10 Important BPM Capabilities

Organizations are always looking to improve. Whether it’s through reduced costs or increased efficiency, businesses can use Business Process Management practices to optimize their workflows and boost output.

That’s not always an easy thing to do, however. People, technology and organizational structure can unintentionally create obstacles for companies making process improvements. Fortunately, when properly addressed, they can serve as stepping stones to better business.

The following are 10 capabilities a successful BPM initiative possesses:

1. Coworker Trust and Confidence – A successful BPM initiative involves employees who trust each other to complete tasks and communicate. Coworkers with confidence in each other can make a difference between a process’ success and failure.
2. Open Communication between Employees and Managers – Good leadership can maximize effort and help improve the execution of business processes. This requires open communication between employees and managers, as well as between coworkers.
3. Clear, Understandable Vision – If an employee feels connected to the company’s vision, they are generally going to work hard to make that vision a reality. However, to feel connected, that vision has to be shared with the people in the organization. Employees should always understand the direction of their organization to ensure they’re collectively working toward the same goals.
4. Response to Market Changes – Business is always evolving, and consumers are changing as well. Customers can bring unique wants and needs to a business relationship, and the ability to adapt processes and deliver on client expectations can separate successful companies from the rest of the pack.
5. Confidence in Middle Management – Senior management should trust both middle managers and employees to maintain a creative and adaptive environment.
6. Efficient Communication Channels – It’s easy to get lost in the web of available communication devices and methods. The rise of social media, cell phones, instant messaging systems and more can threaten the clarity and reliability of messages sent or received. Successful businesses oftentimes limit interoffice communication to a single intranet or instant messaging system.
7. Ownership of the Process – If a process is going to run smoothly, it needs ownership. Organizations should appoint process owners to oversee, analyze and improve the way a process functions. Having a point of human contact also allows others to offer suggestions or direction in an easy and streamlined fashion.
8. Use of Information Systems – Old or inadequate information systems can hinder a successful BPM implantation. Information systems and technology should be aligned with BPM initiatives so that new strategies have the technological backing to succeed.
9. Consistency through Change – Change can be intimidating. Many times, individuals who are implementing a new process may be unsure of exactly how it will affect them moving forward. Employees are typically more likely to contribute to a process improvement if they believe the change is beneficial to them.
10. Support for the Change – Managers in charge of changing processes need to be engaged with their people. Change and optimization can be tough on employees, but if they know that management is listening and thinking about the staff’s best interest, employees will put more effort and enthusiasm into implementation.

Each of the factors listed above contributes positively to BPM initiatives. Changing processes can be long and demanding work, and businesses interested in optimization can use these capabilities to make change a positive experience for everyone involved.