Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
The conceptual background of BPM
In order to understand the concept that guides BPM, we must first begin by understanding
all the concepts behind that name, and the first one we need to understand is the concept of
process
.
In the broadest sense, a process is
a series of steps or transformations to achieve a specific
objective in a particular context
. Like any transformation, it needs to have something to
transform and a well-defined desired output of the transformation.
For example, if we want to build a house, we need to follow a set of steps depending on the
area of the house, the materials, any services available, and so on. The steps also depend on
the outcome (house style) we want. Some of the steps can be done at the same time, while
some need to wait for other steps to be finished.
The important thing is the coordination between those steps to perform the transformation
in the way we intend to, and each step needs to be clear and concise. In short, for each
transformation (process), we need to know all the steps required to achieve the required
outcome (goal), which will be the desired result of a process. Usually, goals and objectives
have the ultimate outcome of improving the revenue or production of a company, and can
have multiple yet different end results, thereby improving the conditions of the business.
The knowledge of how to achieve the goal and the transformation steps are usually held by
an expert in the context. I may probably have a basic idea about how to lift a few walls for
a room, but for a real-life scenario, I may not be able to describe all the steps needed to
make quality housing. If we really want to know about real-life processes, we need to talk
to experts in that field. This expert knows how to deal with normal processes and also how
to deal with specific or exceptional situations for a wide range of different houses and
buildings.
