Swimlane: Difference between revisions
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A '''' (or swimlane) is a visual element used in [[flowchart|process flow diagram]]s, or flowcharts, that visually distinguishes responsibilities for sub-processes of a [[business process]]. Swim lanes may be arranged either horizontally or vertically. In the accompanying example, the swimlanes are named Customer, Sales, Contracts, Legal, and Fulfillment, and are arranged vertically. |
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[[File:Approvals.svg|thumb|Swim Lane flowchart]] |
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==Attributes of a swimlane== |
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The swim lane flowchart differs from other flowcharts in that processes and decisions are grouped visually by placing them in ''lanes''. Parallel lines divide the chart into lanes, with one lane for each person, group or subprocess. Lanes are labelled to show how the chart is organized. |
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In the accompanying example, the vertical direction represents the sequence of events in the overall process, while the horizontal divisions depict what subprocess is performing that step. Arrows between the lanes represent how information or material is passed between the subprocesses. |
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Alternately, the flow can be rotated so that the sequence reads horizontally from left to right, with the roles involved being shown at the left edge. This can be easier to read and design, since computer screens are typically wider than they are tall, which gives an improved view of the flow. |
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Use of standard symbols enables clear linkage to be shown between related flow charts when charting flows with complex relationships. |
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==Usage== |
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Swimlanes can be used in manufacturing-related applications to help clarify the overall layout of the processes and help optimize floor capacity and efficiency. |
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When used to diagram a business process that involves more than one department, the use of swimlanes can clarify not only the steps and who is responsible for each one, but also how delays, mistakes or cheating are most likely to occur. |
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Many process modeling methodologies utilize the concept of swimlanes as a mechanism to organize activities into separate visual categories in order to illustrate different functional capabilities or responsibilities. Swimlanes are used in [[Business Process Modeling Notation]] (BPMN) and [[Unified Modeling Language]] [[activity diagram]] modeling methodologies. |
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==Alternate terms== |
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A swim lane may also be referred to as a '''functional band''' (as it is in Visio 2007) and is used in the same way, to create a cross functional flowchart to map a process within the functional units of a business.<ref name="FunctionalBand">[http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio-help/create-a-cross-functional-flowchart-HP010357078.aspx Create a cross-functional flowchart, Microsoft Office Visio Help]</ref> The term functional band precedes the use of swimlane and is seemingly in decline as the preferred term. |
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==Origin== |
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The origin of the term swim lane is not clear. One possibility is as part of the JBoss jBPM jPDL (Process Definition Language) graphical process designer a part of the JBoss jBPM framework for process languages.<ref name="JBossjBPMjPDL">[http://docs.jboss.org/jbpm/v3/userguide/jpdl.html#swimlane.element Chapter 18. jBPM Process Definition Language – Swimlane]</ref> |
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== References == |
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<!--- See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes on how to create references using <ref></ref> tags which will then appear here automatically --> |
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{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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* [http://www.agilemodeling.com/style/activityDiagram.htm#Swimlanes Swimlane Guidelines], [[Agile Modeling]], [[Business process mapping|Process Mapping]] |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Swim Lane}} |
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[[Category:Diagrams]] |
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[[Category:Unified Modeling Language]] |
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{{tech-stub}} |
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[[ru:Swim lane]] |
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