Business transformation
How to build process compliance
Achieving process compliance is essential for smooth business operation, as well as to meet legal obligations. We examine what a good plan should contain, and show how a financial services organisation improved its compliance. Governance, risk and compliance (GRC) is about instilling and following good business practices GRC is increasingly important to the way…
Read MoreBetter out than in: why remove business processes?
Which of your processes aren’t adding value? Identifying and removing these is a vital part of change management. We take a quick look at the role of operating models in streamlining processes. And share an example of a business that improved its process alignment. Removing pointless processes is a key part of transformation “It’s…
Read MoreHow process simulation can help you achieve cost savings
In our latest LinkedIn poll, 17% of respondents said achieving cost savings was their top process improvement problem. Using process simulation is one way of dealing with the challenge. Cost management must be an ongoing activity Every business wants to reduce costs, waste and inefficiencies, particularly with the potential of recession in the UK.…
Read MoreSeven steps to continuous improvement
In our recent LinkedIn poll, 83% of respondents said driving continuous improvement was their top process challenge. We look at how you can tackle the problem, and share an example of a successful transformation. Continuous improvement helps drive growth, innovation and versatility It’s a practice that, as the name suggests, involves ongoing evaluation and revision…
Read MoreHow to choose a process transformation system
There’s an oft-repeated quote that 70% of complex, large-scale change programmes don’t reach their stated goals. Whether this is accurate or not, it is true that choosing the right process transformation system reduces the risk of failure. We explore some must-have requirements for a platform to optimise your chances of success. Do you know…
Read MoreHow to create and use a business capability map
Do you know exactly what your organisation does, at every level? A capability map will tell you. Find out how to develop and use one for business and process improvement. Capability [noun]: the power or ability to do something In business, capabilities define what the organisation does and the functions it performs. They’re statements…
Read MoreHow to use process improvement to navigate a recession
With the chance of recession this year on everyone’s mind, is your business prepared? Optimising your business processes will improve your chances of surviving and thriving. Here’s how you can use process improvement to help find your way through challenging times. The possibility of recession is casting a shadow over 2023 At the…
Read MoreWhy you should choose crowd-driven process mining
There are many ways of running process mining and discovery; we previously outlined three in this article. This time, we’re going to dig deeper into the crowd-driven method and reveal why it’s of such value. Crowd-driven mining is collaborative, quick and easy Most of us are familiar with the principles of crowdfunding or crowdsourcing. They…
Read MoreWhat’s your process maturity level?
Do you do formal process mapping, and if so how’s it going? Are you a beginner? Or are you doing well in some areas but struggling in others? You might be experienced, using all the right tools in the most effective way possible. Try our quick quiz to discover where you are, and receive some…
Read MoreWhat’s the point of master data?
Many companies want to develop a data-driven culture, basing decisions on facts rather than subjective opinion. Creating and managing a consistent set of master data can help achieve that. Defining master data Master data is “data about the business entities that provide context for business transactions” says the DAMA Guide to the Data Management…
Read MoreGlossary: business transformation terms
Bemused by business transformation jargon? Improve your understanding with this glossary of frequently used terms and abbreviations in business transformation and software development. It’s regularly updated, so check again soon if you can’t see what you need today. As-is and to-be processes The as-is state of a process is the current state. It’s how…
Read MoreThree reasons to optimise your process documentation
Do you have clear visibility of your business operations? Process documentation can help you achieve it. Using accurate models and definitions allows you to identify, target and resolve problems caused by poor visibility. We look at three key benefits of optimising your process documentation. Process documentation forms the basis of a successful business I worked…
Read MoreThree steps to better scenario modelling
Most of us would love to be confident of making the right decisions that will lead to beneficial outcomes. We look at how effective scenario modelling helps you achieve your business goals. Choose your own (business) adventure Did you ever read those choose-your-own-adventure books as a kid? The ones where you were given options…
Read MoreBusinessOptix versus Visio
It can be difficult to choose a business process transformation system. There are plenty available, with similar features and capabilities. So, to help you, we thought we’d run a quick comparison of some key providers. The facts: capability comparison* Visio: developed by Microsoft, Visio is a Windows-based diagramming software program. You can create flowcharts, organisational…
Read MoreHow to run effective process discovery
How do you currently discover and map your business processes? In our recent LinkedIn poll, 13% of respondents said they used an Excel spreadsheet. Methods like this can generate all sorts of problems: version control, inputting mistakes – the list goes on. There is a better way. Using a centralised system gives you more…
Read MoreHow to run a business process review
A business process review (BPR) lays the foundations for a successful business transformation. Here’s a handy four-step guide to running an effective review. A BPR sets you on the right track for business transformation A BPR is simply a way to assess how your processes are working and identify ways to improve them. You…
Read MoreGetting started with process mapping
Process mapping happens early in a business transformation. It defines the tasks that lead to the delivery of your product or service, or that achieve your business goals. As such, getting it right will set you on the right track for your business transformation. We look at how to start creating a basic process map,…
Read MoreFive questions to ask before you start a business transformation project
You’ve identified the need for a business transformation process, so surely you should start as soon as possible? Obviously it’s not as simple as that. For the best chance of success, make sure you’ve answered these five questions first. 1. What do I want to achieve? The answer to this isn’t ‘improve everything about my…
Read MoreWhat does a target operating model look like?
A target operating model, or TOM, represents the ideal future state of your business. If everything were working perfectly, this is how people, processes and systems would function. Read on to discover the benefits of a TOM and four areas to consider when creating one. A target operating model helps set the business direction…
Read MoreWhat is operational excellence?
Defining operational excellence can be a challenge in itself, let alone achieving it. Here’s a quick overview of what it is, why it’s important, and how it can be reached. Operational excellence helps you stay ahead of the competition Operational excellence is important for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors. At its heart,…
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