APQC Process Classification Framework
The APQC framework is explained on the APQC web site https://www.apqc.org/pcf.
With the kind permission of the APQC, Triaster have implemented version 7.1.0 of the framework released 15th Aug 2017. This APQC Process Classification Framework® ("PCF") is an open standard developed by APQC,
a nonprofit that promotes benchmarking and best practices worldwide. The PCF is intended to facilitate organizational improvement through process management and benchmarking, regardless of industry, size, or geography.
To download the full PCF or industry-specific versions of the PCF, as well as associated measures and benchmarking, please visit https://www.apqc.org/pcf.
In Triaster's implementation of the framework:
- You can choose which parts of the framework are included
- You can choose which Level of the framework resides in the menu, and which becomes generated maps
- You can choose to re-generate the maps according to the brand contained in your stencil
- You can choose to pre-pend the Activity and Node text with the APQC number, or not as you prefer
Perhaps the easiest way to understand the APQC framework is to look at an example. We have provided 3 libraries for you to look at:
- APQC1 contains just a level 1 menu and numbers are not pre-pended.
- APQC2 contains a level 3 menu and numbers are pre-pended.
- APQC3 contains all levels menu (only leaf elements are mapped) and numbers are not pre-prended.
Clearly, the degree to which the process maps themselves are edited is entirely a customer choice, and in every map the APQC guidance is included as an easily deleted text box.
How to Generate the Framework
Before you Start
The APQC framework is large! Well over 1000 files are generated even if only the lowest level is in the form of a process map. You therefore need a fast, powerful machine to handle the workload. In test environments,
it can take between 2 and 24 hours to generate the maps depending on the speed of the machine.
Note also, Visio automation is inherently unstable, and our experience is that Visio will crash for no apparent reason on 2 or 3 (out of a 1000+) maps that are generated. This may cause the generate process to halt.
If you encounter this, our advice is to delete the last 3 maps generated, and start the process again.
Little time is lost doing this because Triaster will not attempt to generate maps that already exist, so the process picks up again from where it left off.
Obtaining the Framework
Visit https://frameworks.triaster.cloud.
Obtaining the Files
Choose a value from each drop-down list and press the 'Generate Files' button.
Once you have pressed the 'Generate Files' button, a zip file containing the framework files will be pushed to your local browser for you to download.
- flash-menu.xml; this is the menu definition file that works as standard across all Library Themes
- A spreadsheet file named according to the framework and parameters chosen; this contains the definition of all the maps and can be used by Triaster to generate the process maps using your own stencil
Changing the Displayed Menu
See Changing the displayed menu