How to create an integrated approach to process mapping
Are you looking to create a complete solution to drive continuous insight into your processes? Here are the key ingredients for the optimal approach.
And, take inspiration from a case study on how an organisation revolutionised its process management.
Look for a platform with the capability to…
Capture the as-is state efficiently and accurately with rapid discovery methods
Discovery is a key stage in process improvement; get it right and the rest will follow much more easily. You can speed up this phase by sending surveys to all participants in a process. This rapid, effective, objective method generates clear data.
You’ll gain extra flexibility by choosing a platform like BusinessOptix, that can import and integrate models from other systems. Look for a way to analyse operating models and linked processes to see how, where and when they interact.
Benchmark your processes against best practice
What does the future look like if you continue the process as it is now? And what could it look like if you change the process?
Comparing your processes (or your clients’) with best practice provides a benchmark for improvement. It clarifies the potential impact and illustrates what change could look like. It’s like time travel without the DeLorean.
Image source: BusinessOptix
Facilitate collaboration and include stakeholders at the appropriate level
Everyone involved in improving a process needs to be able to contribute and be kept informed. But not at the same level.
Leadership teams must understand and review the impact of changes, but don’t need the detail of how the process works. Analysts have to collaborate on process discovery and future-state design. Participants in the process need to input their activities in the discovery phase.
BusinessOptix allows you to set multiple levels of access and permissions for different stakeholders. Thereby making best use of everyone’s time and maximising the chance for valuable contributions.
Image source: BusinessOptix
Generate continuous improvement with the help of process monitoring
How often do you optimise a process, file it away and then forget about it? It’s a live task, or should be. Building in automatic quality reviews, set at your chosen frequency, ensures you keep the process alive. Customisable Kanban boards and transformation dashboards also promote smooth review of activities and progress.
Generating complete, process-driven work instructions increases visibility of the process and, as a result, helps drive efficiency in teams.
Case study: how the FSCS transformed process management from reactionary to proactive
The problem
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) lacked an overarching direction for the management of its business processes. All its standard operating procedures (SOPs) and processes were stored as Word documents.
The FSCS didn’t have a central methodology or infrastructure to manage changes to its processes or SOPs. Local teams or continuous improvement specialists handled amendments. This led to a reactionary, tactical approach rather than one that was strategically proactive.
The solution
FSCS modelled a 262-page Word document, detailing one of the SOPs and processes, into the BusinessOptix platform. The team used this step to test the process and results when it loaded SOP data into each activity. This acted as a test and a proof of concept.
The results
The test produced multiple benefits, including:
– Connectivity that allowed users to collect metadata on the processes and link it to the enterprise architecture
– Easier and more productive collaboration with third parties
– Process maps that were much easier to use and understand than previous versions
– Governance and audit benefits, arising from the ability to review processes and SOPs and have them approved with full version control
– A helpful training tool for new starters, thanks to the visual process overview provided
The team at FSCS has expanded the use of BusinessOptix to other teams. They’re now examining areas including value chains and customer journey modelling.
FSCS is also using BusinessOptix to begin a continuous improvement program. And considering how it can use the platform with its outsourcing partners.
Design better business processes for your organisation
BusinessOptix is your end-to-end process improvement solution. It’s packed with capabilities that will simplify and enhance your business transformation.
If you’re struggling with process mapping, modelling and mining, BusinessOptix will add value to your business. Leave your email address for a free, personalised demo.
