined by Scott Ambler, in a great essay: http://www.agilemodeling.com/essays/tagri.htm)
4. Business managers don’t care about SOA. They care about that customers are served, employees can do their job, cost, time to market and flexibility/agility
5. Have a clear conceptual model of the concepts that you will use (logical component, technical function, datamodel, etc) and how these concepts relate + trace back (and forward) to other artifacts
6. Talk to the system management people too – certain non-functionals (reliability, security, etc) will drive a lot of your architecture and these people need to become your friend too…
7. The sooner the people in your team start coding, the longer it’s going to take
8. Business analysts focus on the WHY and WHAT and represent demand, architects focus on the HOW (and WHY HOW) and represent supply, don’t get this mixed up
9. Focus on the complex scary stuff first, even though the simple stuff might make you seem to have a lot of progress
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A new form of business rule mining and validation?
I am fully emerged in a business rules automation project, as a process consultant for rules governance.
Last week I received training in the business rules management suite that is used within the project (Be Informed, a promising dutch player, see their website).
And it brought me back years ago, when I was programming (during my time @ university) in Prolog.
Part of my Prolog assignment back then, was to implement an algorithm (from Quinlan) from the Artificial Intelligence - Machine learning domain (see for instance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supervised_learning).
It worked basically as follows:
You gave it a set of examples, in which each example contained a set of variables and their data, and an associated classification.
For instance:
(Color=Red, Tiers=True, NrOfTiers=4, Engine=True, Sail=False, CanBeInWater=False) -> Car
(Color=Green, Tiers=True, NrofTiers=2, Engine=False, Sail=False, CanBeInWater=False) -> Bike
(Color=White, Tiers=False, NrOfTiers=n/a, Engine=False, Sail=True, CanBeInWater=True) -> Sailingboat
Etc.
When you ran the algorithm, it was able to analyse the examples and classifications, and come up with a minimum set of rules that matched the key determining variables and classification, e.g.:
(Tiers=True, NrOfTiers=4, Engine=True) -> Car
(Tiers=True, NrOfTiers=2, Engine=False) -> Bike
Back to the project....
Considerable time is currently spent in the project for business rule elicitation. Workshops, study of systems, analysing documents, analysing legislation, etc.
In a recent project someone in my company worked with Process Mining, in which logfiles were analysed, and based on the logfile a process diagram was constructed (+ all kinds of performance data).
Adding algorithm, effort and the concept of process mining, made me look up Rule Mining (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_rule_mining). Strangly enough this differs from the concept of Process mining (it does not analyse data, but code).
And this triggered the following "Wouldn't it be cool" idea:
What if we constructed a strong machine learning algorithm component in a business rules management suite, that was able to analyse great sets of (historic) production data and construct the business rule set that was apparently used?
Example: we have a large CRM database and a Billing system. We create a combined table:
(Customer data), (Order data), (Billing Data) and select certain variables that we want to explain, using business rules based on the remaining variables.
For instance: what are the rules for VAT, discount and Gold membership?
The algorithm would do it's work, and create the minimal rule set...
For instance:
(Country=Netherlands) -> (VAT=19%)
(Orderamount > 200, OrderAmount <300, country =" Germany," customerindustry =" Bank)"> (Discount = 5%)
I see a number of benefits:
- Saving time for rules elicitation
- Retroactively understand what rules where used, and compare them to the existing policies (compliance checks)
Do any of the current BRMS have this feature already? (Time to patent ;-))
For a great overview of machine learning basics:
http://www.informatica.si/PDF/31-3/11_Kotsiantis%20-%20Supervised%20Machine%20Learning%20-%20A%20Review%20of...pdf
Last week I received training in the business rules management suite that is used within the project (Be Informed, a promising dutch player, see their website).
And it brought me back years ago, when I was programming (during my time @ university) in Prolog.
Part of my Prolog assignment back then, was to implement an algorithm (from Quinlan) from the Artificial Intelligence - Machine learning domain (see for instance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supervised_learning).
It worked basically as follows:
You gave it a set of examples, in which each example contained a set of variables and their data, and an associated classification.
For instance:
(Color=Red, Tiers=True, NrOfTiers=4, Engine=True, Sail=False, CanBeInWater=False) -> Car
(Color=Green, Tiers=True, NrofTiers=2, Engine=False, Sail=False, CanBeInWater=False) -> Bike
(Color=White, Tiers=False, NrOfTiers=n/a, Engine=False, Sail=True, CanBeInWater=True) -> Sailingboat
Etc.
When you ran the algorithm, it was able to analyse the examples and classifications, and come up with a minimum set of rules that matched the key determining variables and classification, e.g.:
(Tiers=True, NrOfTiers=4, Engine=True) -> Car
(Tiers=True, NrOfTiers=2, Engine=False) -> Bike
Back to the project....
