How do you ensure your process map is updated and maintained over time?

1 What is business process re-engineering?

Business process re-engineering (BPR) is a systematic approach to redesigning and improving a business process from scratch, rather than making incremental changes. BPR aims to achieve radical improvements in performance, quality, cost, and customer satisfaction by rethinking and reconfiguring the way work is done. BPR involves analyzing the current state of the process, defining the desired future state, and implementing the changes needed to bridge the gap.

2 How to create a process map for BPR?

The first step in creating a process map for BPR is to define the scope and boundaries of the process you want to re-engineer. You need to identify the start and end points, the inputs and outputs, the customers and suppliers, and the goals and objectives of the process. Next, you need to collect data and information about the current state of the process, such as the activities, tasks, roles, responsibilities, resources, rules, and metrics involved. You can use various methods to gather data, such as interviews, observations, surveys, or document reviews. Then, you need to organize and visualize the data in a process map, using a standard notation, such as flowcharts, swimlanes, or value stream maps. You can use software tools, such as Visio, Lucidchart, or Miro, to create and edit your process map. A process map should show the sequence and flow of the process, the roles and interactions of the participants, the decisions and branching points, and the value and waste generated by each step.

3 How to analyze and improve your process map?

Once you have created your process map, you need to analyze it and identify the problems and opportunities for improvement. You can use various techniques to analyze your process map, such as asking questions, applying criteria, or using tools. Some examples of questions you can ask are: Is the process aligned with the customer needs and expectations? Is the process efficient and effective? Is the process consistent and reliable? Is the process flexible and adaptable? Some examples of criteria you can apply are: cycle time, throughput, quality, cost, customer satisfaction, or waste. Some examples of tools you can use are: Pareto analysis, root cause analysis, fishbone diagram, or brainstorming. Based on your analysis, you can generate ideas and solutions to improve your process map. You can use tools such as affinity diagram, mind map, or SCAMPER to organize and generate ideas. You should prioritize and evaluate your ideas based on their feasibility, impact, and alignment with your goals and objectives.

5 How to update and maintain your process map?

The final step in creating a process map for BPR is to update and maintain it over time. You need to review and revise your process map regularly, to ensure that it reflects the current reality and needs of your business. You need to incorporate any changes or modifications that may occur in your process, your organization, or your environment. You need to evaluate and validate your process map periodically, to ensure that it is still achieving the desired results and outcomes. You need to involve your stakeholders in the update and maintenance of your process map, and keep them informed and engaged. You need to establish a culture of continuous improvement and learning, where your process map is seen as a dynamic and evolving tool, rather than a static and fixed document.