What is Business Process Management (BPM)?

BPM is a way of looking at and then controlling the processes that are present in an organization. It is an effective methodology to use in times of crisis to make certain that the processes are efficient and effective, as this will result in a better and more cost efficient organization.

What is Business Process Management (BPM)?

BPM is a way of looking at looking at and then controlling the processes that are present in an organization. It is an effective methodology to use in times of crisis to make certain that the processes are efficient and effective, as this will result in a better and more cost efficient organization.

BPM should not be a onetime exercise. It should involve a continuous evaluation of the processes and include taking actions to improve the total flow of processes. The steps that can be recognized in BPM are:

  • Analyze
  • Re-design and model
  • Implement
  • Monitor
  • Manage
  • Automate

This list indicates that most of the work is trying to understand the current situation and then to design and implement a better one. The last step however also indicates that technology has its place here as well, not only as systems on which processes take place, but also as a system that can help with the BPM activities.

BPM Diagram

This diagram from the AIIM BPM certificate program course shows the elements present in most BPM suites. The elements of design and monitoring are immediately recognizable as important elements, also in the technology.

The rules engine and process registry indicate descriptions of the lessons learned from the analysis and design that allows the system to automate the process. A simple example of such a rule for a web retailer could be that the third item you buy is half price. The combination of the rules engine and registry allows a BPM suite to be a flexible tool that helps control and manage the business processes. Rules should be easy to update and change to make certain that any feedback from the monitoring tools can be used to further improve the processes. This all leads to a continuous cycle of evaluating and improving the organization.

Join the AIIM Network for Intelligent Information Management on LinkedIn

AIIM provides an educational roadmap for the industry.

  • Certificate Training Programs  - Industry leading Certificate Training Programs include Enterprise Content Management (ECM), Electronic Records Management (ERM), Business Process Management (BPM), Information Organization & Access (IOA/Search), Enterprise 2.0 (E2.0), Email Management (EMM) and SharePoint. Courses are available via the web or classroom.
  • AIIM Essentials Courses  - The AIIM Essentials programs are short online courses that are focused on very specific topics applicable to any organization, and are a perfect complement to the AIIM Certificate offerings. Courses include: Imaging and Recognition, Evaluating SharePoint, Web Content Management, Digital Asset Management, eDiscovery, and PDF/A.
  • In-person Seminars  - These free, educational seminars held in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada, help educate business and government professionals with information on the latest industry trends, key business drivers, case study examples, solutions, and more.
  • Information Portals  - Provide case studies and white papers, articles and research studies focused on Green ECM, Compliance/Electronic Records Management, SharePoint and ECM, Healthcare Information Management, and Capture/Scanning/Recognition.