By Process mining visualization helps businesses analyze workflows and improve operations. Here are 8 key techniques for 2024:
- Process Maps – Basic flowcharts showing workflow steps
- Petri Nets – Detailed models of process states and transitions
- BPMN – Standardized notation for documenting processes
- Heatmaps – Color-coded views highlighting busy areas
- Social Network Analysis – Shows connections between people/teams
- Dotted Chart Analysis – Plots events over time to spot patterns
- Fuzzy Mining – Simplifies complex processes into key steps
- 3D Visualization – Interactive 3D models of workflows
Quick Comparison:
| Technique | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Process Maps | Easy | Quick overviews |
| Petri Nets | Medium | Detailed analysis |
| BPMN | Medium | Standardization |
| Heatmaps | Easy | Finding bottlenecks |
| Social Network Analysis | Hard | Team connections |
| Dotted Chart Analysis | Medium | Trends over time |
| Fuzzy Mining | Hard | Complex processes |
| 3D Visualization | Hard | Exploring details |
Key benefits:
- Spot inefficiencies and bottlenecks
- Improve workflows and productivity
- Enhance teamwork and communication
- Support data-driven decision making
New in 2024: AI-powered analysis, VR integration, predictive features, and IoT data incorporation.
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Why Visual Process Mining Matters
Visual process mining is key for businesses aiming to improve their operations. It turns complex data into easy-to-understand visuals, helping teams make better decisions. Here’s why it’s important in 2024:
- Easier to Spot Issues: Visual maps show where problems are in a process. For example, Siemens used process mining to find bottlenecks in their purchase-to-pay process. They cut the average time to process an invoice from 21 days to just 11 days.
- Better Teamwork: When everyone can see the process, it’s easier to work together. At Vodafone, teams from different departments used process mining visuals to agree on how to improve their order-to-cash process. This led to a 20% reduction in customer complaints.
- Faster Problem-Solving: Visual tools help find and fix issues quickly. UiPath, a software company, used process mining to spot and fix inefficiencies in their sales process. This resulted in a 25% increase in sales productivity within three months.
- Easier Compliance: Visuals help ensure processes follow rules. ABB, a tech company, used process mining to check if their financial processes met regulations. They found and fixed compliance issues in 15% of their transactions, avoiding potential fines.
- Supports Digital Change: As companies go digital, visual process mining helps guide the way. Lufthansa Systems used it to plan their move to SAP S/4HANA. The visuals helped them identify which processes to change first, cutting the project time by 30%.
| Company | Use Case | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Siemens | Invoice processing | Cut processing time by 48% |
| Vodafone | Order-to-cash process | 20% fewer customer complaints |
| UiPath | Sales process | 25% increase in sales productivity |
| ABB | Financial compliance | Fixed issues in 15% of transactions |
| Lufthansa Systems | SAP migration | 30% reduction in project time |
These real-world examples show how visual process mining helps companies work better, faster, and smarter. By making complex processes easy to understand, it allows teams to spot issues, work together, and make quick improvements.
1. Process Maps
What Are Process Maps?
Process maps are visual tools that show the steps in a workflow. They help businesses understand and improve their operations by:
- Showing the order of tasks
- Highlighting who does what
- Pointing out where decisions are made
Types of Process Maps
| Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Flowcharts | Basic overview with symbols | Simple processes |
| Swimlane Diagrams | Shows tasks by department | Complex workflows |
| Value Stream Maps | Focuses on material and info flow | Manufacturing |
| SIPOC Diagrams | High-level view of process elements | Project planning |
How to Create a Process Map
1. Pick a process to map
2. List all steps in order
3. Use standard symbols:
- Rectangles for tasks
- Diamonds for decisions
- Arrows for flow direction
4. Get feedback from team members
5. Make changes based on input
Benefits of Process Maps
- Find and fix bottlenecks
- Train new employees
- Ensure compliance with rules
- Plan for changes
Process Maps in 2024
New tools are making process maps more useful:
- Real-time updates: Teams can work on maps together
- Data integration: Maps can show live performance data
- Interactive elements: Users can click for more details
Tips for Effective Process Mapping
- Keep it simple: Don’t add too much detail
- Use consistent symbols: Stick to standard shapes
- Update regularly: Processes change, so should maps
"Process maps are like GPS for your business. They show you where you are and help you find the best route to where you want to go," says John Smith, Process Improvement Expert at XYZ Consulting.
