Context Diagrams

Another tool to map your process

Context DiagramSwimlane or Linear

Maps

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Opportunity Statement

Overview Map

When to Use a Context Diagram?

Unclear WHO should appear on the swimlanes of a map

Understand what happens without focusing on the order in which it happens

Help define the boundaries of your process as indicated in your opportunity statement and overview map

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Context Diagram

Entity

Transactions

Entity

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Macy’s Sale Swimlane Map

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Macy’s Sale Context Diagram

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Special Types of Transactions

Trigger(s) – event, action or state that initiates the first task in a process

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Special Types of Transactions

Outcome(s) – the transaction(s) that indicates the process is complete

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Special Types of Transactions Input ‐ information needed for the process Output ‐ information produced by the process

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Questions to Ask Are all entities included? Do entities both receive and send

transactions? For each transaction pointing towards an

entity, is there a corresponding transaction generated by the entity?

Do all external entities have at least one transaction with an internal entity?

Is there a transaction that ends the process?

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Other Reasons toUse a Context Diagram

Document recurring tasks

Ensure you don’t forget anyone who is part of your process

Show where systems can help with the exchange of information

Process is large or complex

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Exercise 1

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Opportunity Statement: Improve the efficiency of clinical services billing.

Clients register onto a patient database at a central registration desk for clinical services including immunizations and dental services. They are given a hand written billing form for the particular services that they are going to receive with their name, address, and insurance coverage on it. The clients bring the form to the clerk in the clinical area where they are going.

After receiving the services the person who provided the service marks off which services they provided. The patient gives the form to the clerk. The clerk then brings the billing sheets at the end of the day to the billing clerk who is locate in the department’s business office. The billing clerk completes the billing forms for submission to private insurance and mails them out. She enters the information electronically for Medicare and Medicaid claims.

13Pause the module and take 15 minutes to develop your diagram.

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