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Holly Ocasio Rizzo

Guide to Business Process Management (BPM)

Map your way toward business efficiency

By Holly Ocasio Rizzo, Writer and editor, Holly Ocasio Rizzo

Business process management (BPM) can be a confusing arena, but the gist of it is an effort to map, streamline and evaluate any process — whether production, shipping, compliance or planning — so your company operates as efficiently as possible. These three steps will get you on the road to implementing BPM:
  1. Determine whether you want part or all of your business simplified.
  2. Choose a professional or do-it-yourself method.
  3. Execute and manage the program.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Learn all that BPM can do

On your way to better efficiency and cost savings, you can choose to reduce time, steps, errors or employees — or a combination of these things.
I recommend: BPM101 walks you through each of the components, from process mapping to automation to integration. DMReview explains what to look for and why, along with the challenges and risks.

Consider a consultant

With so many aspects of a business to coordinate, it often helps to have a specialist walk you through the steps.
I recommend: Six Sigma sends consultants whose aim is to train you to do it yourself. The Business Process Management Group and BPM Partners are among the many firms that offer training, research and support.

Go with ready-made management

A Web-based program for your business category can be adjusted to your company's needs. Some programs are focused on just one element; others are more encompassing.
I recommend: Industry diehards include Applix, Business Objects and Longview. Intuit's QuickBase offers Web-based programs in 12 general categories plus one where you can build your own. Adobe has an online movie offering a tour of project management solutions with its LiveCycle software. BizFlow, Tibco and Global360 are just some of the many other options. The BPM Institute links to the Web sites of more than a dozen software-design companies.

Involve your IT department

For BPM to work well — especially when software is involved — you'll want your IT people to be able to integrate and optimize it with the rest of your company's technological applications.
I recommend: Look into training for them, whether with the BPM Institute or any of the resources provided at BPM Basics.

Tap into a BPM network

Keep up to date on BPM developments and get help when you need it with solid contacts in the industry.
I recommend: Check out Adobe's free BPM e-seminars designed to take your BPM to the next level, or read online newsletter BPM Today or the BPM Discussion Forum.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Some experts believe that when it comes to software, the faster the system speed, the better.
  • Choose software compatible with your existing databases and those you expect to add.
  • Avoid using different BPMs for different parts of your company. Aim for company-wide cohesiveness.
  • As you add BPM, realize that you may need to designate or add employees to monitor and manage it.

The official source of Business Process Management (BPM) is
the Business Process Management page at Business.com

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Recommended Solution Providers

Smartdraw: Business Process Management Software
Drawing software that helps one create quality control and business process management improvement documentation. The software provides a tutorial and examples of business process management plans.

Action Technologies: Business Process Management Software
Suite of software products for creating and managing business process management workflow.

BP Trends: Business Process Management Vendors Directory
Alphabetical directory of vendors that offer various products and services to facilitate business process management or change.

Business Process Management Group: Resources
In addition to free articles and news, provides training, via seminars or online, for business process management.

Best Sites to Learn More

Business Process Management Institute: Resources for Business Process Management
Provides free articles and business rules on selected business process management topics. Members of the association may gain access to white papers and presentations on the topic.

BPM Standards Group: Research Paper on Business Process Management
Provides free articles, newsletter, guide, and audit tool for business process management assessment needs.

Best Blogs and Forums

Invision Power Board: Business Process Management Discussion
Postings on the basics of understanding business process management as well as advanced discussions on software packages and training.

Craig Schiff: Business Performance Management Blog
One expert's vendor-independent perspective on all things related to Business Performance Management (BPM), with a particular focus on the key topics to be considered throughout the BPM project lifecycle, from requirements definition and justification, through key measure development, vendor selection, deployment, and eventual rollout.



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