Process management technology is designed to assist in the process of business process management (BPM). Types of process management technology differ, depending on the stage of process development, the industry, and the type of business. The most basic process management technology involves using spreadsheets to record and calculate process data, but large companies might use elaborate simulating programs to help them prepare for large changes. Other types of technology can include training programs, monitoring programs, and reporting software. A manager can benefit from this type of technology because it helps organize and record data that is important to business process design.
BPM is an all-encompassing method of improving business operations. Generally, a process designed using BPM goes through a multi-step program of development to redesign company operations. The first steps include identifying aspects of a process that need to be improved. Process management technology used to identify where a process can improve can come in many forms. Technology used to identify weaknesses in a business process can be as simple as a spreadsheet program used to record process data, or it can be as complicated as a multifunction corporate workflow program.
After necessary improvements are identified, companies must define the process changes and the parameters by which to measure improvement. This means that the manager needs to figure out where changes might improve a process, and identify quantifiable signs that show whether a process change has worked. Process management technology varies greatly, depending on the industry and the nature of existing business processes. Technology for business process management used in this application can include anything from spreadsheets and word processing programs to animated three-dimensional design programs.
Once a process is designed, some process managers might use elaborate simulation programs to get an idea of the results of major changes, while others might change specific numbers in a calculating spreadsheet or accounting program to see what happens to related data. Using process management technology to simulate major changes in a business process can help a management team prepare for any problems that could come up as a result of the chosen changes. Major changes are often accompanied with change management techniques that help company workers adjust to business process changes.
A newly designed process needs to monitored and tweaked to maximize efficiency or adjust for problems. Process management technology can help those managing a new process keep track of the data that identifies whether the change is working. Monitoring systems can include spreadsheets to record data or automatic systems that keep track of work or manufacturing processes through the use of computer-generated information or sensors. Adjustments to a business process can be made electronically, by changing the software, but may sometimes require retraining workers to use new processes. Many process management technology programs include tutorials or training guides to help workers transition to new process methods.