Frequently Asked Questions – Visual Modeling
Q: What is visual modeling?
A: Visual modeling is a technology and process for rapidly prototyping and simulating the behavior of applications before applications are developed. The visual models are then used to gain feedback from multiple communities (i.e. business executives, end-users, technology specialists, etc.) before the applications are developed. This manner of developing applications is akin to modeling vehicles, using computer-aided design (CAD) tools, before building cars and trucks. Visual modeling allows organizations to review iterative designs of applications and validate new business processes in a short time frame. In essence, visual modeling is a new way of defining user requirements using visual aids and simulations instead of paper and pen.
Q: What are the major benefits of visual modeling?
A: The benefits of using visual modeling include accelerated time to launch, reduced development cost, and increased user adoption of applications. Most of these benefits come from the development of a clear understanding of the true business needs and a common understanding of how the applications will operate. This results in accelerated development, fewer missed requirements, reduced rework, and quicker deployment. Additionally, visual modeling emphasizes collaboration among multiple communities, helping to catalyze innovation in the user-functionality of applications and the rethinking of business functions.
Q: What is GM’s involvement in visual modeling?
A: GM has quickly become a leader for visual modeling among automakers and large Fortune 500® companies.
As an example, the launch of a Global Retail Integration (GRI) initiative in 2006 resulted in the development of a global portal that dealerships can utilize for all major dealership-OEM functions. The visual modeling techniques utilized in GRI, allowed GM to involve dealerships from around the globe in the collaborative development of applications for key dealership functions including vehicle ordering, parts location, warranty information, and vehicle service support.In addition to use in the global dealer portal, GM piloted visual modeling in a number of application and business environments and was very impressed with the results. Subsequently, GM has incorporated visual modeling into its standard application delivery process for application development, including COTS implementations. GM has also incorporated training for iRise and visual modeling into its global information technology training curriculum. To date, GM has implemented a number of applications using visual modeling including those to improve the functionality of OnStar, enhance the ability of GM to monitor manufacturing quality, and increase the effectiveness of global resource planning for new vehicle development.
Q: What is iRise’s involvement in visual modeling?
A: iRise is the global leader is business software visualization tools with over 200 customers and thousands of users around the world. GM has adopted the iRise product solution as a way to streamline IT application design and delivery. Business analysts within GM and its sourcing partners use iRise to quickly model how new application initiatives will look, act and feel. Stakeholders around the globe can “test drive” these initiatives and provide valuable feedback to the IT organization in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods of text specifications, static screen shots and use cases.
Q: What is Capgemini’s involvement in visual modeling?
A: Capgemini embraced visual modeling in 2006 and launched a series of Rapid Design & Visualization Labs (RDV), state-of-the-art environments used to create prototypes of business applications in real-time using visualization technology. The rapid prototyping and user-center designed techniques Capgemini has pioneered for three years has helped bridge the gap between business and IT, helping business analysts and architects speak the same language. Capgemini believes visual modeling of applications is a stepping stone to the ability to visualize entire services of businesses such as the supply chain or customer experience.
Q: What other organizations use visual modeling?
A: Over 200 organizations worldwide have leveraged visual modeling solutions, across a broad range of industries including banking, insurance, health care, travel & hospitality, government and technology firms. Visual modeling is quickly becoming a critical competitive advantage for businesses to more effectively communicate their needs to technology teams and give everyone involved the ability to fully experience applications before they are built. Companies of all sizes like UPS, Wachovia, Manpower, CompuCredit, Capgemini, and many others use visual modeling to “test drive” their applications before building, which accelerates time to revenue, improves customer experience, and drives costs down. iRise has a vision that by 2020, all business software will be visualized before being built, the same way that every car, airplane, and building is visualized today.
