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New Post 12/12/2013 5:02 PM
User is offline kkyoyo
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Utilizing swimlane(s) instead of Use Cases 

 Hi all,

I have a question about using swimlanes + UI + requirements  vs. using Use Cases + UI.   Can someone describe to me the pros and cons of these different strategies?

Background info:

We use Enterprise Architect to manage the requirements. When a swimlane/BPMN is created, all the related requirements information can be tied to each step of the process. This includes UI, external files, requirements, etc.

Goal of our application:

Allow a group of users to upload a transaction file (CSV format) via our web interface, then validate this information and enter it into the database tables of our ERP system.

The basic process is the following, which I did as a swimlane (about 10 steps, extensions/alternates are described via BPMN gateways/other symbols):

1. User uploads file.

2. System validates file. Input "correct" transactions into ERP. If any transactions fail validation, they are rejected and these transactions are stored in a CSV file on the network share for user to correct and re-submit.

Now, in Enterprise Architect, inside each process in the swimlane there are requirements, pre-conditions, acceptance criteria, links to external files (Excel/UI prototypes, etc).  I have not written any use cases because I feel that this visual description contains all the needed information to code the application.

Can someone tell me the pros and cons of doing it this way vs. using formal Use Cases + UI? In larger and more complex applications, wouldn't I be able to do this the same way by creating higher or lower level swimlanes as needed, and in some way convey their relationships?

Thanks for your input!

 

 
New Post 12/17/2013 2:10 AM
User is offline Kimbo
454 posts
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Re: Utilizing swimlane(s) instead of Use Cases 
Modified By Kimbo  on 12/17/2013 5:29:21 AM)

Kkyoyo

Well now. By swimlane do  you mean UML Activity diagram i.e. a business process diagram like BPMN or do you mean a UML sequence diagram which is about communication between objects (I know that cause I just looked it up on wikipedia :) )?

Swimlanes are a BA tool used to model a business system. Sequence diagrams are a design tool to design a solution based on a business model.

When I do a process diagram e.g. BPMN or Activity diagram, I generally pitch it such that the activities on the diagram correspond loosely to a Use Case. My use cases are business use cases and are solution agnostic.

Sounds like you are designing already. A use case is of less value in design IMHO. I never use them for design. Better ways to do that. Sounds like you agree.

Kimbo

 
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