GB2503730A

GB2503730A - System for analysing and displaying process flow

Info

Publication number: GB2503730A
Application number: GB1212041.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Schiller
Original assignee: QM Group Ltd
Current assignee: QM Group Ltd
Priority date: 2012-07-05
Filing date: 2012-07-05
Publication date: 2014-01-08
Also published as: GB201212041D0

Abstract

System 10 for analyzing a process flow comprises a sequence of stages 12 and a plurality of different paths between at least two process stages 12. A processor (16, fig1) is configured to determine a relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different flow paths. A display device (24, fig.1) is configured to display each process stage as a plurality of nodes 13 and each of said plurality of different paths as a connecter 14 extending between said nodes 13. The weight and/or contrast and/or colour and/or pattern of each connector 14 is arranged to indicate the relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different paths.

Description

SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns a system and method for analyzing a process flow comprising a sequence of stages, wherein there is a plurality of different paths between at least two process stages-The present invention also concerns a computer program product that comprises a computer program containing computer program code means arranged to cause a computer or a processor to execute the steps of such a method.

BACKGROUND OFIHE INVENTION

A process flow may be graphically illustrated to document inputs or requests for information, products or any other deliverable and to show the procedural steps required to satisfy that request; and the output, or deliverable, that is generated by the input. A workflow is an example of a process flow and is a term used to describe the tasks, procedural steps, organizations or people involved, required input and output information, and tools needed for each step in a business process.

Process flows are a common way of understanding industrial, commercial and business systems. A process flow diagram can show different stages within the process flow and connect them together to illustrate the order in which the stages are implemented.

Process flows can be used to show the processes being applied to a single object or to describe a system where many objects are processed. These objects can be considered * : *! as traffic in the process flow. An object will be either outside the process flow or at some point within it, Its position within the process flow can be plotted and after it has completed the process flow the path the object took can be made visible in the process flow diagram. * ** * . * **

Some process flows are linear in that one stage or process is always executed immediately after another. Other process flows have a more complex structure with choices between the stages. In these non-linear process flows there are alternative paths where the order of the stages can vary according to the result of work done wilhin a process or based on the result of external input to the system. This means that not all objects will flow down the same paths and therefore the amount of traffic taking different paths will be of interest to anyone monitoring, supervising, analyzing and/or optimizing the process flow. The number of objects taking a particular path can be considered the traffic level for that path. The levels of traffic taking different paths through a process flow where the process flow is not linear is usually shown in one or more graphs, gauges or indicators, such as numbers in a table or spreadsheet, which may be time consuming and complex to analyze.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a simple and effective tool for analyzing a process flow, such as a work flow, comprising a sequence of stages, wherein there is a plurality of different paths between at least two process stages.

This object is achieved by a system that comprises a processor configured to determine a relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths, and a display device that is configured to display each process stage as a plurality of nodes and each of the plurality of different paths as a connecter extending between the nodes. The weight, i.e. thickness, and/ar contrast and/or colour and/or pattern of each the connector is arranged to indicate the relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths.

The expression "relative level of traffic" is intended to mean the level of traffic flowing along a particular connector in relation to the level of traffic flowing along all other connectors, or in relation to the level of traffic flawing along at least one other selected connector, or in relation to an absolute value, such as a previous best or worst case, or to an average traffic level value.

* * A process flow may thereby be represented in a simple diagram on a display device as a series of nodes, i.e. points, shapes or symbols, with connectors showing the paths * *. between nodes to show the order in which the stages of the process flow are carried out.

An indication of the relative level of traffic along each connector is superimposed or *** integrated with the process flow diagram by changing the properties of the connectors, * : ::: namely the weight and and/or contrast and/or colour and/or pattern of the connector.

For example, if a connector is of a similar colour as the display means background it will be invisible or almost invisible and this could represent a relatively low level of traffic along that connector, i.e. low usage of the path represented by that connector. When the colour and/or contrast of the connector is substantiafly different to the colour and/or contrast display means background then that could represent a relatively high level of traffic along that connector, i.e. high usage of the path represented by that connector.

In this way a user can at a glance see both the process flow and the relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths. Commonly taken paths with relatively high levels of traffic will be highlighted. Less common paths with relatively low levels of traffic will not be as prominent. A user will also be able to see whether some paths are not used at all. Paths which are not used will not be displayed on the display means which simplifies the displayed diagram by removing detail which is not relevant.

The system according to the present invention thereby provides a user friendly analysis tool that eliminates the need to produce and display separate graphs or gauges or indicators concerning levels of traffic taking different paths in a process flow. The system is presents information in a very simple, easy-to-read, compact, information-dense manner, and so the space required to show such information on a display means of a display device may be substantially smaller than the space required to show process flows, and traffic level graphs, gauges and indicators according to the prior art.

