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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

Appoint case managers

Assign a responsible individual for handling each case type

Distinguish case types

Determine whether activities are related to the same type of case and, if necessary, distinguish new business processes

Apply Integral technology

Elevate physical constraints by applying new technology

Minimize numerical involvement

Too many cooks spoil the broth

Parallelize activities

Consider whether activities may be executed in parallel

Apply triage

Consider the division of a general activity into two or more alternative activities

Green Variant

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

Offer temporal flexibility

Let customers interact with your organization whenever they want to.

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Consolidate Work

Collect similar work items and work in batches

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