Box 1: Business process modeler

Business process modeler (BPM) in Microsoft Dynamics Lifecycle Services (LCS) is a tool that you can use to create, view, and modify repeatable implementations that are based on business process libraries. BPM helps you align your business processes with industry-standard processes that are described by the American Productivity & Quality Center (APQC). You can perform fit-gap analysis between your business requirements and the default processes in Finance and Operations apps. Additionally, you can add new business processes that aren't already defined.

BPM is compatible with the following products:

Microsoft Word – You can generate documentation for business processes.

Microsoft Visio – You can export business process maps to Visio files.

Note: Vendors and purchasing

As customers purchase packages, Margie’s Travel can claim rebates with the providing vendor for every package sold. The rebates are claimed quarterly, and internal workflows have been established for approval prior to vendor submission. The workflows for package offerings eligible for rebates can be complex. User2 has created Visio diagrams for the associated approval processes.

Box 2: Regression suite automation tool (RSAT

The Regression suite automation tool (RSAT) significantly reduces the time and cost of user acceptance testing (UAT) of Finance and Operations apps. UAT is typically required before you take a Microsoft application update, or before you apply custom code and configurations to your production environment. RSAT lets functional power users record business tasks by using Task recorder and then convert the recordings into a suite of automated tests, without having to write source code.

Note: The accounts receivable and accounts payable departments are unclear about the workflows associated with the rebate process. User2 must ensure that representatives from each department validate that they have tested their respective steps in the overall process. Testing feedback must be communicated to User2.