Considerable time is currently spent in the project for business rule elicitation. Workshops, study of systems, analysing documents, analysing legislation, etc.
In a recent project someone in my company worked with Process Mining, in which logfiles were analysed, and based on the logfile a process diagram was constructed (+ all kinds of performance data).
Adding algorithm, effort and the concept of process mining, made me look up Rule Mining (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_rule_mining). Strangly enough this differs from the concept of Process mining (it does not analyse data, but code).
And this triggered the following "Wouldn't it be cool" idea:
What if we constructed a strong machine learning algorithm component in a business rules management suite, that was able to analyse great sets of (historic) production data and construct the business rule set that was apparently used?
Example: we have a large CRM database and a Billing system. We create a combined table:
(Customer data), (Order data), (Billing Data) and select certain variables that we want to explain, using business rules based on the remaining variables.
For instance: what are the rules for VAT, discount and Gold membership?
The algorithm would do it's work, and create the minimal rule set...
For instance:
(Country=Netherlands) -> (VAT=19%)
(Orderamount > 200, OrderAmount <300, country =" Germany," customerindustry =" Bank)"> (Discount = 5%)
I see a number of benefits:
- Saving time for rules elicitation
- Retroactively understand what rules where used, and compare them to the existing policies (compliance checks)
Do any of the current BRMS have this feature already? (Time to patent ;-))
For a great overview of machine learning basics:
http://www.informatica.si/PDF/31-3/11_Kotsiantis%20-%20Supervised%20Machine%20Learning%20-%20A%20Review%20of...pdf
Thursday, February 19, 2009
BPM vendor brand confusion vs analyst power....
Hmmm,
Received emails from two different vendors, with an invite for Gartner's European BPM conference. Strange, same template, same discount.
Singularity and Metastorm.
If I scan the text, appearantly the BPM vendors are allowed to place 1 - 2 line of own text. Talk about Analyst power....
Singularity will be demonstrating how you can urgently cut operational costs in the shortest possible timescales using our unique high-speed process reengineering approach.
Metastorm is the leading provider of business process solutions. Metastorm BPM® allows you to quickly implement, manage, monitor and analyze improved business processes.
===============
Gartner Business Process Management Summit 2009Using BPM to Thrive, Survive and Capitalize
Register Now
Summit Website
Other Gartner Events
Dear Roeland,Singularity is delighted to support the Gartner Business Process Management Summit 2009 taking place 23-25 February 2009 in London and, as sponsors, we are able to offer you a special 20% discount* on the standard registration fee!Gartner predicts: More than 50% of BPM programs will fail by 2011. How do you make sure your BPM program will be successful by 2011?While you can’t control the economy, you can control the business processes that lie at the very heart of your organization’s ability to survive, thrive and capitalize, even in the most volatile of circumstances.Hear it first at the Gartner Business Process Management Summit, 23 – 25 February, in London. Discover the latest BPM developments, business insights, research and case studies that will help you to:
•
Deepen your understanding of process-driven innovation, continuous process improvement and efficiency
•
Sell a BPM project’s value and obtain executive buy-in
•
Gain the latest change management advice to accelerate business transformation
•
Navigate the BPM vendor landscape to evaluate and select vendors and service providers to invest in the right tools for better planning, budgeting and forecast
•
Learn best practices with BPM project management do's and don'ts to save time, money and effort
•
Recognize the opportunity to avoid costly BPM integration nightmares!
Business Process Management has been at the top of the CIO’s agenda for the past several years and the challenging economic climate makes BPM even more of a strategic imperative.Make better BPM investment decisions, health check your plans and projects and get connected at the Gartner Business Process Management Summit, 23–25 February, in London, the most relevant, timely and important conference.Singularity will be demonstrating how you can urgently cut operational costs in the shortest possible timescales using our unique high-speed process reengineering approach. Review the program and register today.Your processes have never been more important.Online: europe.gartner.com/bpm Phone: +44 (0)20 8879 2430Email: enquiries.events@gartner.com*This discount offer does not apply retrospectively.
europe.gartner.com/bpm
Price Discount
We can offer you a special 20% discount on the standard registration fee - a saving of €539! Register Now and quote XXXXXX to receive your 20% discount.
Team Benefits
No single delegate can possibly cover an entire Summit and extract all of its value. That's why so many enterprises send entire teams.– Get preferential access, as a team, to your preferred analyst of choice – Exclusive meeting rooms for intrateam meetings onsite, subject to availability
Analyst One-on-One
Don't miss out on the opportunity to spend 30 minutes privately, for FREE, discussing a topic of your choice with a Gartner analyst who specializes in this area. (registration is required) Register Now
View the Brochure
© 2009 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. or its affiliates.
