When writing this blog, I select a single topic and only address that topic. This can make managing business processes appear simple, that is not my intent. My real objective is to encourage companies to manage their high value processes. It is well worth the effort...
Last week I received a comment to one of my blogs. In it, they pointed out that implementing BPM across a company was like swallowing a whale whole.
My Thoughts...
Obviously, you have to take small steps.
I would be surprised if one person at a company could identify all of their processes. Further, I don't believe that it is necessary. I believe that we can apply an 80/20 rule to these - improving 20% of your processes will yield 80% of the possible value. So, you only need to identify the key [high value] processes.
I recommend [as do many others] selecting your first process to manage using the following criteria:
• A process with some visibility
• A process that management would like to see improved
• A process that when improved would bring a financial gain to the company
• A process that can be measured
Select a process where success is attainable in a short period of time. Demonstrate success on improving/managing this process and you will be well positioned to take on the next process. Build on your successes.
Your Thoughts...
Have you approached this differently? Share your thoughts...
Keeping it Real!
Your list looks good. Often another criteria that people use is to start with something simple and try to reduce risk as you are getting started. However, I would add the following: If you reduce the risk so that it doesn't matter if you fail, then it probably will not matter that you succeed either. And that is no way to get momentum when you have a successful project but noone cares and there isn't any funding for the next phase.
I would add to this list, processes that are; very manual and or paper intensive.
In addition one thing to avoid would be the big bang approach, make sure you get something out there early i.e. 3-6 months and use an iterative methodology to help you implement it.
Most importantly don't try to be too ambitious on the first release focus on getting the process working, and then tack on key interfaces. If you absolutely have to interface in the first release, then limit them to no more than 1 or 2.
Business processes are a fundamental building block of organizational success. Even though effectively managing business process is a key activity for business prosperity there remain considerable gaps in understanding how to drive efficiency through a process approach.