Business process management (BPM) deals with the automation, coordination and control of business processes through software. Alternative terms for BPM include business process automation (BPA) and workflow management. BPM and workflow automation systems coordinate business and knowledge processes according to a process model. Many commercial BPM and workflow software tools are quite sophisticated and can handle complicated business logic, resource availability, queues, and load balancing.
Business value from business process management comes from numerous sources. Workflow automation shortens business process cycle times and improves quality levels, resulting in higher levels of customer and stakeholder satisfaction. Standardized electronic forms are less costly than paper-based forms and automated input checking and verification lower the amount of errors and rework. Internal processing costs are also reduced because of strict adherence to the business rules.
Iknow has deep expertise in managing all phases of business process management and workflow automation projects, from initial requirements gathering through system deployment. We have worked on projects of various sizes and scopes, including business process and knowledge process mapping, design, and reengineering; Total Quality Management, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and other quality-related improvement initiatives; performance measurement, including metrics definition and the creation of balanced scorecards; software requirements definition and package selection; and system customization and implementation.