Business Process Automation

Because we have designed and implemented an ISO certified management system at Space Database, we have mapped out all of our business processes in flowcharts and written descriptions. To control these processes we have ended up with a fair amount of paperwork. We need forms with initial fields, we need written scopes of work and all sorts of backup 'evidence' to prove to our auditors that we are doing what we say we want to do.

We have built software to manage information: to control file versions, to keep track of client projects and work requests. But we still need the paper system to control and monitor the work done by our staff and partner companies.

Wouldn't it be great if there were a simple way to turn this paper system into an electronic one? Wouldn't it be great if our work-flow diagrams could automatically route forms to the right people at the right time?

Well, it turns out that there is a whole class of software that does this. Unfortunately most of this is targeted at large organizations. These systems carry hefty price tags and require consultants for setup and implementation. I've done some research on applications more suitable to medium and small business.

Here's a list of some of what I've looked at:

• ProcessMaker - this is a 'commercial open source' software that is free to download. It is currently at version 1.1. We downloaded this and found that it had a well designed, web based drag and drop interface. It was very easy to model processes and attach forms. It currently lacked some of the features that we require but they are continuing to develop more features so it will be a solution worth keeping an eye on.
  
• Intalio is another open source solution. There is a free download that we installed. The software is based on the Eclipse platform and processes are designed in a version of the Eclipse editor. It includes some sample processes but there is not quite enough documentation for us to get it to work. We participated in an online seminar, but it seems that we would have to participate in paid training before we'll get this operational.
  
• WorkflowGenThis looks like a robust software that can automate any process. It is based in .Net and can be integrated with most other software. It is installed on site in the client's network. It does not appear to be offered in a hosted version.
  
• Iceberg This is a tool for building a variety of business applications. It promises to help non-programmers to build applications without code. One of the core elements is a workflow model . It is free for up to five users. Each additional user requires a $200 license.
  
• Quask and PerfectForms I am listing these together because they are really the same company. Quask is the older product and PerfectForms is their new solution. PerfectForms is offered as installed software or as a hosted service. It is a web based product that allows for the design of forms in a flash interface. Seems to be a scalable solution that does not require a large upfront investment.
  

This is not by an means an exhaustive list. Google "Business Process Management" or "Workflow" and you'll see that there's a lot of choice out there. The above is a short list that we have decided to look at more closely based on our specific needs and requirements.

How to Use Yahoo Pipes

I created the blog widget in an earlier post using Yahoo Pipes. This web application is a pleasure to use - due in part to a terrific user interface. It has powerful tools to help you fetch multiple data sources; manipulate and filter them. Here's how its done:

Log into http://pipes.yahoo.com, with your Yahoo ID - easy to get one if you don't already have one.

Click on the 'Create a Pipe' to create a new project workspace. First you will need a feed source. Under 'Sources' on the left menu drag out a Fetch Feed object. This creates a box into which you can type the addresses of RSS Feeds.

I created two Fetch Feed objects. One for Feedburner feeds and one for all other feeds. It turns out that Feedburner feeds need a little extra processing to display correctly!

To display correctly in Pipes, a Feedburner feed needs to have one element renamed. Item.feedburner.origLink needs to be renamed to Link. Under Operators on the left menu drag out a Rename object. Connect it to the Fetch Feed object that you are using for Feedburner feeds. Select the items under the menus to make it look like this:

Next, we need to merge our two feeds together. Under the Operators menu, drag out a Union object. This object allows you to join together up to five data sources. Connect yours like this:

Typically, we will want to see a feed sorted chronologically. We'll apply a sort operation to our merged feed. Drag out a Sort object and hook it up to the Union object. Select the way you want it sorted from the two pull-downs:

Connect this to the Pipe Output object and you are done! You can save this pipe now and run it. To place it in this blog, I clicked on 'Get as a Badge' - they have several options for embedding your feed as a widget in other sites.

Canadian Banking System Rated Number 1

Recently we saw that Canada's real estate industry was rated the most transparent in the world. Now our banking industry has earned similar praise. A World Economic Forum Survey now ranks Canada the top country for 'Soundness of Banks' out of 134 countries. Canadian banks were considered 'generally healthy with sound balance sheets'. Canada also ranked number 6 for 'Financial market sophistication' and number 5 for 'Strength of investor protection'

• I found out about this story on 'Deal Junkie'
  
• Read more about it at 'Reuters'
  
• See the full report here (on the left select 2.3 Data tables and pick VIII: Financial market sophistication)
  

In these interesting times, you should invest your money in Canada. We may be a bit less interesting, but we'll take good care of you!

Real Estate Blogs

Here's a compilation of eight real estate related blogs:

I've added this widget to the sidebar on the right.

You can also subscribe to this using RSS

Here are the blogs in the list:

• Trend Czar
  
• Counter Culture
  
• Commercial Grove
  
• Real Solutions
  
• Deal Junkie
  
• Technology and Strategy (this blog!)
  
• The Future of Real Estate Marketing
  
• The Future of Real Estate Technology
  

In an upcoming post I will explain exactly how I did this - and how you can do it too!