PrivacySingularity provides a variety of information through its website pages and offers readers of that information the opportunity to request further information or interaction with Singularity. This Privacy Policy outlines Singularity's approach to use of information you might supply to us during these interactions. Please read full Privacy Policy hereUnsubscribePlease send us an email with the title "Unsubscribe" to: m.white@singularity.co.uk
Gartner Business Process Management Summit 2009Using BPM to Thrive, Survive and Capitalize
Register Now
Summit Website
Other Gartner Events
Metastorm is delighted to support the Gartner Business Process Management Summit 2009 taking place 23-25 February 2009 in London and, as sponsors, we are able to offer you a special 20% discount* on the standard registration fee!Gartner predicts: More than 50% of BPM programs will fail by 2011. How do you make sure your BPM program will be successful by 2011?While you can’t control the economy, you can control the business processes that lie at the very heart of your organization’s ability to survive, thrive and capitalize, even in the most volatile of circumstances.Hear it first at the Gartner Business Process Management Summit, 23 – 25 February, in London. Discover the latest BPM developments, business insights, research and case studies that will help you to:
•
Deepen your understanding of process-driven innovation, continuous process improvement and efficiency
•
Sell a BPM project’s value and obtain executive buy-in
•
Gain the latest change management advice to accelerate business transformation
•
Navigate the BPM vendor landscape to evaluate and select vendors and service providers to invest in the right tools for better planning, budgeting and forecast
•
Learn best practices with BPM project management do's and don'ts to save time, money and effort
•
Recognize the opportunity to avoid costly BPM integration nightmares!
Business Process Management has been at the top of the CIO’s agenda for the past several years and the challenging economic climate makes BPM even more of a strategic imperative.Make better BPM investment decisions, health check your plans and projects and get connected at the Gartner Business Process Management Summit, 23–25 February, in London, the most relevant, timely and important conference.Metastorm is the leading provider of business process solutions. Metastorm BPM® allows you to quickly implement, manage, monitor and analyze improved business processes.Review the program and register today.Your processes have never been more important.Online: europe.gartner.com/bpm Phone: +44 (0)20 8879 2430Email: enquiries.events@gartner.com*This discount offer does not apply retrospectively.
europe.gartner.com/bpm
Price Discount
We can offer you a special 20% discount on the standard registration fee - a saving of €539! Register Now and quote XXXXXXXX to receive your 20% discount.
Team Benefits
No single delegate can possibly cover an entire Summit and extract all of its value. That's why so many enterprises send entire teams.– Get preferential access, as a team, to your preferred analyst of choice – Exclusive meeting rooms for intrateam meetings onsite, subject to availability
Analyst One-on-One
Don't miss out on the opportunity to spend 30 minutes privately, for FREE, discussing a topic of your choice with a Gartner analyst who specializes in this area. (registration is required) Register Now
View the Brochure
© 2009 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. or its affiliates.
Metastorm Ltd. is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 2322265.Keep email from Metastorm coming! To make sure you continue to receive our emails, please add contact_metastorm.com@mail.vresp.com to your address book or approved sender list.If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the following link: Unsubscribe
Click here to forward this email to a friend
MetastormCentral House,1 Alwyne Road,London, England SW19 7ABUK
Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.
Received emails from two different vendors, with an invite for Gartner's European BPM conference. Strange, same template, same discount.
Singularity and Metastorm.
If I scan the text, appearantly the BPM vendors are allowed to place 1 - 2 line of own text. Talk about Analyst power....
Singularity will be demonstrating how you can urgently cut operational costs in the shortest possible timescales using our unique high-speed process reengineering approach.
Metastorm is the leading provider of business process solutions. Metastorm BPM® allows you to quickly implement, manage, monitor and analyze improved business processes.
===============
Gartner Business Process Management Summit 2009Using BPM to Thrive, Survive and Capitalize
Register Now
Summit Website
Other Gartner Events
Dear Roeland,Singularity is delighted to support the Gartner Business Process Management Summit 2009 taking place 23-25 February 2009 in London and, as sponsors, we are able to offer you a special 20% discount* on the standard registration fee!Gartner predicts: More than 50% of BPM programs will fail by 2011. How do you make sure your BPM program will be successful by 2011?While you can’t control the economy, you can control the business processes that lie at the very heart of your organization’s ability to survive, thrive and capitalize, even in the most volatile of circumstances.Hear it first at the Gartner Business Process Management Summit, 23 – 25 February, in London. Discover the latest BPM developments, business insights, research and case studies that will help you to:
•
Deepen your understanding of process-driven innovation, continuous process improvement and efficiency
•
Sell a BPM project’s value and obtain executive buy-in
•
Gain the latest change management advice to accelerate business transformation
•
Navigate the BPM vendor landscape to evaluate and select vendors and service providers to invest in the right tools for better planning, budgeting and forecast
•
Learn best practices with BPM project management do's and don'ts to save time, money and effort
•
Recognize the opportunity to avoid costly BPM integration nightmares!