According to an embodiment of the invention the size and/or shape andior weight and/or contrast and/or colour and/or pattern of each the node is arranged to indicate the relative level of traffic through each the node.

According to another embodiment of the invention the connector is represented as a line *:*. 25 orarrowextending between the nodes.

: According to a further embodiment of the invention the system comprises a user interface that is configured to allow a user to isolate at least one node and/or at least one connector and receive information concerning the at least one isolated node and/or connector. * 30

According to an embodiment of the invention the processor is configured to determine the * *. : relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths by determining the total number of paths taken between the at least two process stages, determining the level of traffic taking the most popular path between the at least two process stages, and determining the level of traffic taking each of the other paths of the plurality of different paths as a fraction/percentage of the level of traffic taking the most popular path, whereby the display device is configured to indicate the level of traffic taking the most popular path as a connector of greatest weight and/or of greatest contrast and/or with a colour at an end of a predetermined colour scale.

According to another embodiment of the invention the display device is configured to indicate the level of traffic taking the other paths of the plurality of different paths with a connector having a weight and/or contrast that is a fraction/percentage of the weight and/or contrast of the connector indicating the level of traffic taking the most popular path, and/or having another colour from the predetermined colour scale.

Alternatively, the processor may be configured to determine the relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths by determining the total number of paths taken to and/or from a node, determining the level of traffic taking the most popular path to and/or from the node, and determining the level of traffic taking each of the other paths is to and/or from the node as a fraction/percentage of the level of traffic taking the most popular path to and/or from the node, whereby the display device is configured to indicate the level of traffic taking the most popular path as a connector of greatest weight and/or of greatest contrast and/or with a colour at an end of a predetermined colour scale According to an embodiment of the invention the processor is configured to determine the relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths substantially continuously, periodically or on demand.

According to another embodiment of the invention the display device is provided in a portable communication device.

The present invention also concerns a method for analyzing a process flow comprising a * sequence of stages, wherein there is a plurality of different paths between at least two process stages The method comprises the steps of determining a relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths, and representing each process stage as a node and each of the plurality of different paths as a connecter extending between the nodes on a display device, whereby the weight and/or contrast and/or colour and/or pattern of each the connector is arranged to indicate the relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths. Further embodiments of the method are recited in the dependent claims.

The present invention also concerns a computer program product that comprises a computer program containing computer program code means arranged to cause a computer or a processor to execute the stages of a method according to any of the embodiments of the present invention, stored on a computer-readable medium or a carder S wave.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be further explained by means of non-limiting examples with reference to the appended figures where; Figures 1-4 show a system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 shows the steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that the drawings have not been drawn to scale and that the dimensions of certain features have been exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a system 10 for analyzing a process flow, such as a work flow, comprising a sequence of stages 12, wherein there is a plurality of different paths 14 between at least two process stages 12. The system 10 comprises a processor 16 configured to determine a relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths 14, and a display *:*. device 18 that is configured to display a process flow diagram. 15. The processor 16 is configured to determine the relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths substantially continuously, periodically or on demand. Such a system 10 may therefore be used to monitor, supervise, analyze and/or optimize a process flow in real time, while a process flow is taking place, or after a process flow has been completed.

The system 10 may comprise a database 20 to store data concerning a process flow. a.

* *. 30 ** * In the illustrated embodiment data 18 concerning a process flow may be obtained from a database 20 or from a device 22 collecting such data. The relative level of taking each of the plurality of different paths 14 of the process flow is determined and then displayed on both a portable communication device 24 and a touch screen 26. It should be noted that any suitable display device 24! 26 may be used to display such information. The portable communication device tray be mobile telephone (as shown in figure 1), a media player, a Personal Communications System (PCS) terminal, a Personal Data Assistant (PDA), a palmtop receiver, a television or any other handheld electronic electronic communication device.

It should be noted that a touch screen 26 is not the only way in which an interactive user interface may be provided. The system 10 according to the present invention may comprise any suitable user interface, such as a keyboard, a mouse or a joystick, via which commands or user preferences may be provided.

It should be noted that all of the components of the system 10 according to the present invention need not necessarily be provided at separate components. Furthermore, all of the components of the system 10 need not necessarily be provided at the same location.

is Data may be sent to and/or from the components of the system 10 in a wired or wireless manner.

