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Business Process Improvement is the practice of identifying and implementing changes to business processes in order to improve their efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance. This can include identifying and eliminating waste; streamlining business processes; and implementing new technologies, tools, and methods to improve the quality and speed of business operations.

There are many different approaches and methods that organizations can use to improve their business processes. Some common examples include:

• Lean Management and Six Sigma: Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that combines Lean manufacturing principles, which focus on reducing waste and improving flow, with Six Sigma, which focuses on reducing variation and improving quality. By using Lean Six Sigma, organizations can identify and eliminate waste, improve the flow and speed of processes, and reduce errors and defects.

• Process Mapping: This technique involves visually representing a business process in order to understand and analyze it. By creating a process map, organizations can identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and other problems with a process, and can develop and implement improvements to address these issues.

• Robotic Process Automation (RPA): RPA is the use of software robots and Artificial Intelligence to automate tasks and processes that are currently performed manually. By automating repetitive, low-value tasks, organizations can reduce the time and effort required to complete these tasks; and can free up their employees to focus on more important, interesting, fulfilling, and value-added activities.

• Continuous Improvement (CI): CI is the practice of continuously identifying and implementing small, incremental improvements to business processes. By adopting a culture of Continuous Improvement, organizations can create a mindset of Continuous Learning and Improvement, and can drive ongoing improvements to their performance and efficiency.

Process Improvement is a critical function for organizations that want to improve their performance and compete effectively in the market. This is particularly important in environments with high cost and margin pressures.

For effective implementation, take a look at these Process Improvement best practices:

• Process (5) - A Process Re-engineering Framework (19-slide PowerPoint deck)
• Business Process Reengineering (BPR) - Implementation Toolkit (Excel workbook and supporting ZIP)
• 7 Principles of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) (22-slide PowerPoint deck)
• Ultimate Business Processes Guidebook (333-slide PowerPoint deck)
• Dimensions of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) (22-slide PowerPoint deck)

Related Flevy Management Insights

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• Operational Efficiency Improvement Project for a Global Retail Chain
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• Operational Excellence in Aerospace Defense
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• Telecom Customer Service Process Enhancement
• Operational Efficiency Enhancement in Specialty Chemicals
• Lean
• Continuous Improvement
• Business Process Improvement
• Waste Identification
• Business Process Design
• RPA
• Lean Startup