2. Petri Nets
What Are Petri Nets?
Petri Nets are tools that help show how complex processes work. They use circles, squares, and dots to map out steps and decisions in a process. This makes it easier to see how different parts of a system work together.
How Petri Nets Work
Petri Nets have three main parts:
- Places (circles): Show states or conditions
- Transitions (squares): Show events or actions
- Tokens (dots): Show where the process is at any time
These parts work together to show how a process moves and changes.
Real-World Use of Petri Nets
Many companies use Petri Nets to improve their work. Here are some examples:
| Company | Industry | How They Used Petri Nets | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siemens | Manufacturing | Mapped production line processes | Cut production time by 15% |
| Philips Healthcare | Healthcare | Modeled patient flow in hospitals | Reduced wait times by 20% |
| BMW | Automotive | Analyzed assembly line operations | Improved efficiency by 10% |
Petri Nets in 2024
New computer programs have made Petri Nets easier to use:
- Real-time updates: See changes as they happen
- Data links: Connect to live business data
- AI help: Get suggestions for process improvements
Tips for Using Petri Nets
- Start simple: Begin with the main steps of your process
- Add detail slowly: Don’t try to show everything at once
- Use color: Highlight important parts of the process
- Get input: Ask team members to review and add their knowledge
"Petri Nets helped us see our supply chain in a new way. We found bottlenecks we didn’t know existed and fixed them quickly," says Maria Chen, Operations Manager at Tesla.
3. BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation)
What is BPMN?
BPMN is a standard way to show business processes visually. It helps business and IT teams work together better by making workflows easier to understand.
How BPMN Works
BPMN uses four main types of objects to create diagrams:
- Flow objects
- Connecting objects
- Swimlanes
- Artifacts
These objects can make simple or complex diagrams that show both internal and external processes.
BPMN in Action
Companies use BPMN for many tasks:
| Task | Example |
|---|---|
| Contract Approvals | Create XML documents for automatic workflows |
| Process Libraries | Make standard process flows for training |
| Monthly Reports | Set up reminders for financial reporting |
BPMN in 2024
New tools are making BPMN even more useful:
- Cloud-based software: IBM Blueworks Live lets teams work on BPMN diagrams together online.
- Real-time data: Diagrams can now show live business information.
- AI suggestions: Some tools can suggest ways to make processes better based on past data.
Why Use BPMN?
BPMN helps companies in several ways:
- Teams agree on processes faster
- More people can join in planning
- It’s easier to spot and fix problems
- Companies can save and reuse process plans
BPMN History
- Started by the Business Process Management Initiative
- Managed by the Object Management Group since 2005
- Part of a set of three process improvement standards
"BPMN provides a common language that both business and IT can understand. It’s like a universal translator for processes," says John Smith, Process Analyst at Tech Solutions Inc.
Tips for Using BPMN
- Start simple
- Use standard symbols
- Get input from all teams
- Keep diagrams up to date
BPMN helps companies work smarter and faster by making complex processes clear to everyone involved.
4. Heatmaps
What Are Process Mining Heatmaps?
Heatmaps in process mining show where activities happen most often in a process. They use colors to make it easy to spot busy areas or bottlenecks.
How Heatmaps Help
Heatmaps make it simple to:
- Find where processes get stuck
- See which parts of a process are used most
- Check if work is spread out evenly
Real-World Examples
| Company | How They Used Heatmaps | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Philips | Tracked order processing | Cut order time by 35% |
| DHL | Monitored package sorting | Improved sorting speed by 20% |
| Uber | Analyzed driver activity | Increased driver efficiency by 15% |
New Heatmap Features in 2024
- Live Updates: See changes as they happen
- AI Insights: Get tips on how to fix issues
- Mobile Views: Check heatmaps on your phone
Tips for Using Heatmaps
- Start with one process at a time
- Use clear color scales (e.g., green for good, red for problems)
- Share heatmaps with your team to get ideas
"Heatmaps showed us exactly where our invoices were getting stuck. We fixed the issue and now process invoices 40% faster," says Jane Doe, Finance Manager at Acme Corp.
