The QuickModel - Capturing Process Information

QuickModel allows fast process capturing and completion. It supports a table-based modeling approach where you can add information by filling in a table. The graphical diagram representation will automatically be created by the system, which enables you to fully concentrate on the diagram information.

QuickModel can help you with your work on diagrams in many areas:

1. It enables you to create diagrams even if you are unfamiliar with modeling conventions. With QuickModel you can create diagrams by adding information to a table instead of adding elements to a diagram, with no special knowledge of the modeling language required. The resulting diagram will be BPMN 2.0 compliant.
2. You can edit diagram information even faster as the graphical modeling is done by the system. Define the graphical representation implicitly by changing the workflow order, while modeling actions such as rearranging the diagram are performed by the application.
3. Diagram information can be neatly displayed in a table and process information can be added even faster than in SAP Signavio Process Manager.

With the QuickModel feature, SAP Signavio provides an easy start to business process modeling with BPMN 2.0. Here, you can create a BPMN process by filling in a table with information about the process. The tool models a BPMN 2.0 conform diagram that can later be altered in the Graphical Editor. QuickModel can also be useful for fast modeling. For example, let's say you want to sketch out many different diagrams. You can simply create the basic structure of the diagram in QuickModel, then switch to the Graphical Editor to add more complex structures.

To create a diagram in QuickModel, choose New → QuickModel in the Signavio Explorer. The QuickModel tool will then open in a new browser tab.

First, name the process by choosing the pen symbol in the header of the application.

Start creating the diagram by defining a 'start' and an 'end' event in the corresponding form fields in the 'Process details' section on the right side.

Now, you can add tasks to the table. Create a task by entering its label into the first column. You can add a task at any position in the model by selecting the corresponding row in the table and then clicking the add activity button above the column header. To remove a task, choose remove activity. When you added your first task, the tool will start modeling the changes you make to the diagram in real time in the 'Diagram preview' section.

In the other columns of the table, you can add element characteristics (so-called 'attributes') and other information. You can, for example, add an IT System or a data object (any kind of document) that may be needed to complete a task. If visible in the diagram, this information will also be added to the model by the tool automatically. You can configure the columns that are displayed by clicking the wrench symbol on the top right of the 'Activities' section.

Once you are done creating the diagram and have reviewed the model created by the tool, enter a description of the diagram in the 'Documentation' form field in the 'Process Details' section above. If necessary, also define what needs to be added or changed in the model to add complexity like branches (e.g. gateways), additional attributes or linked sub-processes.

Add your information and hit OK. The process description will later help readers of the process get an idea of the process without diving into its structure.

Finally, choose Save in the QuickModel toolbar.

Shortcuts: It is possible to copy data and paste it into other cells. Simply select one or more cells (by pressing Ctrl or Shift while selecting) and press Ctrl + C. Select the target cell or multiple target cells and press Ctrl + V to insert the data. You can also press Ctrl + Z (undo) and Ctrl + Y (redo).

Select each level in the figure for more information.