How to Create a Business Process Diagram

[jfaux]

I am completely new to EA and UML. I am trying to follow the process outlined in the tutorial at http://www.sparxsystems.com.au/UML_Tutorial2.htm.

The first step is modeling the business process. The tutorial gives information about this step at http://www.sparxsystems.com.au/business_process_model.htm. However, I can't figure out how to use EA to do this type of modeling.

I downloaded and installed the UML profiles at http://www.sparxsystems.com.au/uml_profiles.htm. I just don't understand what type of diagram to open to build my business process models on, and there doesn't seem to be much other support for BPM. Any help getting me started would be appreciated. Thanks.

[thomaskilian]

Simple answer first: start reading this board. Search for "business process". The are some good threads that may bring you further. Also try adding Eriksson and Penker. Google will also provide useful info with these keywords.

[CJ]

G'day g'day,

I just don't understand what type of diagram to open to build my business process models on

Use the "Analysis Diagram," already built-into EA.

[Kevin Brennan]

In my experience, the Activity Diagram (possibly with some use of stereotyping to indicate the type of work being done) is the best way to handle process documentation in EA/UML. I haven't found the Eriksson-Penker notation all that useful.

[thomaskilian]

Honestly speaking I use a mixture of EP and the way Sparx is suggesting to model business processes. Since there is no standard one is rather free in choosing his tools  

[Kevin Brennan]

It also really depends on what you're trying to do. I'm mostly creating workflows, so EP notation doesn't offer enough detail for me.

I suspect it would be possible to develop a profile for BPMN in EA, but never having done one I wouldn't know how.

[jfaux]

I am using the Analysis (simplified Activity) diagram and the symbols from the profiles that I downloaded. Thanks for all the input.