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Buffer information

Buffer external information and subscribe to updates

Instead of requesting information from an external source, buffer it and subscribe to updates

Reijers, H., & Liman Mansar, S. (2005). Best practices in business process redesign: an overview and qualitative evaluation of successful redesign heuristics. Omega, 33(4)

Description

Obtaining information from other parties is a major, time consuming part in many workflows. By having information directly available when it is required, throughput times may be substantially reduced. Note that this buffering is a weak form of the integration pattern. Instead of direct access to the original source of information in the integration alternative a copy is maintained.

Performance considerations

This pattern can be compared to the caching principle microprocessors apply. Of course, the subscription fee for information updates may be rather costly. This is especially so when we consider the situation that an information source may contain far more information than is ever used. Substantial cost may also be involved with storing all the information.

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Foundational free Patterns

Assign cases

Let workers perform as many steps as possible for single cases

Deploy extra resources

If capacity is insufficient, consider increasing the available number of resources

Apply Integral technology

Elevate physical constraints by applying new technology

Specialist-generalist

Consider to deepen or broaden the skills of resources

Split responsibilities

Avoid shared responsibilities for tasks by people from different functional units

Shift Workload

Execute tasks when the grid is powered by renewable energy

Green Variant

Offer a green alternative with the same outcome, utilizing different steps, resources, or partners, while retaining the previous existing process

Use eco-friendly resources

Replace underlying resources with eco-friendly alternatives

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Consolidate Work

Collect similar work items and work in batches

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