A business process is defined as an organized set of tasks designed to carry out an activity in a company’s value chain. Examples include sales processes, design and production processes, logistics processes and invoicing processes.
Controlling processes, making them comprehensible and operational for employees, is a major challenge for organizations in their digital transformation. They increase performance (better lead times, margins, etc.), quality and facilitate change management.
If you had only one thing to remember from this article :
Business processes can be informal, documented or computerized. This digitization is made possible by process management solutions known as BPM (Business Process Management) or workflow software. These transform processes into operable workflows and automations.
Defining a business process
How do you define a business process?
All companies, whether they realize it or not, are made up of processes that enable them to serve and satisfy their customers. Processes interact with each other, within precise perimeters, to process information or transform products. Moreover, by their very nature, they respect the company’s operational and legal requirements and constraints.
There are 3 families of processes:
- a business process (in pink in the example below). For example, sales, production, delivery processes…
- a business support process (in yellow). For example, HR or accounting processes…
- and management processes (in green). For example, finance processes, internal communications, strategic planning…
Each business process is then defined as an organized set of tasks aimed at carrying out a company activity. This sequence of actions and steps can be individual or collaborative. Each actor plays a role and has specific responsibilities.
Companies have different levels of expertise in this area
- Informal processes: companies operate legitimately without structuring their know-how
- Documented processes: companies formalize their operations through written procedures and sheets. This stage is nevertheless difficult to maintain, as it requires a certain level of communication and standardization.
- Computerized (digitized) processes: companies use BPM or workflow management software. These management tools make it easier for employees to master and master processes, and improve organizational performance. The tools also have the advantage of automatically documenting and updating business processes.
- Automated processes: certain tasks or parts of the workflow are automated. Examples include the automation of multiple entries, repetitive tasks requiring multiple copy-paste and clicks…
Find out more in our article on process automation
Examples of business processes
Service management
Example of a recruitment process
Procurement process
Business process management, the cornerstone of successful digitalization
The process approach is a shortcut to successfuldigital transformation. Unlike other methods, it focuses on your know-how and the way you operate . This reduces the risk of qualification or selection errors by starting from your needs.
The other advantage of this method is that you can build up gradually. A company can transform business processes one by one, starting with those with the highest ROI. In this way, the benefits of the first business process transformation will enable it to be self-financed, or even to finance the transformation of the next process.
The scoping method for digitizing a business process
1) Identify and prioritize company processes according to strategic objectives. The highest priority processes will be the first to be digitized.
2) Audit the priority business processes to be digitized by carrying out an inventory and mapping the processes, involving the relevant players.
Find out more in our article on how to conduct a process audit.
3) List automation and digitalization opportunities, then prioritize them according to potential impact on the business. Keep in mind that not all tasks can be automated at once, and it’s important to focus on those that will have the greatest positive impact.
Choosing BPM or workflow software
What is BPM or workflow software?
BPM (Business Process Mangement) or workflow software are digital solutions for managing and automating business processes and task sequences within a company. These software packages generally require no IT development skills (no-code), and are easy to learn and use.
The benefits of workflow software include time savings, easier collaboration, improved ergonomics and the ability to manage complex processes. They are suitable for a variety of sectors, and can be used for functions such as sales, purchasing, production, invoicing, accounting or HR.
How to choose a BPM or workflow software?
Here are some criteria to consider when making your selection:
- Coverage of your needs: By browsing their website or signing up for a free subscription, you can test the features to make sure they meet your expectations.
- Easy to use: Opt for ergonomic, intuitive tools to facilitate change management and reduce training time.
- Integration with existing software: Ensure that the software integrates and connects with your existing systems to facilitate automation.
- Software and project pricing: Stay within your budget and calculate the return on investment, taking into account the costs of configuration, change management and time savings.
- Autonomy of administration and support: Choose a software package that allows you to be autonomous in management and offers good support from the publisher.
- Data security and control: Ensure the security of your data by checking encryption, backup and access control protocols, as well as the ability to recover your data autonomously.
Now you know all about business processes. Now it’s your turn! See you soon for more content!
Also interested in reading other articles on processes?
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