Process management is a management practice or approach that defines the governance of specific business processes, enabling improved business agility and operational performance.
The Importance of Process Management
Process management programs assist the organization in a multitude of ways, but here are a few common applications:
- Support strategic initiatives (i.e. digital transformation projects)
- Bottom-line improvements (i.e. cut costs, improve efficiency)
- Establish and support a continuous improvement culture
- Aid in standardization or harmonization
- Enhance technology or capabilities
According to research on business process management (BPM) programs, most organizations focus on understanding processes through documentation (45% of respondents), supporting the execution of strategic initiatives (42% of survey respondents) and supporting continuous improvement efforts (42% of survey respondents).
Where to Start with Process Management
Process management can revolutionize the way an organization does business and generates value. Through years of research, APQC has uncovered seven essential tenets necessary for organizations who want a strong process capability. APQC’s Seven Tenets of Process ManagementSM consistently form the foundation for successful process management programs and initiatives. If leaders focus on building strengths in these seven areas, then they will substantially increase:
- their process management program’s alignment with strategic goals,
- their workforce’s support of process management,
- their employees’ ability to get work done, and
- their organization’s maturity and overall performance.
Even if organizations understand why process management is important, it can be hard to get the rest of the organization to understand the value. For example, according to our research, the number one implementation challenge organizations face with process frameworks is “buy-in and engagement”, including the lack of incentives for participating in process work, insufficient communication, and employee resistance. APQC’s collection, Building the Business Case for Process Management includes a variety of resources organizations to use to gain buy-in from leadership, as well as front-line employees.
Don’t Reinvent the Wheel
Don’t start from scratch, APQC’s vast number of resources help organizations excel in process and performance management. Browse the Resource Library, or start with the resources below to learn more: