APQC Process Classification Framework - PCF

At the outset of all BPM projects participants should agree a standard convention and nomenclature. It provides a means for all BPM developers and project participants to establish a consistency throughout the project and set a baseline on which future enhancements and improvements can be measured.

To provide a basis for establishing a Unique Identifier the APQC Process Classification Framework (PCF) provides a standard nomenclature framework of unique identity numbers down to the activity level that is divided into 4 levels.

1. Category: The highest level within the PCF is indicated by whole numbers (e.g., 8.0 and 9.0)
2. Process Group: Items with one decimal numbering (e.g., 8.1 and 9.1) are considered a process group.
3. Process: Items with two decimal numberings (e.g., 8.1.1 and 9.1.2) are considered processes.
4. Activity: Items with three decimal numbering (e.g. 8.3.1.1 and 9.1.1.1) are considered activities within a process.

Most Business Process Tools require that each element has a unique identifier, which is usually assigned by the software. However, in my opinion it is better to adopt a standard such as APQC – PCF as it provides a classification system for grouping processes and activities and for establishing a performance framework on which to identify areas of improvement and manage future changes.

More information on this the Process Classification Frmaework (PCF), along with downloads of generic and industry specific PCFs can be downloaded from http://www.apqc.org/process-classification-framework.

I have successfully used this framework on a WebSphere Business Modeler project, in conjunction with IBM’s Business Component Model. It proved to be an invaluable tool in lining up the business processes and activities to the Component Model structure.