Business process redesign framework

Business process redesign
A simple framework for small and medium-sized businesses

While growth is a preferred mode of creating value in almost all cases, an enterprise still needs to focus on operations management, or more specifically, on the robustness of its business processes. Business processes, therefore, may need to be redesigned from time to time for the following reasons:

Existing process are broken, or in other words, performing at sub-optimal levels
New technology/equipment/systems are available
Competitors have better business processes putting you at a competitive disadvantage
Business model transformation is being implemented
Customers expect you to align your processes with theirs

While business process redesign (or reengineering or revamping or overhaul) may initially seem overwhelming, it shouldn't be. In fact, most businesses should be able to do a large part of BPR on their own. We believe that no one knows an enterprise's processes better than their own employees. However, there are areas where an external advisor can create value:

Employees are often reluctant to identify broken systems, inefficiencies, errors, etc. because it is likely to make them look bad
Consultants and advisors, through their work with other companies, have a better understanding of what works and what doesn't. Thus, by tapping into their knowledge base, you can not only save time and money, you are also ensuring that you are using the best practices available in the industry. They also have better idea about benchmarks and may, therefore, help you set realistic expectations from BPR

Below is the iProceed's framework for business process redesign that you can use to guide your own efforts:

iProceed.com's framework for business process redesign includes five simple steps: process diagnostic, development of process maps, identification of bottlenecks, then redesign of the process and finally its implementation

The framework is fairly easy to self-explanatory, but what I wish to emphasize is the importance of a feedback loop. You can not design an optimal system without a feedback loop. While a large number of business processes are fairly standard, each business still has some unique attributes. That is why, processes may need to be tweaked after implementation.

Recommended article: Delta Airlines redesigns its business processes

Web iProceed.com

Questions, comments, feedback, and suggestions