What is Business Process Reengineering (BPR) and why do we need it?
Business Process Reengineering (BPR) is, in computer science and management, an approach aiming at improvements by means of elevating efficiency and effectiveness of the business process that exist within and across organizations. The key to BPR is for organizations to look at their business processes from a "clean slate" perspective and determine how they can best construct these processes to improve how they conduct business.[1]
Organizations must recognize their success or failure can be dependent upon the efficiency of their business processes. BPR does not always involve technology but technology can often be a driver. BPR describes the organization in a structured, systems-like fashion from different perspectives, such as the organizational structure, processes, staff, and resources, taking into consideration how they interact together. This quantitative approach provides the opportunity for organizations to systematically enhance the efficiency and quality of their operations while typically recognizing significant cost savings. This effort can often be described as business transformation.
What are the components of Business Process Reengineering Life Cycle?
The major components of a Business Process Reengineering Life Cycle include the following:
· Identification of current business processes
· Review, update and analysis of “As-Is” processes
· Design of “To-Be” processes
· Test and implementation of “To-Be” processes
The BPR Life Cycle represents a closed-loop learning system for the organization to promote continuous improvement and organizational learning.
What goes into Business Process Reengineering?
There are several different methodologies associated with business process reengineering engagements and the Center approaches this effort with the focus more on results than methodology. However, the same basic principles and elements exist in our methodology. The methodology normally includes the following steps:
1. Envisioning new processes
2. Process discovery and diagnosis
3. Process redesign
4. Process reconstruction
5. Process monitoring
Process monitoring creates a closed-loop environment where performance measurement of the new processes provides the linkage to continuous improvement.
How can the Center for Advanced Technologies help me?
The Center for Advanced Technologies has extensive experience in business process engineering (BRP) and the integration of complex information technology systems. Center staff has a sound understanding of the relationship between IT and organizational change with the capability to solve problems and improve organizational performance. The Center can tailor its approach to your organization’s specific needs and does not follow a template-based “one size fits all” principle. Let the Center help you perform comprehensive business process reengineering to enhance the efficiency and quality of your organization using proven BPR methodologies. Contact us at 334.244.3090 and one of our consultants will be happy to assist you. You may also reach us through our email address at info@cat.aum.edu or through our website at www.cat.aum.edu.