Defining your Business Process Management Strategy

by Paul Marrero 20. April 2013 13:00

I read a great article this week by Scott Cleveland, “How to Define Your BPM Requirements”, and it reminded me of a document we circulate around our company which we quote,

“The best software in the world cannot magically transform your company. Business Process Management (BPM) is about first understanding the concept, ruthlessly exploring all facets of the processes and working on making them as efficient as possible.”

How we define BPM at CAASPRE Consulting is we look at BPM as a strategy first, then a pathway to information technology. In Mr. Cleveland’s article, he states “BPM isn’t just about software; it is about transforming your business.” Nothing is further from the truth.

Mr. Cleveland continues by stating,

“Before you can make any kind of software purchase decision, you need to understand how you ‘want’ to do business.”

“Attempting an implementation without a comprehensive requirements document will almost certainly lead to delays and cost overruns.”

Every situation is going to be different, but we typically begin by conducting a BPM analysis followed by looking at the boundaries and scope. We then look at the big-picture and map out the human element.

Additionally, culture plays a key element in a successful BPM implementation. Employees are one of the best sources of information since they are involved in the day-to-day processes. Employees can also suggest improvements and feel employee involvement is crucial to ensuring a successful BPM implementation. This also empowers the employee.

Business Process Management can also drive corroboration, control approvals and log data at a detail level. There could be a mix of human interaction, system validation and Enterprise application interfaces conducted by the process so that the organization flows succinctly.

Once implemented, BPM creates incredible efficiency gains as the technology does most of the work. No longer will an invoice sit in someone’s inbox or the process knowledge leave the company with an employee, for example.

The three key advantages that BPM bring are:

1. Transparency
2. Process Refinement
3. Centralization of Data

Business Process Management Systems (BPMS) play an integral part of the solution, but only after the analysis, scope and improving the process. A BPMS allows businesses to automate their processes not only to save money, time and deliver value through a real, return on investment (ROI), but to also provide an unparalleled Customer Experience; one which will be the eventual differentiator in a very competitive market.

 

To view other great articles by Scott Cleveland, click here.

 

Click here for more information on BPM from CAASPRE Consulting.

 

 

 

 

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BPM | AuraPortal | BPMS | Corporate Culture | Customer Experience | Scott Cleveland

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