Optimizing workflow through IT investments requires businesses to take a close look at their operations and deploy solutions that will have an overarching effect on productivity. For many enterprises, these solutions revolve around business process management and the improvement of operations through the modernization of work platforms.
From CRM to application development, the platforms that employees use for daily tasks can be a key hindrance in optimization and efficiency. As such, investing in the BPM software necessary to optimize these work platforms is essential. Of course, companies have to ensure their platforms meet the modern demands of workflow first.
By focusing on modernization over simple improvement, companies will be taking two factors into consideration. One - the scalability of their processes, and two - the interoperability of them. Firms that aren't modernizing will quickly see their operations fall behind the competition, while being unable to integrate new trends and technologies properly due to incompatibility with legacy processes and platforms. However, what this means is that businesses have to tackle optimization from two fronts - the platforms and the process management software.
Example: Going paperless
One way many companies seek to modernize their operations is by going paperless. A paperless solution requires several investments from a firm, however, including document management software, scanning hardware, data storage and the devices that enable employee access to information in new ways. Deploying all of these new tools at once can be both confusing and ineffective, as there will be a learning curve, plus not all systems may be compatible. By investing in high-quality BPM solutions first, companies can optimize their processes towards a paperless strategy, helping to ensure that their operations will support the needed changes and are compatible.
The approach to business process modernization also requires a consideration of evolving technologies and government regulations. New trends emerge rapidly, but companies need to be careful with their own adoption speed. Investing too quickly could land a firm in hot water if the new platforms don't meet regulatory compliance, or if the laws change in an unfavorable way following the new technology. According to the Missoulian, improving regulations can be a benefit to companies though. The evolving enterprise environment around technology means government regulators are paying more attention to these innovations, and focusing on smarter legislation that benefits firms that adopt wisely.
Work platform modernization isn't just about compliance and optimization, but these are two of the more critical areas that are affected by new technology investments. Deploying the right BPM solution to prepare the business for these changes will support success in operations as companies move forward and seek to embrace these changes for their own gains.
Vice President of Product Marketing
