Business Process Management software, or BPM, is a methodology that is adopted by businesses. Although it is not simply a piece of technology, it can be facilitated using effective and efficient BPM software. It does require the support of employees as well as the backing of management. You can incorporate BPM into your intranet platform for the benefit of employees and clients.
Those businesses that effectively implement BPM into their structure can expect leaner, more efficient processes. This typically means reduced expenditure, waste, and dissatisfaction (from employees and from customers). The result is a streamlined business with much greater profit potential. Below are some of the key benefits to implementing business process management within your organisation.
One of the objections to BPM that a lot of stakeholders have is that they envisage a set of strict and stringent processes that need to be followed to the letter. The core principle behind streamlined processes, though, is that they are flexible. They can be changed and amended according to specific needs. Different clients have unique needs, and even different projects can have vastly different requirements. With BPM, you can implement processes that are flexible and can be changed according to those requirements.
There are many repetitive tasks that need to be completed in most businesses. Whether it is the completion or submission of forms or any other task, a lot of time is taken up by employees having to do the same thing repeatedly. By automating these tasks, you can reduce errors, ensure that standards are met, and enable employees to focus on the core aspects of their job. Automated tasks are one of the key benefits of offering an efficient digital workplace to your staff.
Businesses face many forms of risk, including that of fraud and the risk of errors. Risks may also come from failing to comply with government and industry standards or from missed deadlines and poor-quality work. Streamlining, automating, and improving processes means that these risks are reduced. Processes are more transparent, which means that fraud risks are reduced, and the automation of tasks means that you can ensure that you meet all quality and regulatory standards expected of your business.
A lot of businesses must meet industry standards, in order that they retain official memberships or recognition. Some industries even stipulate that a Quality Management System or Business Process Management be introduced. Similarly, government authorities and other official groups have strict regulations that must be adhered to. Failing to meet these standards can lead to fines and penalties. Through the ongoing management of business processes, not only do you ensure that standards are met, but you can introduce quality checks and other checks throughout the processes.
By reducing the amount of red tape that employees must follow, and by eliminating the tedious and repetitive tasks associated with a lot of roles, you empower your employees. They will be able to concentrate on the core aspects of their job role. They will be better placed to identify areas for improvement, and they will have the time to help you advance and grow the business.
Employees also have more time to be able to concentrate on customers and clients, ensuring that they are satisfied. Streamlined processes mean it takes less time to complete tasks, errors are fewer, and customers can enjoy a more personal relationship with account managers and other members of your team. You will find that these customers are more likely to become brand ambassadors, and more likely to remain your customer for longer.
Consistency is key to business. It makes forecasting more accurate; it means that results are predictable, and it means that you can identify any problems that occur during any process. Your customers, and even your employees, will also expect and crave consistency. By automating tasks, and by implementing efficient BPM as part of a digital workplace, you can ensure that tasks are finished consistently and reliably.
BPM is like QMS in that it requires an ongoing commitment to making improvements. You can tweak processes to enjoy further gains. You can identify additional processes once you have cleaned up and optimised your core processes. In fact, you should always be looking for ways in which you can improve your business by maximising returns and minimising effort. Your organisation will continue to grow, to evolve, and to profit.
Using BPM you can measure the outcome of new processes. You can determine how much time has been saved, whether there is an actual cost benefit to improved processes, and you can monitor these results in real time. By using reliable BPM software, you can even automate the process of measuring and reporting results, and once you have these results, you can use them to further guide your internal processes.