Visio is among primary process mapping tools, especially in small companies, although it is rarely mentioned even by Microsoft itself. Definitely, extending Office365 in this direction will incredibly simplify adoption of BPM by SMBs. There is subtle and easy to miss boundary where ad-hoc processes of a successful SMB are requiring streamlined BPM refactoring to [...]
Is "AI-enabled automation" making a threat to process modeling? I see situation exactly opposite. AI is a shaky and extremely risky ground, especially, it part of insufficient modeling. Take, e.g. a neural network: several layers, complex training rules, unknown stability in regard to multiple inputs going outside of a training set. In essence, nobody can [...]
A model is generally not intended for execution but rather for implementation. There is a definite difference between a model and a process, which is normally expected to be executable. A process is a special type of model. Model is more generic term than process. It is incorrect to think that BPM deals exclusively with [...]
Processes have distinct difference from data. Data represent a static view of an IT system, while processes express system dynamics. Dynamics is substantially more complex than the data, on which it relies. Quality data does not necessary mean quality processes built upon them and efficient system integration. Integration of data is necessary but not sufficient [...]
Integration of processes is the primary mission of any BPM initiative. Disintegrated processes are inherently purely coordinated and not possible to align. Therefore, efficiency of processes can be achieved only as a logical consequence of process integration. Integration is an essential precondition to achieve process efficiency. Both these aspects of processes naturally coexist and cannot [...]
IT exists in a form of platforms. Bigger organization is - more platforms it uses. In large organizations count of distinct platforms goes on thousands. It is not a result of poor IT planning but an objective reality and diversity of business areas. Many platforms might look as “legacy”, especially for a newcomer consultant seeking [...]
BPM exists in every company, even a smallest one. However, it is not always recognized or acknowledged as such. Because small companies significantly outnumber larger ones, BPM in small companies is most wide spread and demanded kind of BPM. BPM projects in small companies have a small or even zero budgets. For this reason these [...]
Most companies oversimplify customer experience processes. As a rule, all relevant tasks are just delegated to CRM. However, even most advanced CRM alone can appear not sufficient to handle all customer processes. CRM rarely offers enough flexibility to configure multiple levels of interaction with client with complex decision logic, gateways, escalations and delegation of tasks. [...]
‘Process’ is exact and rigorous term to describe a sequence of business operations. Precision is always important to avoid dubious expectations from a client. Precise technical words should be used in all project discussions to highlight professional level and awareness on the subject. Operational Excellence, Customer Success and other clichés look good in promotional materials [...]
In properly designed BPM system process engine should be entirely isolated from user interface through well-crafted API. If user interface is mixed process engine, it is an evident disaster. Process engine should run as a service in unattended mode and, ideally, should be also clustered for fault tolerance. User interface of a process engine is [...]