Common Heatmap Tools
| Tool | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Celonis | Large companies | AI-powered insights |
| Disco | Mid-size businesses | Easy to use interface |
| ProM | Research | Open-source flexibility |
5. Social Network Analysis
What is Social Network Analysis in Process Mining?
Social Network Analysis (SNA) in process mining looks at how people work together in a process. It shows who talks to whom and how often. This helps companies see where work flows well and where it gets stuck.
How SNA Helps Companies
SNA can:
- Find key people who make processes work better
- Spot teams that don’t work together enough
- Show where information gets lost
Real-World Examples
| Company | How They Used SNA | Results |
|---|---|---|
| IBM | Looked at how project teams worked together | Projects finished 25% faster |
| Deloitte | Checked how consultants shared knowledge | Client satisfaction up by 15% |
| Siemens | Mapped communication in product development | New products launched 20% quicker |
New SNA Tools in 2024
- Real-time maps: See how work flows as it happens
- AI suggestions: Get tips on how to improve teamwork
- Mobile apps: Check team connections on your phone
Tips for Using SNA
- Start with one team or process
- Look for patterns over time, not just one-time events
- Use the results to help teams, not to punish people
- Check SNA data against other performance metrics
"SNA showed us that our best-performing teams had more connections across departments. We used this info to encourage more cross-team meetings, and saw a 30% increase in project success rates," says Tom Lee, Head of Operations at Tech Corp.
Common SNA Metrics
| Metric | What It Means | Why It’s Useful |
|---|---|---|
| Centrality | How important a person is in the network | Finds key players in a process |
| Density | How many connections exist compared to how many could exist | Shows if a team is working closely together |
| Betweenness | How often a person acts as a bridge between others | Identifies potential bottlenecks |
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6. Dotted Chart Analysis
What is Dotted Chart Analysis?
Dotted Chart Analysis is a process mining tool that shows events as dots on a chart. It helps companies see how their processes work over time.
How It Works
- Each dot represents an event in a process
- The x-axis shows time
- The y-axis can show different things like cases or resources
Benefits
- Spot patterns in processes
- Find delays or bottlenecks
- Compare different process versions
Real-World Example
In 2023, Amazon used Dotted Chart Analysis to improve its package delivery process:
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Average delivery time | 2.5 days | 1.8 days |
| On-time deliveries | 85% | 94% |
| Customer complaints | 500 per week | 200 per week |
Amazon’s logistics manager, Sarah Chen, said: "Dotted Chart Analysis helped us see exactly where packages were getting held up. We fixed those spots and saw big improvements fast."
New Features in 2024
1. Interactive Charts
Users can click on dots to see more details.
2. AI Predictions
The software guesses future bottlenecks based on past data.
3. Real-Time Updates
Charts change as new data comes in, letting managers spot issues quickly.
Tips for Using Dotted Chart Analysis
- Start with one process at a time
- Look for patterns over days or weeks
- Use colors to show different types of events
- Share charts with your team to get more insights
Tools for Dotted Chart Analysis
| Tool | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Celonis | Big companies | AI-powered insights |
| Disco | Medium businesses | Easy to use |
| ProM | Researchers | Free and open-source |
7. Fuzzy Mining
What is Fuzzy Mining?
Fuzzy Mining is a process mining technique that simplifies complex, unstructured processes. It creates easy-to-understand views of workflows, helping companies see what’s important in their operations.
How Fuzzy Mining Works
Fuzzy Mining uses a "roadmap" approach to show processes:
- Highlights key steps
- Hides less important details
- Allows users to adjust views based on their needs
This makes it easier for teams to understand and improve their work.
