Making a flowchart containing automatic processes in e.g. SAP

[BrianFJ]

Hi guys

I have only recently started using Visio to draw high-level processes as part of a project at my work.

Now I'm facing a task in which I am to draw a high-level process of stock controlling.

I have simplified the process here but part of it basically goes like this:

1. Goods are received at the distribution center. Once the goods have been accepted by a storage worker, the IT system (SAP) automatically updates the inventory level.

2. Once the inventory level has been updated, the moving average price (MAP) of the goods received is updated automatically in the same programme.

3. Now the IT system instantly calculates the physical stock value by multiplying the number of items with the MAP of that item.

My questions are:

A. How do I best draw processes that happen automatically in an IT programme? In this example, once the goods have been accepted 3 automatic processes takes place (update of the number of items, update of MAP, update of stock value).

B. Generally, when systems like SAP cross over functional areas, do I then make a swimlane called "Systems" and place all system activities here?

All suggestions are much appreciated 

Thanks in advance.

/Brian

[Paul Herber]

I see three process boxes for those three steps.
A System swimlane (SAP or whatever) sounds most appropriate, it does depend somewhet on what else is happening where.

[BrianFJ]

Thanks for the response Paul.

Found out today that my Company has just hired 2 process Experts. Talked to them and they also suggest a system swimlane based on the current information that I have.

So it seems like the right thing to do as a starting point.