Optimize Resources for Better Results
If these three functions are defined, staffed and supported properly, any incremental improvements they make will have a positive ripple effect throughout the organization. The ripple effect is achieved because of the direct influence they have on how the business operates—from the structure and use of assets to the definition and execution of business processes.
For the sake of getting started quickly, you can use a simple scale to determine the maturity level of each of these disciplines and set the pace for improvement to move up the scale over time. This allows each function to essentially transform itself at its own pace.
For enterprise and business architecture, the scale ranges from basic modeling to a complete set of integrated models tied directly to business execution and assessed through metrics. For business process analysis, the scale ranges from spreadsheet analysis to formal process improvement programs that assess process optimization across the full range of enterprise assets and interdependencies and assess performance based on real-time feedback as processes are executed. For business process management, the scale ranges from basic workflow to fully integrated cross-functional process automation of both human and system-based actions with real-time business activity monitoring and the ability to fine-tune processes as needed to achieve the desired results.
The definition of optimization and the measurements of success are clearly different depending on where you fall on the scale at the outset of your resource optimization initiative. It is important to understand this so that you can set the right pace, achieve results and avoid getting overwhelmed by a monumental goal.
Once independent optimization objectives are defined, the EA, BPA and BPM functions need to have the appropriate incentives to work together and the appropriate integrated set of software tools and technology infrastructure to make it happen. As you select these tools, look for proven software that can support you at all levels of your business resource optimization efforts, from the basics to the more advanced as illustrated on the maturity scale. These functions need insight that spans the entire organization and the authority to influence change at all levels—from strategy to execution—and the right technology helps to provide it.
Bringing It All Together
Close alignment of the EA, BPA and BPM disciplines is critical to the success of any resource optimization initiative, regardless of its scope. Determining the starting point and defining a realistic pace and distinct objectives for each discipline is necessary to ensure incremental successes are realized and that optimization initiatives maintain momentum. Small wins spark the desire for bigger wins and provide motivation for employees.
Incentivizing these teams to work together and putting the right foundation of integrated EA, BPA and BPM technologies in place—a virtual "business resource optimization platform"—provides the collaboration and visibility necessary to have a major, positive impact on organizational transformation and optimization goals and accelerate time to value.
True business resource optimization is ultimately achieved through the synchronization of the EA, BPA and BPM disciplines. Chart your course and maintain the pace, and you will achieve all of your desired objectives along the way. Enjoy the journey!
With a focus on enterprise visibility, resource optimization and agility, Metastorm offers solutions for enterprise architecture (EA), business process analysis & modeling (BPA) and business process management (BPM). As an integrated product portfolio, Metastorm EnterpriseTM allows organizations to maximize business results by unifying strategy, analysis and execution. Metastorm brings together these critical disciplines on a single software platform to enable an understanding of business architecture and strategy, accurate impact and opportunity assessment, effective process execution and accelerated value realization for organizations worldwide. For more information on powering strategic advantage with Metastorm Enterprise, visit
www.metastorm.com