How to Improve Processes in Most Organizations
Posted by Sarah Templeton on Thu, Dec 10, 2009
Organizations do not require process redesign from scratch, but rather, it is part of a continuous cycle. Forward-thinking organizations grow and learn from past experiences and apply that knowledge to become more efficient and adaptive to their changing circumstances.
In today's competitive landscape, becoming more agile and profitable are key to survival, which is why many companies are aggressively streamlining business processes. A few areas these companies look to streamline include:
- - Providing a higher level of customer service
- - Obtaining flexibility in use of resources, including staff
- - Responding more rapidly to new opportunities
- - Deploying new technologies with minimal disruption
- - Motivating staff by creating better working environment
- - Increasing productivity
- - Consolidate Software
As a result, organizations are using tools to aid in analyzing, redesigning, and managing these and other business processes. Software is available in the form of business process modeling tools and workflow management or business process automation systems.
Business Process Modeling
Business processing consists of coordinated tasks or activities performed by resources leading to accomplishing the specific goal of the organization. It is the systematic approach to improve organizational processes.
Business process modeling tools greatly vary in scope, complexity and applicability of the business. Organizations should research business modeling tools that fit their business. There are various reports available on the Internet to help organizations select the right tool for business process modeling.
Workflow Management System
Workflow management system is the process of passing information, documents and tasks between various departments within the organization. It is the standardized working methods to ensure that every employee on the same level is performing the same functions. Thus, it helps to track individual performances in the organization. It improves customer service by providing consistent quality product.
Measuring Improvement
Of course a process is only as good as the improvements it delivers to the organization. Take the time to benchmark current results, choose key performance indicators and present the results to the stakeholders. By doing this, the organization will tighten the feedback for its behavior resulting in more fine tuning.