BPM: Business Process Management

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BPM is more than just improving processes.  It is a holistic look at an organizations processes and how they are maintained and managed.  It takes into account the interactions that occur between other processes, as well as the people who are responsible for completing the tasks required.

Why is BPM Important?

Management: 

Everything is a process;  Understanding organizational processes, how they are connected and interact, provides for a more complete understanding of the business and how to control outputs, and quickly correct out-of-standard practices.

Quality:

New ISO 9001 guidelines specifically call out process management as a key factor in quality attainment. The new standard requires organizations to identify how all processes will work together: the criteria, roles and responsibility, the resources committed, and how the risks and opportunities are managed.

Cost:

Improving and maintaining processes is a recognized key factor in reducing costs and maintaining budget adherence.  In a global survey, reduced training time and costs were mentioned as two of the top five reason for focusing on business process management.

We use a simple, and client inclusive three phase approach to Business Process Management. Phase 1 is the current state assessment of the organization’s operations using direct observation of the work, one-on-one interviews of operators and managers, and review of historical financial and operational records. Phase 2 is the analysis phase during which we objectively and critically analyze the data for meaning and insight. Phase 3 is implementation of improved process management through direct client interactions focused on developing a unique management operating system for the organizations.

Key activities of our methodology include:

• The use of interviews, direct work observations, internet searches, and document reviews to understand the client's business and environment.
• Process Maps and Value Stream Map to assess and highlight process strengths and weaknesses.
• Future state development involves client participation in the development of management and process measures and reports.
• Writing and publishing new Standard Operating Procedures supporting a new Management Operating System.

The first step in any engagement is to understand the client’s business, industry, and operating environment. We use multiple proven and reliable research and data collection methodologies to enhance our understanding and mitigate bias. One-on-one interviews provide in-depth descriptions of processes and process steps, insight and understanding of job and position requirements, and the flow of work through the facility. Direct observation of the work allows us to develop informative understanding of the work-to-time relationship required to establish reasonable expectations. The data gathered during this phase provides for quantified baselines of identified problem areas, project savings, and operational measures. Independent online research of relevant professional associations, competitive organizations, academic and expert literature, and other relevant data sources are used to complete the data collection. In this way we create a robust and balanced view of the organization.

The second step is to understand what the data tells us. We use multiple proven and reliable analysis tools to review, organize, interpret, and present the data collected in phase 1. This includes, but is not limited to tools such Process and Value Stream Maps, Historical vs. Observed Production Comparisons, and Cost Benefit Analyses. 

Upon completion of phase 2, the findings and proposed process management plan are presented. Upon approval, phase 3 focuses on the implementation of process management tools and measures by working directly with work area supervisors, managers, and C-suite executives. During this phase, process measures and reports are developed and implemented in coordination with training the required personnel.

Process measures and tools development is a hand-on, collaborative effort. We work directly with the shop floor or work area staff and managers. While the fundamentals are applied across all businesses, they are tailored to the client organizations needs. The result is a unique yet reliable and replicable management operating system for the organization.