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BPM about more than just BPM software

Ben Farrell
October 3, 2012

When discussing business process management, the focus is often placed on BPM software. The issue when dealing with these solutions is that they are almost always intertwined, but not inherently so. A recent eBizQ report explained that it is possible for organizations to use BPM as a primary management technique that involves carefully analyzing the day-to-day processes performed by workers and aligning operations to improve efficiency within these procedures.

BPM as a management principle

According to the news source, using BPM for management enables businesses to improve process efficiency in a variety of ways. On one hand, they can can strictly analyze processes and engage in procedures that streamline processes through a holistic set of operational measures that ensure procedures align with corporate goals. On the opposite end of the spectrum, process management can be applied with the same goals, but in a much looser, less organized manner. In this way, companies put themselves in a position to take full advantage of process improvements without creating excess management burdens.

As a rule, it is vital that businesses enabling BPM without the software enact a number of formalized policies that provide organizations with the ability to establish a framework for operations. In many cases, this is accomplished through a paper-based model accompanied by managerial oversight to ensure best practices are followed.

The role of BPM software

When applied to enable better process management, BPM software allows businesses to streamline the paper-based processes that include managerial oversight. The report said companies still need a paper framework for processes when working with the software, but they can establish procedural rules that are not only enforced by the software, but also tracked by the solution. This provides the vital oversight and enforcement needed to deliver BPM success, while simplifying and accelerating operations in comparison to setups that do not use software to enable process improvements.

Many experts agree that BPM's role in providing oversight within a process management situation is only part of its allure. Process automation, which is increasingly included in BPM software, is able to perform almost any repeatable data task. This alleviates the burden of managing tedious databases and similar systems, allowing employees to use technology in the most efficient ways possible. This is especially important in an era dominated by cloud computing, mobile devices and social media.

Ben Farrell

Director of Corporate Communications