Figure 2 shows a process flow broken down into stages 12 whereby one or more different choices may be made in moving between each stage 12. These choices are represented by circles/nodes 13 and a stage 12 is a horizontal set of these nodes 13. Connectors 14 are shown between the nodes 13 and the properties of the connectors 14 indicate the level of traffic that takes the route indicated by the connectors 14. The connectors 14 are namely arranged to change weight and contrast depending on the relative level of traffic flowing along them. In a similar manner, the rings outlining the nodes 13 are also : 25 arranged to change weight and contrast depending on the relative level of traffic passing * therethrough. The connectors 14a-14c having the most traffic flowing along them are *r": clearly obvious at a glance since they are represented by thicker and darker lines than * *. those connecting other nodes. The nodes 1 3a-1 3d having the most traffic passing therethrough are also clearly obvious at a glance since they have (in this case) thicker and darker rings around them than the other nodes. **. * * * *

In figure 2 the process flow, exemplified as a workflow in which the objects forming the traffic are people's activities andlor choices. The workflow starts at the top of the diagram and flows to the bottom. It can be seen that the workflow generally starts in one of two places, namely "Walk-in" or "App". The darkness of the connectors 14 shows how much traffic then flows from each of these alternatives to each of the four possible options in the next stage 12 of the process, labelled as "Service 1", "Service 2", "Service 3" and "Service 4". The darker connectors 14a and 14b indicate that the most popular choice of both "Walk-in" and "App." Is "Service 2". The least popular choice from App." is "Service 3" as indicated by the very taint connector 14e. "Video 2" is the most popular choice and only choice made from "Service 2". The most popular choice made from "Video 21 is "Sale".

Such a process flow diagram 15 provides a simple analysis tool that allows a user to monitor, supervise, and/or optimize a process. Marketing and sales personnel could for example determine which particular set of experiences within a process flow are most likely to. result in the sale of a product, or which product is the most popular choice with customers.

Figure 3 shows that the system 10 according to the present invention may be arranged to comprises a user interface that is configured to allow a user to isolate at least one node 13c and/or at least one connector and receive information concerning the at least one isolated node 13c, namely information concerning only the level of traffic passing through that isolated node 13c. In the illustrated embodiment this information is provided as numerical values representing the actual level of traffic passing through the node 13c. At least one node 13c may be selected for analysis via a user interface, by clicking on the at least one node with a mouse or touching the node 13c on a touch screen.

According to an embodiment of the invention the processor 16 is configured to determine the relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths extending to and from the node by determining the total number of paths taken to andfor from a node 13c.

The level of traffic taking the most popular path to and/or from the node 13c and the level of traffic taking each of the other paths to and/or from the node 13c as a : fraction/percentage of the level of traffic taking the most popular path 14e to and/or from the node 13c is then determined. The display device 24, 26 is configured to indicate the level of traffic taking the most popular path as a connector 14d of greatest weight and contrast.

The processor 16 may be arranged to determine the weight and colour of a line in the following manner. All of the connectors 14 between two stages 12 in a process flow diagram 15 each with three nodes would mean up to nine connectors 14 if at least one person (or object) had chosen to take each possible decision route. A processor 16 may be arranged to determine which of these nine connectors 14 has the highest level of traffic flowing along it. This connector 14 will then be represented as a thick black line. Other connectors will be shown in various shades of grey the darkness of which will depend on the amount of traffic taking those paths compared to the level of traffic taking the most popular path. If there is no traffic flow between two nodes then (optionally) no connector will be shown.

Figure 4 shows that a plurality of nodes 13b and in different stages of the process flow diagram 15 may be isolated for analysis. Additionally, or alternatively plurality of nodes 13b in the same stage 12 of a process flow diagram 15 may also be isolated for analysis.

At least one connector 14 may be isolated for analysis in the same manner. Such isolation of at least one node 13 or at least one connector may be used to modify a process flow diagram display, so that only information of interest to a user is displayed.

Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing the steps of a method according to the present invention for analyzing a process flow comprising a sequence of stages, wherein there is a plurality of different paths between at least two process stages. The method comprises the steps of determining a relative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths, and representing each process stage as a plurality of nodes and each of the plurality of different paths as a connecter extending between the nodes on a display device, whereby the weight and/or contrast and/or colour and/or pattern of each the connector is arranged to indicate therelative level of traffic taking each of the plurality of different paths.

*". : 25 The present invention also concerns a computer program product that comprises a computer program containing computer program code means arranged to cause a computer or a processor to execute the stages of such a method! stored on a computer- *. .. readable medium ora carrier wave. * S S 0t

Further modifications of the invention within the scope of the claims would be apparent to a skilled person. For example, a process flow may be used to define any type of process, job, activity or task in which the activities, movement or choices of people or any type or types of object form the traffic in the process flow. A process flow may be represented in any suitable manner using nodes and connectors of any form.

