Supply Chain/Value Chain Models - Business Process Model Wars Update

Price Waterhouse Coopers, one of the largest consulting groups, has a process framework that is strikingly similar to the hierarchical models maintained by many of the trade associations that I have identified previously (and you can find in my list). They describe the framework as:

The universal Process classification framework contains 13 business processes that apply to almost any business, regardless of industry, size, or location. The first seven are operating processes that companies follow to develop and move products to the market. The last six are management and support processes that enable companies to operate effectively.

Probably all of the major consultants have process views of the enterprise. The majority of them have process organizations that vary by industry (and can be tailored to a company).

There are competitive advantages to using an industry-specific process framework. First, everyone believes that their industry and company are unique. In fact, they probably are, at some level. Second, if you are a consultant or a software provider that already has a presence in an industry, an industry-specific view (hopefully supported by reference accounts) can create barriers to your competition.

When you are working on business problems that span your business, your suppliers, and your customers, there are advantages to using an-industry neutral process framework and classification. Similarly, if you are a large consultant with projects supporting multiple industries and multiple businesses, there are advantages in using a framework that can be applied from the top down. Process models are the "standards" or banners in the escalating battle for the hearts, minds, and dollars of analysts, technologists, consultants, business process engineers, program managers, and business leaders.

APQP - Advanced Product Quality Planning - Automotive Industry Action Group

CCOR - Customer Chain Operations Reference Model - Supply-Chain Council, Inc.

CPFR -Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment Model-Voluntary InterIndustry Commerce Standards Association

DCOR - Design Chain Operations Reference Model - Supply-Chain Council, Inc.

DFSS - Design for Six Sigma - (Multiple Models)

eTOM - Enhanced Telcom Operations Map - TM Forum

MSDF - Manufacturing System Design Framework - Lean Advancement Initiative

PCF - Process Classification Framework - APQC

PWC Universal Process Classification Framework - Price Waterhouse Coopers

SAP- SAP Enterprise Services Workplace

SCOR - Supply Chain Operations Reference Model - Supply-Chain Council, Inc.

SCMF - Supply Chain Management Framework - SCM-Institute

VRM - Value Reference Model - Value-Chain Group

Technical but related frameworks

FERA - Federated Enterprise Reference Architecture - CPDA

ITIL - Information Technology Infrastructure Library

Corrections, additions, and amplifications are welcome.