February 6, 2024
As big supporters of business process management (BPM), we've really seen it work wonders to simplify things in all sorts of industries and help businesses hit their targets.
But, let's be real—on-the-ground experience has shown us there are some legitimate risks when you're putting BPM into action.
We've been through it and seen troubles pop up like a lack of support from the executives, processes that stay under wraps, and confusion about the best tool for the job.
It's crucial to understand that recognising these issues is pretty much the first half of the game. Part two involves finding strategies to solve these problems, like making sure BPM is as transparent as possible, mapping out processes clearly, and having an excellent understanding of your business goals.
Keeping these challenges on your radar and being ready to counter them is absolutely key to succeeding in the BPM arena. We have plenty of advice, so let's get started.
Business process management (BPM) is not just a trend but a decisive instrument capable of turning the wheel of fortune to your business's benefit.
Introducing BPM can unlock impressive value, but it's not exempt from challenges. When implementing BPM, a few issues can discourage success. Let's delve into some common ones and their solutions.
The issue: No BPM project can prevail in an environment devoid of enthusiastic support from the top management. Without this endorsement, BPM initiatives often lag, creating a chasm between strategic goals and operational realities.
Solution: Mobilising executive backing is critical. This can be achieved by demonstrating the business value of BPM, showcasing metrics on cost reduction in BPM, or even sharing a BPM case study. For example, our team of developers in the UK uses "proof of concept" projects to win executive support by realising small wins achievable in a short time frame.
The issue: Transparency in BPM is pivotal. An opaque approach breeds distrust and hampers employee buy-in. Moreover, when crucial processes lack traceability, measuring the BPM's efficiency can be a Herculean task.
Solution: Process visibility brought by detailed BPM documentation and dashboards can guarantee transparency and traceability. Furthermore, leveraging business intelligence in BPM can provide actionable insights, making decision management smoother.
The issue: BPM implementation can sail into rough waters if the right testing environment isn't set up. Infrastructure tethered to legacy solutions often cannot bear the agile BPM method.
Solution: Adopting robust IT infrastructure in BPM is indispensable. We discovered that using adaptable BPM technology, like cloud-based BPM systems integration, can provide a strong foundation for testing, allowing for business transformation and agility.
The issue: Selecting a BPM tool can be baffling. Well, here's a tip from our developers - you should pay attention to the specifics of your business needs and processes before selecting a tool.
Solution: Seek advice from a competent BPM consultancy to assist in the tool selection process. Remember, inclusive features in BPM software don't necessarily mean it's the best fit for your organisation. Focus on what your business objectives are and select the BPM tool that aligns best with them.
The issue: If you start your BPM journey without clear business objectives, it's like boarding a ship without a navigation system. Unclear objectives can lead to confusion, inconsistent decision-making, and ineffective BPM project management processes.
Solution: Define your business objectives clearly from the outset. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress towards your goals, and review them periodically. Utilise process mapping and process modelling techniques to align your BPM strategies with your objectives.
The issue: Hidden processes can become a significant BPM risk. These unseen elements may cause breakdowns in process reengineering and improvement initiatives.
Solution: Deploy process analysis and process automation techniques to uncover and address these hidden processes. Transparency in BPM is paramount to identifying and rectifying these potential failures. Risk mitigation in BPM is critical.
The issue: Fixed external contracts can stifle BPM efforts. Flexibility is key in BPM implementation; a stiff contract could hinder necessary adjustments in process optimisation.
Solution: Foster relationships with partners that understand and support your BPM initiatives. Ensure your contracts enable modifications that can support the evolution of your BPM lifecycle. Remember, incentives in BPM can catalyse operational efficiency.
Beyond resolving confusion over BPM tool suitability, clarification of business objectives and unmasking hidden processes are cornerstones of successful BPM implementation.
However, even when addressing these issues, challenges can crop up. For instance, inflexible external contracts and incentives may hinder process reengineering and automation.
Therefore, the support of BPM consultancy can be invaluable in these endeavours, offering the enterprise BPM solutions that best fit your business: BPM software for robust process modelling and testing infrastructure, cloud BPM to increase accessibility, or even a custom-crafted solution to cater for unique BPM project management needs.
At CodePixi, we've discovered the strategic value of understanding these BPM risks and benefits—the knowledge we bring into the design of our bespoke apps. With our team of bespoke software developers in Bristol, you're in safe hands, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you are planning on bringing business process management into your company.
