Quick start guide to creating a process in Mavim

Getting to know Mavim and the tree structure

When you open Mavim Manager, you'll first select a database from the dropdown. The Mavim Manager is where you create, adjust, and publish information to the Mavim Portal.

The interface features a ribbon similar to Microsoft Office applications, providing direct access to most functions. The Modelling tab is selected by default and contains commonly used features. You'll find controls to create, delete, and rename topics within these menus. Right-clicking anywhere in the application brings up a context menu with relevant actions.

The Topics screen displays a tree structure, much like Windows Explorer. Here, you can create subtopics, which are items in the tree. You can delete, rename, copy, cut, and paste topics. You can only edit information within yellow file cabinets; green file cabinets are for publishing and cannot be changed.

To create a new topic, use the context menu or shortcut keys:

• Topic under: Creates a topic at the same hierarchical level.

• Topic lower: Creates a topic at a lower hierarchical level.

You can also use the context menu to access the Properties screen, where you can adjust the topic type and icon. "Detailed process" is often used for processes.

Mavim supports importing files from Visio, Word, Excel, and other formats.

Other useful ribbon tabs include:

• Layout tab: Adjusts screen layouts and enables/disables screens. The View button switches between Basic and Advanced views.

• Navigation tab: Contains arrows to move selected topics up, down, left, or right in the hierarchy.

Adding detail to your process

A business process in Mavim can include a description, name, metadata (like owner and revision date), activities, and the flow between them.

The Fields screen contains structured metadata. A field set is automatically added based on the topic type (e.g., 'detailed process') by a database administrator. These fields are often customizable to your organization's needs.

The Description screen functions like Microsoft Word, allowing you to input formatted text and add images via the context menu.

To add activities, Mavim integrates with Microsoft Visio. You can create a chart (e.g., a Flowchart) by dragging shapes from the left. Overlapping shapes automatically creates connections. Decisions can be used for process deviations, ideally with "yes" or "no" questions.

You can draw lines between shapes by dragging the relationship from the left. Double-click on a line to add characteristics (e.g., "yes" or "no").

After saving the chart, you'll see whereto and wherefrom relationships created in the tree structure, containing the characteristics you selected. Relationships model process flow and add information about activities, answering questions like:

• With What

• Who

• Where

• When

• Why

• Whereto

• Wherefrom

These answers are often stored in Relationship categories, which can have fields and descriptions. To create a relationship, right-click in the relationship screen and choose the appropriate topic.

For a more structured approach, use a matrix. Right-click on a process and choose "create new matrix." If available, use a definition (e.g., to map processes and roles). The matrix automatically saves all changes.

Once you have a flowchart and a matrix with "Who" relationships, you can create a Cross Function Flowchart (swimming lane diagram) in Mavim. Select the process, then choose Overview > Cross Function Flowchart. Here, you can select all roles involved in the process. Changes made in the chart are stored in the tree structure upon saving due to Mavim's bi-directional integration with Visio.

Finally, to share this information, publish it to the Mavim Portal.

Next steps

You should now be able to navigate Mavim Manager, create a process, and add information to it. This foundation will help you explore more advanced features.