Learn how to balance the need for radical change and incremental improvement in BPR. Discover tips on how to achieve a successful BPR project.

BPR is about working on the 20% that will generate 80% benefits. Scope and objectives need to be based on the maturity and age of a process. The older a process, the higher the chances of identifying the 20% that can provide 80% of the benefits. Doing 80% of the work for 20% of the benefits is not worth the organizational change to justify most returns on the investment of re-engineering projects. Quick, easy-to-reach targets that provide insight into further ongoing re-engineering initiatives are the best way to manage radial change and incremental improvements. It’s important to realize when you’ve maxed out the re-engineering capabilities of specific processes and when it’s time to move on.

How do you balance the need for radical change and incremental improvement in BPR?

Business process re-engineering (BPR) is a method of redesigning and transforming the way an organization performs its core activities, with the aim of achieving dramatic improvements in efficiency, quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation. BPR involves radical changes that often require significant investments, risks, and cultural shifts. However, BPR also needs to consider the benefits of incremental improvement, which is the continuous and gradual enhancement of existing processes, based on feedback, data, and best practices. Incremental improvement can help sustain and optimize the results of BPR, as well as reduce resistance and increase adaptability. How do you balance the need for radical change and incremental improvement in BPR? Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful BPR project.

1 Define the scope and objectives

Before you start any BPR project, you need to clearly define the scope and objectives of the change. What are the main problems or opportunities that you want to address? What are the expected outcomes and benefits of the change? How will you measure and evaluate the success of the change? By defining the scope and objectives, you can focus on the most critical and impactful processes that need to be re-engineered, and avoid unnecessary or excessive changes that may create confusion or waste.

Add your perspective

David Peterson, PCC
Report contribution
BPR is about working on the 20% that will generate 80% benefits. Scope and objectives need to be based on the maturity and age of a process. The older a process, the higher the chances of identifying the 20% that can provide 80% of the benefits. Doing 80% of the work for 20% of the benefits is not worth the organizational change to justify most returns on the investment of re-engineering projects. Quick, easy-to-reach targets that provide insight into further ongoing re-engineering initiatives are the best way to manage radial change and incremental improvements. It’s important to realize when you’ve maxed out the re-engineering capabilities of specific processes and when it’s time to move on.

Like

2 Involve and communicate with stakeholders

BPR is not a one-person or one-department initiative. It affects the whole organization and its external partners, such as customers, suppliers, and regulators. Therefore, you need to involve and communicate with all the relevant stakeholders throughout the BPR project. By involving and communicating with stakeholders, you can gain their input, feedback, support, and buy-in for the change. You can also identify and address their concerns, expectations, and needs, and ensure that the change is aligned with the organizational vision and strategy.

Add your perspective

3 Use a structured and creative approach

BPR requires a structured and creative approach that combines analytical and innovative thinking. You need to use a systematic and logical method to map, analyze, and redesign the current and future processes, as well as to plan and implement the change. You also need to use a creative and divergent method to generate, evaluate, and select the best ideas and solutions for the change. You can use various tools and techniques, such as process mapping, benchmarking, brainstorming, prototyping, and testing, to help you with the BPR approach.

Add your perspective

4 Balance radical and incremental changes

BPR does not mean that you have to change everything at once or in a drastic way. You can balance radical and incremental changes by prioritizing and sequencing the changes according to their urgency, feasibility, and impact. You can also use a pilot or phased approach to test and refine the changes before rolling them out to the whole organization. By balancing radical and incremental changes, you can reduce the risks and costs of the change, as well as increase the chances of success and acceptance.

Add your perspective

5 Monitor and improve continuously

BPR is not a one-time or static project. It is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and improvement. You need to collect and analyze data and feedback on the performance and outcomes of the change, as well as on the satisfaction and engagement of the stakeholders. You also need to identify and implement any adjustments or enhancements that are needed to optimize the change. By monitoring and improving continuously, you can ensure that the change is sustainable and effective, as well as responsive to the changing needs and expectations of the environment.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Keynes Austin

SAP CX Transformation Expert | Awarded for client impact at IBM | 5X Certified | Driving Business Success by Maximizing ROI on IT Investments
Report contribution
Clearly define the metrics that determine successful change – whether it's cost savings, reduced errors, or boosts in customer satisfaction. This will help make informed choices between radical and incremental approaches over time.

Like

How do you balance the need for radical change and incremental improvement in BPR?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define the scope and objectives

2 Involve and communicate with stakeholders

3 Use a structured and creative approach

4 Balance radical and incremental changes

5 Monitor and improve continuously

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Process Re-engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Business Process Re-engineering

More relevant reading