Claims

CLAIMS1. System (10) for analyzing a process flow comprising a sequence of stages (12), wherein there is a plurality of different paths between at least two process stages (12), characterized in that said system (10) comprises a processor (16) configured to determine a relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different paths, and a display device (24, 26) that is configured to display each process stage as a plurality of nodes (13) and each of said plurality of different paths as a connecter extending between said nodes (13), whereby the weight andlor contrast and/or colour and/or pattern of each said connector (14) is arranged to indicate the relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different paths.
2. System (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the size and/or shape and/or weight and/or contrast and/or colour and/or pattern of each said node is arranged to indicate the relative level of traffic through each said node.
3. System (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said connector (14) is represented as a line or arrow extending between said nodes (13).
4. System (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a user interface that is configured to allow a user to isolate at least one node and/or at least one connector (14) and receive information concerning said at least one isolated node and/or connector (14).
5. System (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said processor (16) is configured to determine the relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different paths by determining the total number of paths taken between said at least two process stages (12), determining the level of traffic taking the most popular path between said at least two process stages (12) or processes, and determining the level of traffic taking each of the other paths of said plurality of different paths as a traction/percentage of the level of traffic taking said most popular path, whereby said * display device (24, 26) is configured to indicate the level of traffic taking said most popular path as a connector (14) of greatest weight and/or of greatest contrast and/or with a colour at an end of a predetermined colour scale.
6. System (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that said display device (24, 26) is configured to indicate said level of traffic taking said other paths of said plurality of different paths with a connector (14) having a weight and/or contrast that is a fraction/percentage of the weight and/or contrast of the connector (14) indicating the level S of traffic taking said most popular path, and/or having another colour from said predetermined colour scale.
7. System (10) according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that said processor (16) is configured to determine the relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different paths by determining the total number of paths taken to and/or from a node, determining the level of traffic taking the most popular path to and/or from said node, and determining the level of traffic taking each of the other paths to and/or from said node as a fraction/percentage of the level of traffic taking said most popular path to and/or from said node, whereby said display device (24, 26) is configured to indicate the level of traffic taking said most popular path as a connector (14) of greatest weight and/or of greatest contrast and/or with a colour at an end of a predetermined colour scale.
8. System (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said processor (16) is configured to determine said relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different paths substantially continuously, periodically or on demand.
9. System (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said display device (24, 26) is provided in a portable communication device.
10. Method for analyzing a process flow comprising a sequence of stages (12), wherein there is a plurality of different paths between at least two process stages (12), * *! characterized in that it comprises the steps of determining a relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different paths, and representing each process stage as a plurality *:*::* of nodes (13) and each of said plurality of different paths as a connecter extending T 30 between said nodes (13) on a display device (24, 26), whereby the weight and/or contrast and/or colour and/or pattern of each said connector (14) is arranged to indicate the * relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different paths.
11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the size and/or shape and/or weight and/or contrast and/or colour and/or pattern of each said node is arranged to indicate the relative level of traffic through each said node.
12. Method according to claim 10 or 2, characterized in that it comprises the step of representing said connector (14) as a line or arrow extending between said nodes (13).
13. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the step of receiving input from a user interface that is configured to allow a user to isolate at least one node and/or at least one connector (14) and providing the user with information concerning said at least one isolated node andlor connector (14).
14. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said step of determining the relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different paths comprises determining the total number of paths taken between said at least two process stages (12), determining the level of traffic taking the most popular path between said at least two process stages (12), and determining the level of traffic taking each of the other paths of said plurality of different paths as a fraction/percentage of the level of traffic taking said most popular path, whereby said display device (24, 26) is configured to indicate the level of traffic taking said most popular path as a connector (14) of greatest weight and/or of greatest contrast and/or with a colour at an end of a predetermined colour scale.
15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that said display device (24, 26) is configured to indicate said level of traffic taking said other paths of said plurality of different paths with a connector (14) having a weight and/or contrast that is a fraction/percentage of the weight and/or contrast of the connector (14) indicating the level of traffic taking said most popular path, and/or having another colour from said predetermined colour scale.

*.. 30
16. Method according to any of claims 10-13, characterized in that said step of : determining the relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different paths comprises determining the total number of paths taken to and/or from a node, determining the level of traffic taking the most popular path to and/or from said node, and determining the level of traffic taking each of the other paths to and/or from said node as a fraction/percentage of the level of traffic taking said most popular path to and/or from said node, whereby said display device (24, 26) is configured to indicate the level of traffic taking said most popular path as a connector (14) of greatest weight and/or of greatest contrast and/or with a colour at an end of a predetermined colour scale.
17. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said step of determining said relative level of traffic taking each of said plurality of different paths is carried out substantially continuously, periodically or on demand.
18. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said display device (24, 26) is provided in a portable communication device.
19. Computer program product, characterized in that it comprises a computer program containing computer program code means arranged to cause a computer or a processor (16) to execute the stages (12) of a method according to any of claims 10-18, stored on a computer-readable medium or a carrier wave. e. * * * . * ** t** * . * .* * * * * *a *** * 30 **** * * * ** .