Since ARIS 10 SR 24, it is possible to import ARIS content as custom processes into SAP® Cloud ALM. This enables customers and partners to hand over their process documentation and/or reference content as input for Fit-2-Standard Workshops.
ARIS uses the SAP Cloud ALM Custom Processes API. This API allows it to import artefacts such as Solution Process, Solution Value Flow, Solution Process Flow, and Solution Process Flow diagram.
Since the beginning of this year, the API was enhanced with the capability to import Solution Process Flow diagrams in BPMN notation not only as graphical representation in SVG format, but as a real model.
With the latest Release of ARIS 10 SR 26, we have changed the synchronization from ARIS to SAP Cloud ALM accordingly. Whether the Solution Process Flow is available as SVG or as model is visible via the little icon.
Elements in SVG diagrams are not editable or selectable, whereas the elements in models are. They can have their own properties, in the current version, the “Name” attribute is transferred from ARIS to SAP Cloud ALM as “Title”.
It is possible to re-use the imported activities objects e.g. within Solution Process Flows generated in the SAP Process Authoring application.
As the model generation in SAP Cloud ALM is currently restricted to BPMN notation, imported Solution Value Flows and Solution Process Flows based on Value Chain Diagrams or EPC ‘s in ARIS are still made available as SVG.
What does this mean for you?
The procedure and handling were not changed, navigation capabilities remain untouched. You can find a detailed description and additional information in my post How to use your ARIS Content in SAP® Cloud ALM Implementation projects.
But the switch from picture to model has some advantages during the following implementation phases in SAP.
For content in SVG format, requirements, notes, user stories, etc. can be added during the Fit-2-Standard Workshops to the whole model. For BPMN diagrams, it is possible to assign these work items to the single element within the model. That helps to address your needs more specifically and in more detail. The implementation team will benefit from improved clarity. And if there is a need for additional information not transferred to SAP (like e.g. legal background of requirements or responsible stakeholders for specific topics), navigation to the source model in ARIS Portal will allow to access all relevant content and use all standard ARIS capabilities, like content analysis, collaboration and many others.
Furthermore, activities objects used in the BPMN model can be utilized during test preparation to define and describe test cases / walkthroughs for the specific business process. And requirements (and user stories) assigned to the specific activity object are also made available for the tester and will help to come to higher implementation quality.
Enable and support communication between business and IT people is and remains key in implementation projects. With the capability to use models as a suitable means and the ability to further re-use elements for follow-up activities, you will be able to increase transparency and align the different stakeholders.