BPR: Process Improvements versus Cost

BPR: Process Improvements versus Cost

Doing away the manual processes and bringing in technology and tools to make a process time efficient is one way of doing BPR.
However, technology and tools also come at a certain cost. That's why decision makers are often hesitant to invest in automation without evaluating the business gains. Business dynamics are causing automation to change as well, this is inevitable. Time windows are shrinking, customers are very demanding. They are wiser compared to yesterday. They want value additions and higher value for their money.
To retain, sustain and enhance organization's business/revenues customer base you must have processes with:
- Reduced errors; meaning greater reliability
- Enhanced controls; meaning precision
- More delivery in less time; meaning the processes go faster
- Less physical and mental fatigue; meaning safer working environment

A word of caution. Just because something can be automated that doesn't mean they should be. Automating is not always a good thing to do. Some people may fall into the trap of thinking that if something can be automated, it should be. But that is like someone purchasing a robotic lawn mower, while he enjoys mowing the lawn...
And remember boons and banes (pros and cons) don't travel alone. They always come in pairs.