Consider using Event Storming when developing IT systems

Typical Obstacles Faced in IT Projects

Many IT projects struggle to achieve effective communication between business representatives and software developers. The methods often used are overly complicated, leading to a lack of involvement from the business side. As a result, the chosen system solutions are driven by developers' limited understanding of the business's needs, and the developed systems fail to provide the expected support for the business. Event Storming is a method specifically developed to bridge the gap between business and IT, making it easier for the business to participate in system modeling work.

Another significant challenge is the "silo problem," where employees have limited knowledge of what is happening in other departments. This can lead to duplicated work tasks, unnecessary problems, and delays. By using Event Storming, organizations can quickly gain a better understanding of the whole picture, identifying bottlenecks and agreeing on which challenges to tackle together. This approach ensures that priority is given to initiatives that bring the most value to the business as a whole, and that the developed support systems offer the best possible assistance.

In addressing these challenges, various business analysis tools and techniques come into play. These include business process analysis, business process mapping, and process modeling. By using diagramming tools, such as flowchart diagramming and process mapping tools, organizations can analyze, visualize, and improve their business processes. These tools enable stakeholders to get a clear view of the entire system, make informed decisions, and optimize processes for the benefit of the business as a whole.

Why Event Storming is so powerful

Event Storming operates on a simple yet ingenious concept known as Key Domain Events. These events represent past-tense actions within a business process, such as "order placed." This straightforward concept is easily grasped by everyone involved, promoting a high level of engagement from the business side. In Event Storming workshops, known as "Domain Experts," representatives from the organization and system developers collaborate to explore the business processes, ensuring a time-efficient approach.

During an Event Storming workshop, participants engage in brainstorming sessions to identify Key Domain Events, which are then plotted on a timeline. Once the basic flow is mapped, additional information is gathered about the actors and systems involved in the business process. From there, the methodology offers flexibility, allowing customization based on the information to be collected and the participants' roles. It can extend further to cover aspects like business rules, identified problem areas, and user interfaces.

Event Storming encompasses three levels: Big Picture, Process Modeling, and Software Design. In the Big Picture phase, the focus is on mapping the entire business and identifying significant challenges or opportunities. Process Modeling delves into individual business processes, providing detailed descriptions from start to finish, including alternative flows. Software Design is particularly useful when aiming for rapid system development. Through this variant, components to build and the boundaries of various subsystems can be easily and swiftly determined. Moreover, Software Design sessions yield Bounded Contexts and Aggregates, which are concepts drawn from Domain Driven Design (DDD) and are instrumental in designing the internal structures of software systems.

Benefits of Event Storming

• Easy and Quick Start: Event Storming enables a swift initiation without the need for technical expertise, making it accessible to all participants.

• User-Friendly: Event Storming doesn't rely on complex technical tools, ensuring that anyone can easily comprehend and contribute to the process.

• Adaptability: Event Storming can be tailored to suit specific purposes, allowing flexibility in gathering information and achieving desired outcomes.

• Time Efficiency: By leveraging the knowledge of domain experts, Event Storming optimizes time utilization and accelerates the process.

• Bottleneck and Conflict Identification: Event Storming aids in identifying bottlenecks and conflict areas within the business processes, facilitating their resolution.

• Shared Understanding: Event Storming fosters a common understanding of the business beyond individual departments, promoting collaboration and alignment.

• Cross-Departmental Consensus: Event Storming increases the likelihood of reaching consensus across departmental boundaries, ensuring agreement on areas of focus.

• Inclusive Participation: Event Storming creates an environment where every participant has the opportunity to express their thoughts and ideas, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard.

How to get started with Event Storming

Qlerify has established a long-standing collaboration with Event Storming, leveraging its expertise to develop a unique cloud-based tool that supports the methodology. Additionally, Qlerify offers comprehensive training options in Event Storming, collaborating with our training partner NFI.

For more information about our Event Storming course, please visit:

https://nfi.se/kurs/event-storming

Starting with Event Storming often requires guidance, and Qlerify excels in facilitating workshops tailored to your needs. We offer on-site workshops conducted in suitable venues or remote sessions via Zoom, complemented by modeling tools to enhance the experience.

If you're curious and would like to explore the possibilities of Event Storming further, feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to provide additional information and support. Visit Qlerify.com for more.