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The way most BPM solutions approach improving any process is by first understanding
the process, then analyzing it. Then this is generally followed by process simulation
which allows the business to visualize possible effects of the changes. This
is followed by the process improvement stage and finally, the automation of
the process in question. The question being, can BPM solutions do without the
simulation stage?
Well, we do know that the BPM sphere has seen rapid growth since its inception,
and changing trends are now becoming increasingly commonplace. Processes are
definitely more automated now as compared to a couple of years ago, and the
focus of such solutions is becoming more and more client based. However, with
the focus shifting on the needs of individual clients, providing relevant solutions
does raise the expense factor to a certain extent.
The Traditional View of Simulation in BPM
A number of people still see simulation as an integral part of BPM software.
The rationale is that since you have a BPM model in place, you have access to
data that indicates exactly what happens within the given process, and this
gives you the data for your simulation model. But for a complete understanding
of this aspect, taking a step backward offers more insight.
The Process Analysis Stage
Since this is the stage that precedes the simulation stage, let's see how it
fits into the scheme of things starting from here. Analyzing and optimizing
a process is usually overlooked by the process leader and it is this role that
looks to identify any problems as well as make any suggestions. This is done
after having gone through the entire process, its performance, as well as all
associated data; and the aim is to better the overall process performance.
Also, since a majority of the businesses looking at BPM solutions aren't in
a position to get more manpower, BPM solutions tend to offer tools that allow
businesses to test various alternatives.
Process Simulation
Since there is a need to test various alternatives, many BPM solutions do incorporate
simulation tools which allow businesses to compare an assortment of scenarios.
These tools essentially run using statistical analysis of factors like resource
utilization, queue lengths, average task completion, durations, etc. and can
be an effective method to test probable situations. However, a simulation tool
is generally very complex in nature, with every statistical link requiring checking.
This can lead to a lot of complexity within the process instead, which is against
the most widely accepted philosophy of BPM - making processes simple and transparent.
The Process Improvement Stage
Some business process software comes with optimization tools which allow a business
to establish the best path towards the improvement of the process. This works
in addressing the simulation stage's natural glitches; wherein, as opposed to
an analyst determining the areas that can be improved upon, the tool would actually
give you feasible options.
Besides, comparing simulated scenarios isn't always beneficial to business growth.
This is simply because different business managers would look to measure different
metrics/components in reaching effective conclusions.
So while I'm not writing off the role of simulation completely, I am certainly
of the opinion that more cost effectual and efficient BPM solutions can be offered
without the use of simulation tools.
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