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‐
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