Understanding and using relationship categories in Mavim

Target audience

Mavim users who want to organize and link topics effectively within their models, especially those working on process descriptions or enterprise architecture.

Core purpose/goal

To explain what relationship categories are in Mavim, why they matter, and how to create topics within these categories to support logical connections between activities and related elements.

Key information/steps to include

What are relationship categories?

• Relationship categories group topics that support other topics.
• They allow you to create logical connections between activities and related elements such as people, documents, and infrastructure.

Why use relationship categories?

• They help describe processes comprehensively by linking activities to essential supporting elements.
• Examples:
  • Functionaries (Who performs the activity)
  • Documents (With what is the activity performed)
  • Technical infrastructure (With what is the activity performed)
  • Locations (Where is the activity performed)
  • Standardizations (Why is the activity performed this way)

The seven relationship categories in Mavim

1. With What – Tools, documents, or resources used.
2. Whereto – Destination or outcome of the activity.
3. Wherefrom – Source or origin of the activity.
4. Who – People or roles performing the activity.
5. Where – Physical or virtual location.
6. When – Timing or schedule.
7. Why – Reason or justification for the activity.

How to create topics in relationship categories

1. Go to the Topics screen in Mavim.
2. Select the desired relationship category.
3. Click Create Topic.
4. Enter the topic details and save.
5. Link the topic to other relevant topics using relationships.

Important notes

• Relationship categories are optional but recommended for clarity and consistency.
• You can create topics in these categories the same way you create any other topic.
• Ensure logical connections to avoid redundant or conflicting relationships.