BPM (Business Process Management): what is it, why is it important and how to implement it

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The constant search for efficiency, productivity and quality that characterizes the dynamics of the corporate world poses real challenges for organizations, which need to face the challenge of optimizing their internal operations and achieving their objectives in an agile and strategic way. It is in this context that the BPM

Also called Business Process Management, it is an approach that stands out as a powerful ally to improve the processes management and boost the business success.

This management tool has become essential for modern companies to achieve tangible results, preparing them to face challenges in a scenario of constant technological evolution and dynamism in the market. 

With structured process management, organizations can reduce costs, increase efficiency, improve collaboration between teams and gain a significant competitive advantage.

That is why we have prepared this article on BPM, explaining what it is, its importance and how to successfully implement it in companies. Read on to find out how to use this approach to take your organization to a new level of operational excellence.

What is BPM?

The concept of BPM (Business Process Management) is linked to a strategic approach that aims to optimize and improve the internal processes of an organization, in order to achieve greater efficiency, quality and productivity. That methodology for remote services encompasses the analysis, modeling, execution, monitoring and continual improvement of business processes.

Through BPM, companies can identify bottlenecks, eliminate unnecessary activities, automate repetitive tasks and promote a culture of collaboration and innovation among teams. With a systemic and results-oriented view, BPM becomes a fundamental tool to improve the management of organizational processes of a company.

What is the importance of BPM in the management of business processes?

Surely, BPM plays a fundamental role in the management of business processes, as it offers a structured and results-oriented approach that allows organizations to achieve greater efficiency and operational excellence.

By implementing this methodology, companies can map, analyze and optimize their internal processes, identifying opportunities and making more informed and strategic decisions. The ability to promote cross-departmental collaboration and continuously monitor process performance makes BPM critical to the innovation, customer satisfaction and sustainable business growth.

The differences between BPM, BPA, BPMN and BPMS

Within the context of process management, there are other concepts that, although related to BPM in some way, carry their own characteristics and need to be treated separately. We are talking about BPA, BPMN and BPMS, elements that work together with BPM to improve the management and efficiency of business processes.

BPM

As we have explained above, BPM is the conceptual strategic approach to optimizing business processes.

BPA

BPA (Business Process Analysis) is a specific activity within BPM, focused on analyzing existing processes to identify opportunities for improvement.

BPMN

BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) is a graphical language used to model business processes, allowing a clear and standardized visual representation. 

BPMS

BPMS (Business Process Management Suite) is a technological platform that offers management tools and resources to automate, execute and monitor business processes, integrating different systems and facilitating the implementation of BPM strategies.

The stages of the BPM cycle

The BPM cycle takes a cyclical approach to guide process management activities, which allows organizations to continuously improve their processes to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness. This cycle occurs in six main stages that we highlight below.

Planning

In the initial stage of the BPM cycle, the objectives that the organization wants to achieve with the management of processes are defined. In this phase, priority processes for analysis and optimization are identified, taking into account the company's global strategy.

Mapping

Next comes the comprehensive mapping of all processes: the activities, those responsible for each task, the inputs and outputs of the process and the interactions between the different elements.

Modeling

The next stage is process modeling. Here, BPMN notation is used to create visual models that graphically represent workflows and process interactions, facilitating communication and understanding by the teams involved.

Execution

In this step, the processes are implemented and executed according to the models created. This may involve automating tasks, defining clear responsibilities for professionals and using the right tools.

Real Time

In this phase, the running processes are continuously monitored to assess performance and identify possible deviations from established objectives.

Improvement

Based on data collected during monitoring, the organization identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes to optimize processes. This stage is crucial to ensure that the BPM cycle is continuous and that the company is always looking to improve its efficiency and adapt to market changes.

After the improvement phase, the BPM cycle restarts, allowing improvement to take place continuously, boosting the competitiveness and success of the company.

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How to use BPM in practice

In practice, the successful implementation of BPM requires a careful and comprehensive approach that goes beyond the simple use of technological tools. 

Before any implementation, it is essential to promote a cultural change in the company, seeking the engagement of all professionals and awareness of the importance of continuous improvement of processes. This cultural change involves a mindset of collaboration, transparency and the search for efficiency at all levels of the organization.

Another fundamental point is the focus on the management of indicators and on the performance of the processes themselves, instead of just analyzing the isolated operation of each area of ​​the business. This means defining key performance indicators (KPIs) that are aligned with the company's strategic objectives and that provide insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of processes.

The measurement and analysis of KPIs make it possible to identify bottlenecks, points of improvement and opportunities for optimization in processes. Based on this information, decisions can be made in a more informed way, directing efforts to where it really matters, and enabling corrective or preventive actions in a timely manner.

When implementing BPM, it's critical to remember that technology is only part of the solution. Although technological tools, such as BPMS (Business Process Management Suite) platforms, facilitate process automation and monitoring, they are more effective when combined with a management culture focused on processes and indicators.

The combination of a management culture focused on processes, the use of indicators for decision making and technological support for automation and monitoring are essential factors for the implementation of BPM to bring real and sustainable benefits to the organization, contributing to the achievement of a competitive advantage in today's market.

Examples and benefits of BPM

Indeed, we can say that companies that implement BPM in their operations tend to achieve significant results in several areas.

By applying BPM in the field of logistics, for example, inventory management and distribution processes are redesigned, significantly reducing waiting times, improving traceability and ensuring faster and more accurate deliveries to customers. 

In financial institutions, the automation of credit approval processes made possible by this approach generates a reduction in response time, increasing security in risk analysis and, at the same time, offering a more agile and personalized service to customers.

We can conclude, therefore, that the benefits offered by BPM are diverse and have a direct impact on the success and growth of companies. Objectively, we can cite as the main ones:

Transparency

The implementation of BPM is extremely favorable for increasing transparency in carrying out processes, as it allows a clear view of all stages of workflows, identifying possible bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.

Productivity

The automation of repetitive and bureaucratic tasks allows professionals to focus on higher value-added activities, driving innovation and creativity within the company. 

We conclude, therefore, that BPM favors productivity, since the reduction of rework, waste of resources and high internal satisfaction are preponderant factors for increasing operational efficiency.

Security

It should be noted that BPM offers more security in processes, ensuring compliance with rules and regulations, reducing errors and operational risks. In addition, management based on indicators allows for more assertive and data-oriented decision-making, making the company more agile and adaptable to market changes.

Cost reduction

Finally, cost reduction is an undeniable benefit offered by BPM. The automation of tasks and the optimization of resources significantly reduces the amount of waste and operating costs. This savings can be directed towards investments in innovation, product and service development, or even improving the customer experience.

If you liked this article and want to know more about how to improve your process management, avoiding the main mistakes made, be sure to click here to check out this special content we prepared on the subject.

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