How to Kick Start a BPM Project

While there is no one right way to get started in BPM, there are some guidelines that will make BPM project a lot easier. It should be remembered that getting started in BPM will be based on a belief in process oriented operational improvement and management buy-in of the project.

The starting point is to find a sponsor within IT and within the operational users’ community. Find a progressive operational or IT manager who has a serious problem that must be corrected. Then use your understanding of BPM to design a solution that can be sold to these managers.

Some executive managers will need to sponsor the “BPM trial” and their involvement is critical. They will also control the funding side of the issue. But, this involvement will be limited to approval and probably tracking the initial test, so it will not require a significant time investment on their part.

Finding and selecting the right project to start with is important. The ideal project to look for is one that is low visibility and high impact. The trade-off should be to moderate levels in both categories.

In order to move forward, you will simply need to start the project. All problems, observations, issues, triumphs, and setbacks should be logged and discussed. Notes for the future users and construction staff should be formalized and prepared for distribution. But, the project is now working with technology that is focused on evolution and not on a need to get it right the first time. So, don’t labor at trying to be perfect on the first try. Focus on providing a 70% solution – address 70% of the needs quickly. The remaining 30% will be picked up in the evolution as issues and needs are addressed in the continuing evolution of the business unit.

Benchmark the old and the new and put performance and operational workflow monitoring in place. This will be critical in proving cost reduction and promoting BPM based solutions to your organization.