PSM Section Contents

The Procedural Mining FAQ

PSM basics in a Q & A format

Procedural Strip Mining and Business Analysis

PSM uncovers and analyzes existing processes and procedures within the client's environment that, unknown to the client, reflect either (a) workarounds or (b) existing undocumented requirements that are being met outside published work descriptions.

Business Analysis is part of our basic perspective and approach to project management and system evaluation. Systems don't just do things. They exist to perform processes that lead to the satisfaction of business objectives. We can't articulate your requirements until we understand your business needs, future plans, and operating priorities. This article explores why systems don't work and why most diagnoses regarding why they don't are faulty.

PSM Results and Benefits

There are three parts to this article:

• PSM Results
• PSM Implications
• PSM Benefits

The PSM Process

A goodoverview of the PSM process, including why it unfolds as it does and the benefits of doing so.

Why Workarounds Happen

Workarounds are a natural evolution of business processes and procedures.  They fill needs not anticipated by management and therefore not  included in formal processes, procedures, or job descriptions. They reflect employee initiative and a "can do, will do" spirit.  They also cause system underpeformance and apparent organizational dysfunctionality.  This article presents a thoroughgoing perspective.

Introduction to PSM

PSM is our benign approach to process improvement. It is at the very bottom of the business analysis hierarchy. It does not pretend to re-create the universe nor re-structure the planet, or even to finely floss an organization or a division thereof.

Instead, PSM is, quite frankly, a way to grab low-hanging fruit, to identify miscellaneous tasks that are ripe for technological change or unnecessary functions which can and should be deftly deleted from daily routines and quietly buried, unlamented. Most organizations realize that inefficiencies exist, but they are not willing to radically turn themselves inside out when they suspect that a little spring cleaning will accomplish most of what's needed without seriously disrupting daily routines.

The PSM process uncovers and analyzes existing processes and procedures within the client's environment that, unknown to the client, reflect either (a) workarounds or (b) existing undocumented requirements that are being met outside published work descriptions. PSM can result in increased productivity, reduced operating costs, and increased employee satisfaction.

Clicking on the headings to the right will provide details about PSM and links to the desired subjects.