6.1Concrete cases
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Assemble: choose the right model, place and connect the shapes, structure and style, link to data, then collaborate and distribute.
- Communicate: a professional diagram is judged by its clarity, not by its decorative richness; the technique serves the message.
- Two cases: document a network infrastructure and map a business process to understand, validate and improve.
Fil Nadia — two deliverables, one requirement
Nadia, quality and organization manager in a service SME in Algiers, must produce two deliverables for her management committee: a clear and up-to-date network diagram for the IT team, and a map of a multi-actor process for the quality approach. It follows the sequence of levels 0 to 5: good model, standardized forms, dynamic connections, readable structure, data and distribution. The two cases below show how the same reflexes adapt to different needs.
Each case follows the Context → Steps → Result sequence: replay it on your own diagrams.
Why concrete cases
The previous levels laid the bricks; here we assemble them end to end. It is the sequence of good reflexes — choosing the right model and the right shapes, connecting properly, structuring and stylizing, linking to data, collaborating and disseminating — that distinguishes a diagram that communicates from a simple drawing.
The common thread remains the same: a diagram is used to clearly communicate information. Everything else — technique, data, aesthetics — is in the service of this clarity.
Replay from start to finish
A case cannot be copied: it is replayed. We take the order of the approach, we adapt it to the context (size of the organization, public, local constraints) and we maintain the same requirement for clarity and proof at each stage.
From diagram to deliverable
The real test is not “the diagram looks nice on the screen”, but “it remains clear, accurate and up to date”. A professional deliverable can be validated, shared in the right format and can be taken over by another person without lengthy explanations.
Case 1 — Document and maintain a network infrastructure
Context: An IT manager must produce a clear, up-to-date and searchable network diagram, usable by the team and shareable with management.
Déroulé :
- Choose the Network model and place the equipment with the standardized icons, connected according to the real topology (N0.3, N1.1, N1.2, N3.2).
- Structure with layers and containers (sites, subnetworks) and style with a theme and a meaningful color (N1.4, N2.4, N2.5).
- Link the shapes to an Excel inventory (IP, model, state): each piece of equipment carries its shape data (N4.1, N4.3).
- Show status via data graphs (green = OK, red = fault): a visual dashboard (N4.2).
- Update when the inventory changes (living documentation) and extract an inventory report (N4.4).
- Share by link, co-edit if necessary and export to PDF for management (N0.4, N5.1, N5.2).
Result: Network documentation that is clear (standardized icons, layers), lively (linked and updated), searchable (shape data) and distributed in the right format — not a fixed drawing.
Case 2 — Map and improve a business process
Context: A quality team wants to model a multi-actor process, validate it, have it reread and integrate it into its documentation.
Déroulé :
- Choose the appropriate type: a swimlane diagram to show who does what, or a BPMN if rigor requires it (N2.3, N3.1).
- Lay out the steps (rectangles), decisions (diamonds) with labeled branches, a clear flow and concise labels (N1.1, N1.3, N2.3).
- Align and distribute, then stylize (theme, color by category) for a clean and professional result (N1.4, N2.4).
- Validate the diagram (logigram/BPMN) to detect logic errors before broadcast (N4.5).
- Co-construct and proofread in real time, with located and traceable comments (N5.1, N5.2).
- Integrate the diagram into the documentation (Word/PowerPoint, image or linked object) and distribute (N5.3).
Result: A process that is clearly mapped (who does what), validated (logically correct), collaboratively reviewed, and integrated into documentation — a tool for understanding, communicating, and improving.
Ready-to-say script — present network diagram (30 sec)
“Here is the topology of our infrastructure: the equipment is connected according to the reality of the network, grouped by site and by subnetwork. Each shape is linked to the inventory: the IP, model and state are viewable, and the schema updates when the inventory changes. »
To keep when presenting a deliverable to the IT team or management.
Ready-to-say script — present the process (30 sec)
“This process is mapped in corridors: each actor has their own gang, we see who is doing what and where the transmissions are taking place. The decisions are labeled and the diagram has been validated before distribution. It is used to understand, document and improve the process. »
Useful for a quality review or process committee.
Copy and paste model — approach from A to Z
1. Model: choose the appropriate type of diagram
2. Shapes: deposit the standardized symbols
3. Connections: Connect with dynamic connections
4. Structure: layers, containers, pages if necessary
5. Style: theme + color with meaning
6. Data: link shapes to a source if the diagram lives
7. Validation: check the logic before distribution
8. Distribution: PDF, image, cloud link or co-authoringCopy and paste template — deliverable review sheet
Diagram: [name] Audience: [team / management / client]
Type chosen: [organization chart / network / process / plan / other]
Standardized forms: OK / to review
Attached connections: OK / to review
Readable structure: OK / to review
Linked data: yes / no / not applicable
Validation: done / to be done
Distribution format: PDF / image / link / co-authoringSME / low budget
Minimal version: a single small replayed case, with a model, some shapes, connections and a PDF export.
Algerian SME
Local context: adapt the examples to the sector, the tools available and the habits of the team in Algiers.
Remote work
Remotely: favor cloud storage, sharing by link and comments to keep a single version.
Multidisciplinary team
Mixed audience: explain the symbols and roles before presenting the diagram, with short labels.
48 hour challenge — apply tomorrow
Take a real diagram and replay the sequence: good model, standardized shapes, attached connections, readable structure, linked data if relevant, validation and distribution.
- I know how to chain models, shapes, connections, structure, data and diffusion on a real case.
- I can explain the deliverable to a non-expert audience without unnecessary jargon.
- I did the 48 hour challenge or planned its date.
What sequence summarizes the concrete cases?