What is Business Process Management (BPM)?

BPM is a methodology aiming to maximise the results of business processes.

Business Process Management (BPM) is a systematic approach to improving how a business operates. It’s all about making things work better.

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Firstly, BPM starts by analyzing the way a company does its tasks. This is done by breaking down each activity, seeing how they link up, and looking for room to do things more efficiently.

Next, BPM sets clear goals and strategies, making sure everyone understands what needs to be achieved. Then, it organizes all the steps needed to reach those goals.

BPM also involves monitoring how tasks are done, so any issues or bottlenecks are spotted quickly. Regular checks help maintain quality and reduce mistakes.

Moreover, BPM can involve automating repetitive and straightforward tasks to save time and cut down on errors.

Lastly, it’s about continuous improvement. Businesses always look for ways to do things better and adapt to changes. This ongoing cycle keeps the company agile and effective.

In summary, BPM is a method that starts with understanding how a company works, planning for improvement, and constantly fine-tuning processes to meet the ever-evolving business needs.

The 12 business process management disciplines

Business process management is a bit of a “suitcase word” that contains quite a lot of sub-disciplines. Larger companies need to manage the following sub-disciplines:

1. Process architecture:
   To understand how your processes align with your business strategy and with each other, it’s essential to establish a hierarchical structure.
2. Process governance:
   Efficient process management involves creating a portfolio of processes and empowering the appropriate individuals with ownership delegation.
3. Process discovery:
   The first step is to map out your processes comprehensively, gaining a clear understanding of how they operate in practice.
4. Process engagement:
   Accessibility to the correct processes at the right moment is vital for everyone involved; without it, your efforts remain theoretical.
5. Process execution:
   It’s imperative that the capable individuals can actively implement and execute your processes.
6. Process measurement:
   Managers must have the capacity to monitor process completion, track activity timelines, and identify the responsible parties. Additionally, recording resource utilization and errors might be necessary.
7. Process automation:
   To eliminate manual handling, IT should possess the capability to automate stable, high-frequency processes.
8. Process simulation:
   Having the ability to simulate processes can be valuable in assessing the effects of changes, such as alterations in factory layout.
9. Process improvement:
   The capacity to capture issues and ideas, analyze them within the appropriate context, and communicate resultant improvements is crucial.
10. Process reengineering:
    On occasion, starting anew and completely overhauling a process becomes necessary.
11. Process stewardship:
    Maintaining and updating processes regularly is the responsibility of designated individuals who also need to liaise with relevant stakeholders.
12. BPM technology:
    To synchronize all these elements effectively, you require the right tools.

Further Resources about ‘what is business process management’:

• Read our guide to creating a process improvement plan
• Learn how to select the best BPM software.
• Which BPM software is the best for you? – Read our review.
• Business Process Management Common Body of Knowledge (BPM CBOK, 2009), The Association of Business Process Management Professionals Jim Boots ”BPM boots on the ground”, 2012

Related Links:

• BPM Guides and Resources
• Process Improvement
• Business Process Optimisation
• Business Process Reengineering (BPR)

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Explore more about different process improvement terms in our BPM Glossary.