Norbert Ahrend, Konrad Walser and Henrik Leopold
ing, which entail tremendous efforts. In any case, the data is often transformed in for a specific process, which inhibits the interoperability of the input variables.
By contrast, Austria uses the ELAK system for electronically initiating and executing their processes. As a result of the central storage of input variables, interorganizational processes can be efficiently designed and executed.
3.3 Methods and standards
The most significant differences can be found in the form and procedures of the standardization. Germany is pursuing the path of first setting up a process exchange platform and hoping that standardization( with regard to notation) will slowly but surely occur in consequence. This strategy could be successful, solely on account of the power of accomplished facts. Facts are for example created by the Nationale Prozessbibliothek( National Process Library), which is in an advanced state of completion. The initiators of this endeavor are aware of the fact that standardization is unavoidable in the medium or long term. However, the intention is to let this standard take shape in an open process in which suitable methods and tools for the different aspects of the process management can establish themselves. Nevertheless, concerning the modeling notation, there has been an attempt on the level of local authorities to establish a common standard called FAMOS.
Switzerland chose to build on standardization by introducing the so‐called eCH standards( see www. ech. ch). The eCH standards for business process management are divided into a framework, descriptive standards, reference directories and help documents. It has to be emphasized that eCH has specified BPMN 2.0 as descriptive language. The tools for BPMN use have not been standardized. Starting with the eGovernment strategy of Switzerland as a basis, the focus has been placed on customer‐oriented governance. This means that the private business sector can conduct all communication with the authorities electronically; the authorities communicate with each other electronically; the general public can conduct important formalities with the authorities electronically( E‐Government Strategie Schweiz 2007‐2011). In the so‐called prioritized eGovernment projects, the BPM standards are also used almost exclusively. With this approach, Switzerland has succeeded in setting up a BPM ecosystem. However, this cannot be considered to be equal to a successful implementation of the BPM approach. Instead, it provides the prerequisites for achieving organizational changes towards process orientation within the administrative units themselves. From the current point of view, this seems to be a very slow process.
Figure 2: BPM ecosystem, in account with eCH‐0138( Schaffroth 2012)
In Austria the administration has the opportunity to enforce process standardization via regulations. Accordingly, for the purpose of concretizing general laws, process definitions are integral part of regulations. In addi‐
15