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:
- Determine whether you want part or all of your business simplified.
- Choose a professional or do-it-yourself method.
- Execute and manage the program.
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.
Consider a consultant
With so many aspects of a business to coordinate, it often helps to have a specialist walk you through the steps.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
