Business Process Workflow

In modern management jargon, a business process workflow is the hierarchy of operations and division of work. This hierarchy is adaptively modeled on the basis of changing demand with a goal of optimizing the use of time and resources while achieving maximum efficiency. In the 20th century, the industrial revolution veritably exploded and management of the workplace became a science. People systematically studied the concept of 'work'. They studied the anatomy of execution of a work or job to be done from the conceptual point of view. They studied how to marshal the human and material resources, for making the manufacturing process or any type of work, streamlined and efficient. The focus was on improving the quality of end product while keeping in mind the importance of nurturing human creativity and work satisfaction. The concept of business process management workflow was synthesized out of this .

Theoretical business process workflow management soon became a branch of operations research. Operations research is a branch of mathematics, that uses graph theory and mathematical modeling to optimize resource usage and achieve maximum output efficiently.

Business Process Workflow Improvement Theory

Business process workflows were developed based on certain workflow improvement theories. These theories developed independently, were an outgrowth of certain cherished business principles of discipline, dedication, precision, excellence and efficiency. They can be called work philosophies which define the work ethics, the hierarchical structure and promote progress through synergy. On the basis of these theories or paradigms, the workflow structure was developed. Let us briefly introduce ourselves to these different theories:

Six Sigma: The term six sigma refers to a measure of standard deviation in statistical theory, which signifies precision in achieving goals. The theory has a precise mathematical backbone based on statistical theory. Six Sigma focuses on creating error free final products. It is a systematic process that focuses on ironing out errors in manufacturing one at a time with the application of scientific method. This method is observing, analyzing and experimenting with the manufacturing process until the desired accuracy is achieved. It suggests a hierarchical structure of leadership with focus on quality improvement at every level.This theory was first developed and implemented by Motorola.

Total Quality Management: This is again a theory based on total improvement of quality, of finished product or service at every level, as its main principle. This management theory is applied by a number of organizations. It is based on some tested principles of Japanese philosophy, for improvement in quality of not just business, but also life.

Business Process Reengineering: This is an algorithmic theory of management, that aims to create an efficient organization, through frank analysis at every level and feedback. It advocates adaptability of a business workflow, based on changing conditions.

Lean Systems: As the name suggests, this is a hard core management theory that focuses on creating a lean organization, that performs efficiently. All the decisions focus on avoiding superfluousness in resources and creating a lean organization, that can efficiently adapt to market dynamism and instability.

Examples of Business Process Workflow

Companies, based on any one of the above core management theories or their own strategies, can plan, organize and decide the structure of their workflow. Designing a business process workflow is essential for any business or organization. Not only does an efficient and carefully planned workflow reduce problems but it also creates an automated structure, which functions on its own. Let's look at the examples of business process workflow models in some type organizations:

A newspaper organization needs a work flow model, that guarantees that the paper is ready by the break of dawn. The reporters, editorial staff and ultimately the print team needs to work in unison and meet their deadlines.

The software behemoths and many service based multinational companies follow the workflow model of 'Follow the Sun', by passing on the workload to other countries with rising Sun. Like the British empire of old times, sun never sets on the workplaces of these industrial giants.

Another example is any manufacturing line which requires streamlined output with quality check at every level. They follow the 'just in time' work model. This model is indeed ingenious in the sense that it optimizes every resource that you have to the hilt and is designed to deliver manufacturing orders that come in at short notice. Every part required in the manufacturing process is supplied just in time, so that there are no storage costs or overheads. For this a manufacturer needs to have a dedicated group of spare part suppliers who can deliver at short notice.

Thus the design of business process management workflow is based on the principle of planning for the future with a firm grip on the present. It is about smoothing out friction among different manufacturing departments in a unit and making them work and perform in harmony. The whole aim of a business process workflow design is to optimize output and profits by efficiently adapting the system of work, to demands and challenges.