In the business world, process management is key to success. A well-run business process can mean the difference between a thriving company and one that flounders. But what makes for a good process? And how can you ensure your processes are running as efficiently as possible? This definitive guide will answer all your questions about business process management (BPM) and more.
What is business process management (BPM)?
Business process management is the art and science of designing, executing, and continuously improving business processes. It is a holistic approach that looks at all the steps involved in a process and seeks to optimize them for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Types of BPM
System-Centric BPM (or Integration-Centric BPM)
This type of BPM takes an end-to-end view of a process and emphasizes the need for integration between different systems that support the process. The focus is on creating a single, integrated process that is easy for employees to use and understand.
Human-Centric BPM
This type of BPM takes a more people-centric view of process management. The focus is on making sure that processes are designed with the needs of employees in mind. This includes making sure processes are easy to use and understand, and that they provide the information and support employees need to do their jobs effectively.
The benefits of BPM
There are many benefits to be gained from implementing BPM in your organization. Some of the most notable benefits include:
– Increased efficiency and productivity
– Improved quality and compliance
– Reduced costs
– Increased customer satisfaction
How to get started with BPM
If you’re interested in implementing BPM in your organization, there are a few things you should do to get started:
– Define your goals and objectives. What do you hope to achieve by implementing BPM? This step is vital. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll waste a lot of time. You should use SMART goals to ensure that you can actually achieve what you’re setting out to do.
– Assess your current processes. What processes do you have in place, and how well are they working? Sometimes, we’re in such a rush to make a change that we don’t consider that the existing processes are working well. It’s possible that you don’t need to tear it all down, but just update your existing systems.
– Identify opportunities for improvement. Where can BPM help you achieve your goals? Sometimes, the opportunity is an all new system. Other times, it’s a clear-eyed understanding of what you can do to improve.
– Implement BPM solutions. Choose the right tools and technologies to support your BPM initiative. There are many BPM software programs and gurus to help. You can also hire an outside contractor to handle the business process for you.
The different stages of BPM
Step 1: Design – The first step is to write out a flowchart of the business process. This allows you to see each discrete step. Once you’ve done that, you can see how each step moves your aim forward. Gaps in the system quickly become apparent.
Step 2: Model – Using predictive data, put your design through its paces. Sometimes this is done using people and role-playing, but more often today, computer software can model the design with data you’ve supplied.
Step 3: Execute – The hardest part can often be putting the new concept in place. The people who have to make the new business process work might resist changes. Executing needs to be done with some compassion, while also being tough enough to stand by your process. Since you’ve modeled it, you know that it will work. All you need to do now is make it happen in reality.
Step 4: Monitor – As the process takes hold, you’re going to look at everything ensuring that it all goes well. Not only are you monitoring the process, but you’re matching it against your KPIs to ensure that your vision is actually working.
Step 5: Optimize – Now plan is ever perfect. Go back and make the changes you can see need to be made. This is where, sometimes, leaders become so convinced of their own infallibility, they forget to change and improve the system.
Common challenges of BPM and how to overcome them
– Lack of executive support – if your management team isn’t on board, there’s no way to get it done.
– Siloed departments and data – integrating your company, all of your disparate players with all their data, is imperative; many companies are still siloed at this time.
– Lack of process visibility – if you can’t see it well, you can’t manage it.
– Lack of skilled resources – your process needs to be supported by people who have the right level of skills; otherwise, the process will collapse.
To overcome these challenges, it is important to clearly understand the benefits of BPM and how it can help your organization achieve its goals. It is also important to build a strong business case for BPM, and to have the right tools and technologies in place to support your initiative.
The future of BPM
The future of BPM is bright. As organizations seek to become more agile and responsive to change, BPM will become increasingly important. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, will also play a role in the future of BPM, making processes more intelligent and adaptive.
Key takeaways & Summary
Business process management is a critical part of any successful organization. It is a holistic approach that looks at all of the steps involved in a process and seeks to optimize them for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
There are many benefits to be gained from implementing BPM, including increased efficiency and productivity, improved quality and compliance, reduced costs, and increased customer satisfaction.
To get started with BPM, define your goals and objectives, assess your current processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement BPM solutions.