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 what you want?

A few years ago when I was in Cuba, our guide told a story about when he visited Canada. He was in a supermarket, staring at all the varieties of soft drinks available. In the end he left without buying anything. The sheer volume of options was overwhelming for someone from a country where choice is extremely limited.

Decision paralysis can happen to anyone, anywhere, on any subject. Sometimes, more choice isn’t a good thing. What you need is something or someone to help you make an informed judgement.

Selecting a business process transformation system is a big decision (arguably bigger than Coca-Cola versus Pepsi, but let’s leave that for now!) It’s a major investment, both in terms of time spent researching and in the financial commitment.

The final choice will, in part, be dictated by your organisation’s needs. However, there are several non-negotiable benefits that we believe a platform must provide.

Look for a system that will empower you to…

1.     Achieve a state of continuous improvement

It’s essential to look beyond the ability to deliver a single process improvement project. Although that is important and may supply the initial impetus to investigate transformation software.

Search for a platform that delivers results on an ongoing basis. Continuous improvement will help you stay ahead of your competitors.

Functionality to look for: scenario modelling; target operating model design; digital twin capability

2.     Encourage collaboration and boost staff engagement

Fostering a collaborative culture can be one of the hardest things for organisations to do. So the easier you can make it, the better. Facilitating data sharing and co-operation, on process discovery or diagrams, will help avoid information siloes forming.

In addition, providing work instructions and documentation helps teams engage with and follow processes effectively, thereby boosting productivity.

Functionality to look for: transformation maps and dashboards; work instructions and documentation

3.     Make more efficient use of resources

Saving money and cutting costs are on every business’s mind in the current economic climate. Using an intuitive transformation system makes it easier for everyone, at all levels, to perform at their best. And a more productive workforce will eventually drive efficiencies in ways of working.

Functionality to look for: process mining, discovery, mapping and modelling; capability mapping

4.     Increase confidence in decision-making

Poor visibility of business operations makes it much harder to plan and implement successful change. Process change can involve a lot of trial and error as you test new approaches.

Modelling and visualisation tools enable you to trial different scenarios and work confidently towards the desired outcome. Plus, linking GRC (governance, risk and compliance) metrics to processes will ensure that your business complies with regulations.

Functionality to look for: target operating model (TOM) design; scenario modelling; digital twin capability; GRC tools

5.     Future-proof your process improvement strategy

Process improvement is a continuous journey, so any supporting platform must be flexible and adaptable. Make sure yours integrates easily with other software, to maintain its usefulness in the long term.

Functionality to look for: transformation maps and dashboards; target operating model (TOM) design

Eliminate your decision paralysis

The BusinessOptix platform supports you on the end-to-end process improvement journey, from discovery to optimisation and beyond. Let us show you how: Leave your details and chat with one of our helpful consultants

BusinessOptix capabilities

Diagram showing features of BusinessOptix process transformation platform

Image source: BusinessOptix