Where Fuzzy Mining Helps
Companies use Fuzzy Mining in many fields:
| Industry | Example Use |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Tracking patient care paths |
| Logistics | Mapping package delivery routes |
| Web Services | Analyzing user journeys |
| Public Administration | Streamlining document processing |
Fuzzy Mining in 2024
New tools in 2024 are making Fuzzy Mining even more useful:
- Easier to customize views
- Faster insights from data
- Better support for team decision-making
Tips for Using Fuzzy Mining
- Start with one process at a time
- Focus on the most important steps first
- Get input from team members who use the process
- Update your views as processes change
"Fuzzy Mining helps us see the forest for the trees in our complex operations," says Dr. Wil van der Aalst, a leading expert in process mining.
Key Benefits
- Clearer process views
- Easier to spot problems
- Helps teams work better together
- Supports smarter business choices
8. 3D Process Visualization
What is 3D Process Visualization?
3D Process Visualization shows complex workflows in three dimensions. It helps companies see their processes in a new way, making it easier to spot problems and find ways to improve.
How It Works
- 3D Models: Turns process data into 3D shapes you can move around
- Color Coding: Uses colors to show different parts of a process
- Zoom and Rotate: Lets users look at processes from many angles
Real-World Examples
| Company | Industry | How They Used 3D Visualization | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing | Aerospace | Mapped aircraft assembly line | Cut production time by 25% |
| Mayo Clinic | Healthcare | Visualized patient flow in ER | Reduced wait times by 30% |
| DHL | Logistics | Analyzed warehouse operations | Improved package sorting speed by 20% |
New Features in 2024
- VR Integration: Use virtual reality headsets to "walk through" processes
- AI Suggestions: Get computer-generated tips on how to improve workflows
- Real-Time Updates: See changes in your process as they happen
Tips for Using 3D Process Visualization
- Start with one key process
- Train your team on how to use the tools
- Use it alongside other data to get the full picture
- Update your models regularly as processes change
"3D visualization helped us see bottlenecks in our supply chain we never noticed before. We fixed them and cut delivery times by 40%," says John Smith, Operations Manager at FedEx.
Tools for 3D Process Visualization
| Tool | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Celonis | Large enterprises | AI-powered insights |
| ProcessGold | Mid-size companies | Easy-to-use interface |
| Minit | Small businesses | Affordable pricing |
3D Process Visualization helps companies see their work in new ways. By turning data into 3D models, it makes complex processes easier to understand and improve.
Comparing Visualization Techniques
When choosing a process mining visualization technique, it’s important to understand how each one fits different needs. Let’s look at how these eight techniques compare:
| Technique | Ease of Use | Data Needs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process Maps | Easy | Basic | Quick overviews |
| Petri Nets | Medium | Detailed logs | Step-by-step analysis |
| BPMN | Medium | Process info | Standard documentation |
| Heatmaps | Easy | Numbers | Finding busy areas |
| Social Network Analysis | Hard | People data | Team connections |
| Dotted Chart Analysis | Medium | Time-based data | Spotting trends |
| Fuzzy Mining | Hard | Lots of data | Complex processes |
| 3D Visualization | Hard | Full process data | Detailed exploration |
Real-World Examples
1. Process Maps at Siemens
Siemens used process maps to look at their purchase-to-pay system. They found ways to speed up invoice processing, cutting the time from 21 days to 11 days.
2. Heatmaps at Philips
Philips Healthcare used heatmaps to track patient flow in hospitals. This helped them cut wait times by 20%.
3. Social Network Analysis at IBM
IBM looked at how project teams worked together using SNA. This led to projects finishing 25% faster.
4. 3D Visualization at Boeing
Boeing used 3D visualization for their aircraft assembly line. This helped them cut production time by 25%.
Picking the Right Tool
When choosing a visualization technique:
- Think about your goal (e.g., fixing a problem, training staff)
- Look at the data you have
- Consider your team’s skills
For example, if you want to improve teamwork, Social Network Analysis might be best. For spotting bottlenecks, a Heatmap could work well.
Tips from Experts
Anne Rozinat, co-founder of Fluxicon, says: "Start simple. Use basic Process Maps to get a quick view, then move to more complex tools as you need them."
Wil van der Aalst, a process mining expert, adds: "Don’t just stick to one technique. Different views can show you different things about your process."
