How 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 should run one before starting a digital or business transformation project. However, you could carry one out at any time as part of a general company health check.
A review helps you align processes, define your goals and plan how to reach them. It uncovers opportunities and provides a framework for improvement. As such, it sets the scene for a business transformation project.
However, in the end it’s only beneficial if you improve the process based on what you’ve discovered!
There are four steps to running an effective review
1. Gather review team
Make sure it represents everyone involved. An obvious statement, but this gives you the best chance of including all viewpoints and ultimately delivering a successful change. However, ensure you keep the discussion tightly focused on the chosen process.
2. Define as-is processes
Start by understanding how your chosen process is running. What’s happening, what’s working well and what isn’t? You need to gather all related data – from employees, customers, business partners – for a rounded view. It’s important to also consider why things are done in particular way; this will help your understanding of the process.
There are two approaches to this process-mining stage: manual and automated. They each have their pros and cons. A manual approach, involving workshops and observations, is useful but can be subjective. An automated method, using software like BusinessOptix, is more objective and ensures all data is captured.
A representation of process mining
Source: BusinessOptix
3. Define to-be processes
How do you want the process to run in future? What do you want it to achieve? Use scenario-modelling tools to test different approaches to creating your ideal process. For example, if you change something at point B, what happens at point C, D or even E? There might be aspects that could be automated to make them more efficient.
4. Create work instructions and documentation
It’s no good designing a new process and expecting everyone to understand it perfectly straight away. You must give its users clear instructions and training to drive successful implementation.
Get support with your BPR
The BusinessOptix process transformation platform is there for you at every stage of a business process review. It defines processes, converts them into work instructions and enables scenario modelling. As a BusinessOptix premier UK partner, we will help you apply these capabilities to achieve results.
