The BPM Forum is a Special Interest Group bringing together all professionals within the PCFC Group who are interested in creating a culture that values Processes, Systems and Business Architecture. BPM ( Business Process Management) Group has been established on July 14, 2004.
In the following interview Zahra Al Dahmani, suave information technology development manager at Jafza, who is also BPM Forum executive committee member, explicitly explains the salient features of the Forum and its objectives- Editor.
What is the Business Process Management?
According to one standard definition Business Process Management refers to the alignment of organization's processes with the organization's strategic goals; designing and implementing business process architectures; establishing process measurement systems; educating and organizing managers so that they will manage processes effectively.
What is the connection between BPM and Information Technology?
You will all agree with me when I say that IT is a tool we cannot disregard. With respect to BPM, IT plays a very big role. Within the next decade we expect to see many companies achieve an ideal state where their Business Processes will be Modeled, Enabled, Operated, Managed and Optimized. BPM with the help of IT enables its members to achieve this ideal state.
The Business Processes are said to have been modeled when these are designed and drawn (modeled) using a Software tool. All the associated procedures, work instructions, forms, conditional routing, database integration etc are also drafted using the same tool.
The Business Processes are termed as Enabled when these will connect automatically and retrieve data or update data from / to email, database, Ms-Office applications, ERPs, existing Portals and also integrated with directories like LDAP. Connections will be made through simple definitions and not use complex programming.
The Business processes are termed as Operated when there will be a runtime engine, which will connect as required to other applications like ERP's and also provide client-end work management. (Ex. managing work lists, priorities etc.)
The Business Processes are said to have been Managed when these are installed, monitored, uninstalled etc by an Administrator. The Administrator can also monitor the instances of a process (specific activities happening), resolve bottlenecks, optimize the hardware and software so that system is able to handle bigger workloads, and report on process performance.
The Business Processes are termed as Optimized when the processes are improved after the process owner and other key process players review the process measurements made available through the software.
What is Business Architecture (BA)?
Business Architecture is a written or diagrammatic summary of the value chains and Business Processes that are supported by the Organization. It shows how value chains and business processes are related to each other and to the strategic goals of the organization.
What are the benefits from BPM?
The major benefits of BPM are the deployment of cost effective, highly customer oriented, efficient and effective Business Processes. Within a culture where BPM is truly valued, organizations can generate ROI ranging from 5% to 15% on Business Process Improvement or Redesign Initiatives. Ongoing continuous improvement will ensure our processes and our organization continue to perform well.
What is the BPM Forum and what is its mission?
The BPM Forum is a Special Interest Group of professionals from within our group who desire to see that Group achieves excellence by adopting BPM. The BPM Forum's mission is to enable and enhance the Business Architecture capabilities within the Group.
What is the Forum's agenda and key work areas?
The forum's agenda and key work areas are to enhance the BPM competencies of the Forum member through Education (we intend to introduce certifications by next year, which will attest the proficiency of the Forum Member); promote and communicate the Forum's activities; increase our Business Unit's participation in the Forum; showcase the benefits and learning from the Forum's activities; educate and enhance the Forum's members BPM competencies.
Who sponsors the BPM Forum?
BPM Forum is sponsored by The PCFC Corporate Office.
How is the BPM Forum governed?
An Executive Committee governs the BPM Forum. The BPM Forum Executive Committee for year 2005 President: Mr. Thomas Zeltner EC Member, Toolkit : Mr. Afzal Khlfay EC Member, Education : Mr. Subrahmaniam Eramatharuthy EC Member, Promotion and Communication: Ms. Zahra Al Dahmani EC Member, Communicating Benefits: Mr. Karim Malik Secretary : Ms. Reham Mohd. Abd Al Hady Support, Advice and Co-ordination from TEC: Mr. Anand Nicodemus Members of the Executive Committee offer their services by "self nomination", and then members vote / second their nominations. There will be an election for Executive Committee every year, and this provides younger members an opportunity to learn and practice Leadership skills.
What are the core values of the BPM Forum?
The proposed core values of the BPM Forum are to deliver value of the business; respect for process fairness, respect for each team member's opinion; teamwork; continuous improvement.
What are the benefits from BPM Forum?
The BPM Forum benefits can be broadly classified into two categories:
Group benefit
The BPM Forum improves BA ( Business Architecture) capabilities leading to an increased overall Group performance. It introduces commonly understood "communication" and notation standards while increasing integration across different Business Units. It also enhances cross BU knowledge sharing.
Individual benefits
The BPM Forum enhances BPM competencies, facilitate the usage of Forum's platform for communication, discussion, knowledge sharing and problem solving. The BPM Forum also allows Forum's platform as a sounding board. It enhances sharing of Group's best practices; increased communication competencies and leadership skills and increased visibility in own BU/Dept.
Who can join BPM Forum?
Any staff member of the PCFC group can join BPM Forum who is interested in business processes, operations, quality or systems; keen to improve his own career; willing to contribute to the business architecture capabilities of the group.
© Cargo & Trade 2005
