A BPM story for halloween

It was a dark and stormy night. The rain poured and violent gusts of wind swept up the streets of old London, rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled in the darkness.

In a corner office of the old building, a meeting was held.
The business analyst was explaining to the project manger what needed to be done.

The business analyst was as ease. The project manager was anxious.
Leaning back in her yellow chair she smiled at him.
“I only need a simple process”, she said. “I won’t need any changes.. promise” said the business analyst as she painted her fingernails with bright yellow nail polish.

I have never seen a business process implemented without any changes he replied.
But I’ve give you the benefit of the doubt. I’ll let you have 3 changes as freebies.
Any more and I’ll chop off your fingers.
The business analyst giggled. You guys are so funny! she smiled. Don’t worry. I won’t be requesting any changes.

Weeks went by. The process was ready.
It looks perfect, said the business analyst. But it would be great if we could add a couple of new fields to the forms. You know, just so we can pick them up in the reports.

Your wish is my command, said the project manager, and went back to the dev team.

Another week went by.
Lovely, said the business analyst. But could you add another business rule. You know, just to make the process more efficient.

Your wish is my command, said the project manager, and went back to the dev team.

Another week went by.
Fantastic, said the business analyst. But could you add different languages to the forms. You know, just to make it more user friendly for our non-English users.

Your wish is my command, said the project manager, and went back to the dev team.

Another week went by.
Your team is absolutely amazing, said the business analyst. I know I’m exceeding the three changes, but could I ask for one last change. Could you create a couple of reports for the CFO. You know how he is, she said with a smile, as she continued to paint her fingernails bright yellow.

Your wish is my command, said the project manager, and went back to the dev team.

.. ..

After the system went live, the Head of Business invited the project manager to his office for a project review.
Your guys did a terrific job, said the Head of Business. Everyone is happy. Well done!
I’m so sorry that the business analyst couldn’t be here to congratulate you, but she hasn’t come in to work for the past week. I don’t know why.

Anyway, thanks again for your hard work. I’d invite you to lunch here at our cafeteria, but they’ve been closed for the last week.
It seems someone found a yellow finger nail in their soup.