Business Process Management has been at the top of the CIO’s agenda for the past several years and the challenging economic climate makes BPM even more of a strategic imperative.Make better BPM investment decisions, health check your plans and projects and get connected at the Gartner Business Process Management Summit, 23–25 February, in London, the most relevant, timely and important conference.Singularity will be demonstrating how you can urgently cut operational costs in the shortest possible timescales using our unique high-speed process reengineering approach. Review the program and register today.Your processes have never been more important.Online: europe.gartner.com/bpm Phone: +44 (0)20 8879 2430Email: enquiries.events@gartner.com*This discount offer does not apply retrospectively.
europe.gartner.com/bpm
Price Discount
We can offer you a special 20% discount on the standard registration fee - a saving of €539! Register Now and quote XXXXXX to receive your 20% discount.
Team Benefits
No single delegate can possibly cover an entire Summit and extract all of its value. That's why so many enterprises send entire teams.– Get preferential access, as a team, to your preferred analyst of choice – Exclusive meeting rooms for intrateam meetings onsite, subject to availability
Analyst One-on-One
Don't miss out on the opportunity to spend 30 minutes privately, for FREE, discussing a topic of your choice with a Gartner analyst who specializes in this area. (registration is required) Register Now
View the Brochure
© 2009 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. or its affiliates.
PrivacySingularity provides a variety of information through its website pages and offers readers of that information the opportunity to request further information or interaction with Singularity. This Privacy Policy outlines Singularity's approach to use of information you might supply to us during these interactions. Please read full Privacy Policy hereUnsubscribePlease send us an email with the title "Unsubscribe" to: m.white@singularity.co.uk
Gartner Business Process Management Summit 2009Using BPM to Thrive, Survive and Capitalize
Register Now
Summit Website
Other Gartner Events
Metastorm is delighted to support the Gartner Business Process Management Summit 2009 taking place 23-25 February 2009 in London and, as sponsors, we are able to offer you a special 20% discount* on the standard registration fee!Gartner predicts: More than 50% of BPM programs will fail by 2011. How do you make sure your BPM program will be successful by 2011?While you can’t control the economy, you can control the business processes that lie at the very heart of your organization’s ability to survive, thrive and capitalize, even in the most volatile of circumstances.Hear it first at the Gartner Business Process Management Summit, 23 – 25 February, in London. Discover the latest BPM developments, business insights, research and case studies that will help you to:
•
Deepen your understanding of process-driven innovation, continuous process improvement and efficiency
•
Sell a BPM project’s value and obtain executive buy-in
•
Gain the latest change management advice to accelerate business transformation
•
Navigate the BPM vendor landscape to evaluate and select vendors and service providers to invest in the right tools for better planning, budgeting and forecast
•
Learn best practices with BPM project management do's and don'ts to save time, money and effort
•
Recognize the opportunity to avoid costly BPM integration nightmares!
Business Process Management has been at the top of the CIO’s agenda for the past several years and the challenging economic climate makes BPM even more of a strategic imperative.Make better BPM investment decisions, health check your plans and projects and get connected at the Gartner Business Process Management Summit, 23–25 February, in London, the most relevant, timely and important conference.Metastorm is the leading provider of business process solutions. Metastorm BPM® allows you to quickly implement, manage, monitor and analyze improved business processes.Review the program and register today.Your processes have never been more important.Online: europe.gartner.com/bpm Phone: +44 (0)20 8879 2430Email: enquiries.events@gartner.com*This discount offer does not apply retrospectively.
europe.gartner.com/bpm
Price Discount
We can offer you a special 20% discount on the standard registration fee - a saving of €539! Register Now and quote XXXXXXXX to receive your 20% discount.
Team Benefits
No single delegate can possibly cover an entire Summit and extract all of its value. That's why so many enterprises send entire teams.– Get preferential access, as a team, to your preferred analyst of choice – Exclusive meeting rooms for intrateam meetings onsite, subject to availability
Analyst One-on-One
Don't miss out on the opportunity to spend 30 minutes privately, for FREE, discussing a topic of your choice with a Gartner analyst who specializes in this area. (registration is required) Register Now
View the Brochure
© 2009 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. or its affiliates.
Metastorm Ltd. is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 2322265.Keep email from Metastorm coming! To make sure you continue to receive our emails, please add contact_metastorm.com@mail.vresp.com to your address book or approved sender list.If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the following link: Unsubscribe
Click here to forward this email to a friend
MetastormCentral House,1 Alwyne Road,London, England SW19 7ABUK
Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.
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