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)
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.
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.
Foundational free Patterns
Establish standardized interfaces
Consider a standardized interface with customers and partners
Delegate and optimize your operations
Move activities to more appropriate places
Consider the division of a general activity into two or more alternative activities
Collect similar work items and work in batches
Start implementing actions that can offset or counterbalance the environmental effects generated by business processes that cannot be changed.
Let products appear greener
Expertise-based task assignment
Match tasks to experts' specialized skills for efficiency
Allocate task based on past feedback or quality metrics