Business Process Management (BPM) software: purchase guide
What is BPM software?
Definition
BPM stands for Business Process Management. BPM software is used to analyse and improve the fluidity of the business processes implemented by a company with the aim of improving its performance indicators.
How does BPM software work?
Business Process Management consists of automating tasks that represent little added value and that can be subject to human error.
A business process is a series of actions that employees must perform in order to achieve their goals. Each process can be broken down differently and this can be difficult to improve.
However, BPM software gives access to a fast and intuitive IT modeling of all these processes. In concrete terms, BPM places all processes at the center of the organisation and creates a map of the organisation to detect anomalies. It also provides opportunities on how you can improve your business processes.
Business Process Management ensures that all of the processes that are implemented meet customer needs as accurately as possible. It analyses and constantly adapts processes and workflows according to the requirements.
This helps your business become more efficient compared to your competitors. And, by detailing each step of your processes, it makes sure that all employees are working as a team.
What are the main features of BPM software?
Before choosing a Business Process Management software, you need to define your company's needs as accurately as possible. BPM software list of features include:
This provides a detailed description of the steps and business rules that defines a business process. Mapping processes list all of the actors and their roles. And, this will allow you to replicate the model with the different workflows of each process.
Integration is a core function that can be used by all types of organisations. A good BPM will need to be able to interface with all information systems to execute processes. (such as sending notifications automatically to customers when an order is taken or triggering an event following the validation of a form). The BPM can be compatible with an ERP, HR management CRM software. This ability to integrate with other applications will allow you to boost productivity.
What are the benefits of using BPM software?
Advantages of using BPM software
Mapping out business processes with this type of management software will reduce human errors and optimize tasks with high added value. The main benefits of using BPM software are:
- You will save lots of time:
All of the elements are in the same place and can be consulted in a few seconds. The BPM approach is used to model the life cycle of processes by simply dragging and dropping objects: steps, events, conditions, logical links.
These tools make the visualisation of the company's value chain clear. Once the processes are created, the applications execute them. This software is therefore directly linked to the company's information system.
- Better traceability of changes to business process documents:
With BPM software, you will be able to store and manage documents more efficiently.
- A very quick return on investment:
With business process management, objectives are quickly met, customer relationships are improved, and there is more productivity and rapidly visible growth.
- Immediate identification of malfunctions as well as better risk management.
Business Process Management software provides a whole series of controls to inform designers of possible process failures: unintended cases, data errors, etc. This process monitoring enables the company to position itself in a continuous improvement process from which customers and internal departments benefit daily.
Not to mention :
Moreover, there is a greater team involvement thanks to a clear process approach. A simpler exchange during collaborative work or to communicate more easily with partners.
Disadvantages
It is important to ensure that your employees are well supported in the management of change.
Open source bpm software may not always offer the features that you may need to manage your entire business process.
