Opportunity flowchart - Order processing

This opportunity flowchart sample shows the order processing flow.
"Opportunity flowcharts are a variation of detailed basic flowcharts. They get their name because they highlight opportunities for improvement. Like all flowcharts, they make the process visible. But they take this idea one step further by separating value-added steps (those essential for making the product or service) from cost-added-only steps (those that are included only to check for or fix problems). ...
An opportunity flowchart is created by rearranging a detailed basic flowchart. The steps needed if everything works perfectly should flow down the left side of the chart. Steps that exist because of problems and inefficiencies flow across the right side." [Flowcharts: Plain & Simple. Inc Staff Joiner Assocs. 1995. P. 60.]
The swim lane diagram example "Opportunity flowchart - Order processing" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the Cross-Functional Flowcharts solution from the Business Processes area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

This opportunity flowchart sample shows the steps involved in replacing engine oil process. The opportunity flowcharts are used in business process improvement to identify process steps which might be improved.
"Business process improvement (BPI) is a systematic approach to help an organization optimize its underlying processes to achieve more efficient results. ...
An organization is only as good as its processes. To be able to make the necessary changes in an organization, one needs to understand the key processes of the company. Rummler and Brache suggested a model for running a Process Improvement and Management project (PI&M), containing the following steps:
1. Identify the process to be improved (based on a critical business issue): The identification of key processes can be a formal or informal exercise. The management team might select processes by applying a set of criteria derived from strategic and tactical priorities, or process selection is based on obvious performance gaps. It is important is to select the process(es) which have the greatest impact on a competitive advantage or customer requirement.
2. Develop the objective(s) for the project based on the requirements of the process: The focus might be on quality improvement, productivity, cost, customer service or cycle time. The goal is however always the same; to get the key process under control.
3. Select the members of the cross-functional team: A horizontal (cross-functional) analysis is carried out by a team composed of representatives of all functions involved in the process. While a consultant or in-house staff person can do the job, the quality of the analysis and the commitment to change is far greater with a cross-functional team.
4. Document the current process by creating a flowchart or "organization map": Describe the process regarding the Organizational level, the Process level and the Job/ Performer level according to Rummler. Develop a cross-functional process map for the process.
5. Identify "disconnects" in the process: “Disconnections” are everything that inhibit the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. The identification should be categorized into the three levels: The Organizational level, the Process level and the Job/ Performer level.
6. Recommend changes (organizational, in the process or in its execution): Categorize and prioritize the main problems and possibilities, evaluate alternative solutions. Develop a cross-functional process map for the recommended process.
7. Establish process and sub-process measures: The process measures should reflect the objectives of the project.
8. Implement the improvements." [Business process improvement. Wikipedia]
The swim lane diagram example "Opportunity flowchart - Replacing engine oil" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the Cross-Functional Flowcharts solution from the Business Processes area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

"A SWOT analysis is a subjective method used to evaluate the STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, and THREATS involved in trying to attain an objective. It involves specifying the objective and identifying the internal and external factors that are favourable and unfavourable to achieving the objective. It can be used as a business tool or on a personal level where it can help you take advantage of your talents, abilities and opportunities. It can help to clarify and summarise the key issues and opportunities facing you and thereby to set objectives and develop new strategies. It should help you to to maximise strengths and minimise weaknesses in order to take advantage of opportunities and reduce threats." [kent.ac.uk/ careers/ sk/ decisionmaking.htm]
This form template "New business opportunity SWOT analysis matrix" for the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software is included in the SWOT Analysis solution from the Management area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

This presales process flowchart example depicts the Microsoft Dynamics CRM workflow from lead to opportunity. It was redesigned from the Wikimedia Commons file: Lead to Opportunity sales flow.svg. [commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/ File:Lead_ to_ Opportunity_ sales_ flow.svg]
"Presales is a process or a set of activities normally carried out before a customer is acquired, though sometimes presales also extends into the period the product or service is delivered to the customer. ...
In a typical sales cycle the stages are:
(1) Contact.
(2) Lead / Suspect.
(3) Prospect / Opportunity.
The task of a presales person starts from the initial contact phase and often ends once the customer is acquired i.e. sale is made." [Presales. Wikipedia]
The process flowchart example "Lead to opportunity sales flow" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the Sales Flowcharts solution from the Marketing area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

"SWOT Analysis.
A way to identify and analyze a company's goals by assessing its strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. An advantage to SWOT analysis is that it separates internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) from external ones (opportunities and threats). This allows the company to match what it could do in theory with what is possible in reality. Another advantage is the fact that conducting SWOT analysis is straightforward if the company conducting it is honest with itself." [financial-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/ SWOT+Analysis]
This form template "New business opportunity SWOT analysis matrix" for the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software is included in the SWOT Analysis solution from the Management area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

"SWOT is a handy mnemonic to help corporate planners think about strategy. It stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. What are an organisation's SWOTs? How can it manage them in a way that will optimise its performance? A second four-letter acronym is sometimes brought into play here: USED. How can the Strengths be Used; the Weaknesses be Stopped, the Opportunities be Exploited; and the Threats be Defended against? ...
A SWOT analysis can be applied to different aspects of a company's business, such as its it capability or its skills. The simplicity and intuitive wholeness of the framework have helped to make it extremely popular with both corporations and governments." [economist.com/ node/ 14301503]
This form template "New business opportunity SWOT analysis matrix" for the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software is included in the SWOT Analysis solution from the Management area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

Opportunity Flowcharts visualize business processes with decision steps and check points. They are used to improve the business processes by displaying possible process directions and identification of steps that add cost but not value.
The opportunity flowchart template for the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software is included in the Cross-Functional Flowcharts solution from the Business Processes area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

This example shows the Microsoft Dynamics CRM workflow from lead to opportunity. It was redesigned from the Wikimedia Commons file: Lead to Opportunity sales flow.svg. [commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/ File:Lead_ to_ Opportunity_ sales_ flow.svg]
"Does your lead have what you're looking for - and vice versa? Once you've identified the timeframe, budget, purchase process, and decision makers for the sale, it's time to qualify your lead. Qualifying a lead in Microsoft Dynamics CRM converts it to an opportunity.
Ideally, your leads or prospects should have a need that you can provide a solution for, and have the budget and influence necessary for making the purchasing decision. In addition, you should be able to provide their solution within the timeframe they need it." [microsoft.com/ en-us/ dynamics/ crm-customer-center/ qualify-a-lead-and-convert-it-to-an-opportunity.aspx]
The example "Workflow - Lead to Opportunity" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the Sales Flowcharts solution from the Marketing area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

Opportunity flowcharts visualize business processes with decision steps and check points. They are used to improve the business processes by displaying possible process directions and identification of steps that add cost but not value.
This opportunity flowchart template for the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software is included in the Process Flowcharts solution from the Business Processes area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.