What is BPR (and Why Do You Need to Know)?

BPR, or business process re-engineering is business management strategy that focuses on the analysis and design of workflows within organisations. Originating in the early 1990s, BPR aims to help companies fundamentally rethink how they work in order to reduce operational costs, improve customer service, and, ultimately, become more competitive in the marketplace.

History of the Term

What began as a private sector technique to improve the manufacturing process of large companies has now become a key business strategy for companies of all sizes. Modern technological solutions have become known as the cornerstone for the resurgence of BPR, with more companies looking to incorporate informational systems and networks. Those that lead the way are becoming more entrenched in using technology to support innovation rather than simply looking to refine the current methods of manufacturing.

Assessing the Mission Statement

BPR aims to help companies radically restructure their organisations by focusing on a ground-up redesign of their current business processes. This starts with a high-level assessment of the organisation’s mission statement. This includes your target customer, what product or service you provide to said customer, and what makes your product or service unique to them. The first question of any assessment should be whether or not they are fulfilling this goal.

In the UK, half of start-up companies fail within the first five years. This is because many operate on assumptions regarding their customer’s values. It is only after an assessment of these assumptions that a company can truly begin to realise its intended purpose.

Business Needs Analysis

I.T. solutions that benefit BPR come in many forms—management software, web applications, mobile solutions, etc.—but too often companies look to technology without first formulating a business needs analysis and determining what exactly needs re-engineering. This is why it is recommended that companies inexperienced in the area bring in a third-party consultant. Specialists like Evolve will recognise the importance of including both the process owners and the stakeholders in this stage, as these sessions seek to form a consensus of a general holistic vision of the company.

Even within small start-ups, a company culture can soon be formed. It’s important that this doesn’t become too rigid so that it remains possible to shape the company in a fluctuating market. While BPR requires an impact from everyone surrounding the company, the end results can have a significant impact in the long-term.