Five Essential Considerations in Selecting Business Process Management Software

Managing business processes is a daunting task. Business Process Management, also referenced to as BPM, is described as a company’s attempt to improve its business processes as flawlessly and as frequently as possible without fear of change. It is done to make sure that the business’ clients and owners get what they want and need out of the business. Based on the fundamentals of BPM, Business Process Management software programs have an exceptionally wide range of capabilities. This is why it is important to know how to choose them, and this is why you’ll need to know…

How do I know what Business Process Management Software is for me?

1. Business Process Management Software needs Assessment

If anything, managers and supervisors deal with workplace problems firsthand. They know what the company needs and they know what the clients want; the only problem may be getting all of these people to work together and decide on a single BPM suite. Lower-level employees can be change agents too, and may be allowed to weigh in. Ultimately, it rests on a business leadership’s shoulder to choose the software.

Assessing the business BPM needs involves a look outside of the direct software capabilities to the underlying Enterprise Process Management (EPM) System that will be used to manage the Business Processes identified for BPM Workflow Automation.  The Enterprise business system is the foundation for the BPM Software Suite and may provide insight into the software needs.

Most business process management software will have the capability to help with the management and control of business processes. Advanced capabilities include help with business intelligence, business activity monitoring, content management, and advanced business modeling. A good evaluation of the needs of the company should narrow down the choices.

2. Business Process Management Software budgeting and financing

Many BPM programs will have the capability to control and manage costs, but first the programs themselves should be part of these expenses. Business process management software isn’t expensive; it’s the licensing cost you have to worry about. Usual charges are per unit installed or per year of use. Many distributors of these programs are not keen on disclosing the costs to the public. Some will cost a company $1,000/yr. while some will cost a one-time fee ranging from $9,000 to $57,000. Having a short list of vendors or programs will help with the decision. Populate the list with at least five vendors.

3. Using Trials to test Business Process Management Software

Free trials are meant to make the company see the capabilities of the software. While there is a certain possibility that many of them will not fit the company’s needs, there is also a chance that there is more than one out there that can solve the company’s many problems. Choosing the right business process management software will always pay off in the end, but this choice may not  take place until after many trial programs. Free trials may last from a week to a whole month. Be wary of functions and modules that may look good but will not help the company in any way.

4. Shortlisting Providers of Business Process Management Software

The list you have and the trials you have used should make for an easier decision. There are times, however, that both the list and the free trials can fail to help a company decide. If required, do over and start again with the evaluation. This extra effort will do the business more good than you might imagine. Business process management software doesn’t come cheap, and the wrong choice can easily put the business at risk.

5. Is Business Process Management Software Right for your Business?

Software products that handle business processes are simply tools. The real work is with the whole company. You can’t expect the program to manage the business processes for you. All that software can do is provide solutions to problems as they come up. Employees, especially those in the IT department, must be able to work on these changes without having to put the company in a downtime. Business process management software is made to aid companies in coping with change and competition in today’s fast-paced market.

The business process management industry had been predicted to grow steadily in 2005. Several years later, it has transformed into a full-blown industry well-known by those who wish success and growth for their businesses. Selecting the right software is and always has been essential since well-chosen business process management software can reduce company costs, maximize competitiveness, add value to the company, improve company-client relations, and even set the business’ success in stone.

SOURCE: Smarter Solutions