There are many definitions of BPM [business process management].  I found an article on BPM.com that does a good job of defining BPM.

“BPM is a discipline involving any combination of modeling, automation, execution, control, measurement and optimization of business activity flows, in support of enterprise goals, spanning systems, employees, customers and partners within and beyond the enterprise boundaries.”

And more simply – “BPM is a discipline; it is a practice; it is something that you do.”  Notice that there is no mention of software.

Before you even think about software, you can and should attempt to manage your business process(es) on paper.  There are several reasons for this:

– You will learn a lot about your process and the people in the process.

– You should be able to develop some meaningful metrics.

– You should be able to identify non-value added activities and remove them.

– You should be able to identify activities that could be automated.

– If you decide to purchase software, you will need this information.

Companies are always looking for ways to improve their bottom line.  Efficiency is one of the ways and BPM as a discipline will have a positive impact.

Start now and get a head start on your competition…

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