Updated June 2011
At first glance people often confuse Value Network Analysis (VNA) with Social Network Analysis (SNA). Or they think it is just a different, somewhat messy way perhaps, to model business processes. However, these three approaches are actually quite different. Below is a simple comparison chart.
Comparison Chart of Business Process,
Social Network Analysis, and Value Network Analysis
Business process modeling has of course been used extensively for the last two decades. More recently people have been discovering social networks. Technology companies are jumping on the bandwagon offering social network visualization and analysis tools. Typically these offerings pull data from email or collaboration platforms to show how people are interacting.
However, even using both of these methods still does not achieve true integration of processes and human interactions. They were simply never designed to work together - and come from two very different theory bases. Only value network modeling brings together human interactions and business transactions into one dynamic model. The more comprehensive theory base of living systems paves the way. The result is an intuitive and friendly way for people to quickly map out their work as a whole system. This brings forward fresh insights, powerful whole system indicators, and predictive analytics that simply are not possible with other approaches.
Use the three approaches together
The ValueNet Works application supports business process modeling as a human-centric activity. The sequencing feature of the application provides a ready link to other business process tools. Existing data from workflow and process tools can be pulled into the Enterprise Edition to reveal the hidden network patterns of process performance. Predictive analytics show processes at risk.
Social Network Analysis is also supported with the ValueNet Works application. Data for individual participants generates Collaborative Network visuals in Visio and PowerPoint, and Comprehensive Reports about how well your social networks support your business activity. Data can also be exported to other SNA applications if desired.
Finally, the application generates the unique perspectives and reports of the role based value network. No other business modeling tool provides value network visuals and analytics. It is truly the "next generation" way of modeling business process networks.
All three modeling methods are powerful and useful ways of understanding business performance. With the power of value network modeling these three methods are integrated for a simple, powerful, and elegant way to achieve top business performance.
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