subject: Get out of the popular BPM Myths: Check the reality [print this page] Get out of the popular BPM Myths: Check the reality
Business Process Management (BPM) - the technology seems to be a rising fad for most of the modern business organizations. Today, it is one of the fastest growing software markets that offer entire range of organizational solutions. Starting from core operations to routine decisions, BPM coordinates every interaction between systems, business processes, and human decision.
However, like all other new technologies, people have confusions and misconceptions regarding BPM solutions. It generally happens with organizations that are reluctant to renovate business workflows.
Here are few of the myths discussed as follows:
1st Myth:
BPM is meant for complex business processes:
Reality: BPM is exclusive for all type of organisational business processes, large as well as short and simple work system. For instance, Credit approval, document approval, etc.
With BPM techniques in place, Business Process Managers can take quicker, better and more-informed decisions. Thus BPM enables business managers to have more control on their business process. With the use of trend analysis tools, managers can forecast future problems, improve organisational performance, lessen risks, and reduce complex internal process. In fact, BPM sets the trend of advanced organizational policies for every business vertical.
2nd Myth:
BPM application is for programmers:
Reality: It is never said, BPM tools need expert programmers and IT professionals to create workflows. BPMN tools are web-based wizards, so business users can create their own workflows themselves based on real business needs. It is simply drag and drop method.
IT knowledge is required only when you need to integrate BPM into external systems. Even there also, you just need to use connector wizards instead of coding.
In fact, BPM is meant and made for every functional department (both technical and Non-technical) such as - Finance, Human Resource, R&D, Sales and Marketing, CRM, etc. Therefore, it is crucial, that each BPM stage is user-friendly and accessible to every business user. Minimum technical expertise is enough for the purpose.
3rd Myth: BPM is a work flow: Reality:Though started out as a mere workflow engine methodology to run a business process, today, BPM has evolved into a complete life-cycle. BPM includes complete five stages process: modelling, process execution, process monitoring and reporting, process simulation and process optimisation.
Today, companies use BPM to meet the US Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX) and International Standards Organization (ISO) standards. Moreover, organizations can leverage cross-functional business processes with multiple systems, departments, people and partners are associated. BPM also helps companies to create and publish newly required procedures. This is done through compliance management system of BPM.
It proves BPM offers 360 degree solution to intricate business process
4th Myth:
BPM is expensive:
Reality: You don't need large investments in company infrastructure to apply BPM tools. All what you need is a Windows 2003 server and a SQL server 2005 database installed into it. The cost of BPM software is calculated per user, per company or per process.
BPM software suite is also available on rent. So, one can save money on routine maintenance and IT staff.
BPM driven organizations are able to minimize costs - both by cutting down employee number and enhancing work efficiency of them. The major benefit of BPM is the automated work process that helps avoid long, manual, time consuming routine activities. So, the effective cost is less.
5th Myth:
BPM is only required for long term projects:
Reality:
In general, BPM projects get completed within 45 days. Organizations using web-based and wizard-led workflow designs can fasten up the business processes. This is not possible by using conventional programming tools like visual studio.
Workflow design generally takes a week of time; creation of it can extend to couple of weeks. Deployment and finishing touch would add to few days more. The toughest and challenging part of any BPM project is to collect all the requirements without any chance of redoing it.
So, the time has come Business Managers and IT heads need to shell out of the myths!
