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Refinement is about clarity, not cosmetic perfection.

Simplify where appropriate

Merge nodes when:
  • they describe one coherent activity;
  • the distinction adds no diagnostic value;
  • the source evidence is too vague to justify separation.

Preserve important complexity

Keep separate activities when they reveal:
  • ownership changes;
  • controls;
  • material waiting;
  • rework;
  • decision points;
  • system boundaries.

Represent loops honestly

Where rework returns to the same activity, a loop can begin and end on that node rather than creating duplicate versions of the same step.

Validate labels

Use client language where possible. Avoid internal model labels that do not help the executive reader.

Client validation questions

  • Is anything materially missing?
  • Which path is most common?
  • Which exceptions matter commercially?
  • Where does work actually wait?
  • Which activities happen in parallel?
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