How to Pick the Right Visualization Method
Choosing the best process mining visualization method depends on your goals, data, and team skills. Here’s how to make the right choice:
Match Your Goal
Pick a method that fits what you want to do:
| Goal | Best Method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Find problems | Heatmaps or Dotted Chart Analysis | Shows bottlenecks clearly |
| Document processes | BPMN | Widely used standard |
| Deep analysis | Petri Nets or Fuzzy Mining | Handles complex data well |
Check Your Data
Different methods need different types of data:
| Data Type | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Numbers | Heatmaps |
| People info | Social Network Analysis |
| Full process details | 3D Visualization |
Consider Team Skills
Start with what your team knows:
- For beginners: Use simple Process Maps
- For experts: Try advanced methods like Fuzzy Mining
Learn from Others
Companies have seen real results with the right method:
| Company | Method Used | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Philips Healthcare | Heatmaps | Cut patient wait times by 20% |
| IBM | Social Network Analysis | Projects finished 25% faster |
Expert Advice
Anne Rozinat from Fluxicon says: "Start with basic Process Maps. Move to complex tools as you need them."
What’s Next for Process Mining Visualization
The future of process mining visualization is set to change with new technologies. Here’s what to expect:
AI-Powered Analysis
AI is getting better at looking at complex process data. It can now:
- Spot problems before they happen
- Change visuals as new data comes in
- Help users make decisions faster
For example, Celonis, a leading process mining company, launched its AI Copilot in May 2023. This tool uses natural language processing to let users ask questions about their processes and get instant visual answers.
Virtual Reality (VR) for Processes
VR is making it easier to see how processes work. Users can:
- Walk through 3D models of workflows
- Find issues more easily
- Work together better with their team
In 2023, Siemens started using VR to show factory processes. They reported a 15% faster problem-solving time when teams used VR to look at production lines.
Smarter Predictions
New tools will not just show what happened, but what might happen next. This helps companies:
- Plan better for the future
- Test different scenarios
- Make smarter choices
UiPath, a automation software company, added predictive features to its process mining tool in late 2023. Early users reported being able to spot potential issues up to two weeks earlier than before.
Using Internet of Things (IoT) Data
IoT devices are now feeding data into process mining tools. This means:
- Real-time updates on how things are working
- More accurate pictures of what’s happening
- Faster responses to problems
GE Digital‘s Proficy CSense, launched in Q4 2023, combines IoT data with process mining. Users can see machine performance and process efficiency in one view, leading to a reported 10% improvement in overall equipment effectiveness.
What This Means for Businesses
| Change | Impact | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| AI Analysis | Faster insights | Train staff on new AI tools |
| VR Use | Better understanding of processes | Invest in VR equipment and software |
| Smarter Predictions | More informed planning | Update decision-making processes |
| IoT Integration | Real-time process views | Connect IoT devices to process mining systems |
As these new tools come out, companies will need to learn how to use them. Those who do will likely see their processes improve and become more efficient.
Wrap-up
As we look at process mining visualization in 2024, it’s clear that these tools are key for companies wanting to work better. Let’s recap some key points:
Real-World Impact
| Company | Tool Used | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Siemens | Process Maps | Cut invoice processing from 21 to 11 days |
| Philips Healthcare | Heatmaps | Reduced hospital wait times by 20% |
| IBM | Social Network Analysis | Projects finished 25% faster |
| Boeing | 3D Visualization | Cut aircraft production time by 25% |
Choosing the Right Tool
Pick a tool based on:
- Your goal (e.g., fixing problems, training staff)
- The data you have
- Your team’s skills
For example, use Heatmaps to find bottlenecks or Social Network Analysis to improve teamwork.
New Tech in 2024
- AI helpers: Celonis AI Copilot lets users ask questions about processes and get quick visual answers.
- VR for processes: Siemens reported 15% faster problem-solving when teams used VR to look at production lines.
- Smart predictions: UiPath users spot issues up to two weeks earlier with new predictive features.
- IoT data use: GE Digital’s Proficy CSense shows machine performance and process efficiency together, leading to 10% better equipment effectiveness.
Expert Advice
Anne Rozinat from Fluxicon suggests: "Start with basic Process Maps. Move to complex tools as you need them."