Are your business processes becoming a complex puzzle? Is it overwhelming to manage them on your own? What you need is a business process management consultant.
In a survey conducted by CSSimons Consulting, 93% of respondents had significant improvements to their businesses from hiring a consultant.
Read on to find out what you should know about working with a business process management consultant and how they can contribute to the success of your organization.
What is Business Process Management Consulting?
Business process management consulting involves working with a BPM specialist to analyze your existing processes, identify inefficiencies, and recommend and implement improvements to streamline your operations.
BPM consulting is a valuable process that seeks to optimize your processes, improve the efficiency of your systems, and drive overall organizational performance. You can improve your processes and maximize your operations’ effectiveness with help from BPM consultants.
What Does a Business Process Management Consultant Do?
A business process management consultant can map your processes and workflows, document them, and improve their performance. A BPM consultant has the knowledge and skills to change how your business operates without you having to put in all the effort.
During a BPM consulting engagement, the consultant collaborates closely with your organization to understand your challenges, goals, and requirements. They will thoroughly assess your current processes using process mapping, data analysis, and team interviews. This assessment helps them understand your operations and the areas that need improvement.
The consultant will develop a roadmap or action plan that outlines the steps to optimize the processes. It may involve redesigning workflows, automating manual tasks, integrating different systems, or implementing new technologies.
Throughout the consulting process, your BPM consultant will provide guidance, expertise, and support to ensure the successful implementation of the proposed changes. They may offer training to your employees, monitor the progress of the implemented solutions, and make adjustments as necessary.
Hiring a business process consultant doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment. You can work with them temporarily until your team can manage processes independently. But as your business keeps growing and facing new challenges, you will need to re-engage the consultant to optimize your processes again.
Qualities of Top Business Process Management Consultants
A skilled business process management consultant has unique abilities that enable them to drive effective process improvement and transformation within organizations.
Here are some of the qualities and skills of top BPM consultants.
1. Certification
A BPM certification indicates that a consultant has undergone training and thoroughly understands BPM principles and methodologies. A certified BPM consultant adheres to industry best practices, ensures professional delivery of their duties, and delivers optimal results.
Some certifications that BPM consultants have includes
- Business process modeling notation (BPMN): BPMN is standard for modeling business processes using graphical notation. This certification indicates proficiency in creating standardized process models.
- Workflow automation: Top BPM consultants are certified in workflow automation tools such as Pipefy and Zapier. This certification proves they can automate manual tasks and optimize workflow processes.
- CRM automation: BPM consultants hold certifications in customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, such as Ontraport, Salesforce, and HubSpot. CRM automation certifications indicate expertise in implementing CRM tools to streamline and optimize sales, marketing, and customer service processes.
- Process analytics and simulation: Process analytics and process simulation certifications indicate that a BPM consultant can analyze process data, identify inefficiencies, and use simulation techniques to optimize process performance
- Project management: Many BPM consultants hold certifications in project management methodologies like Agile, Scrum, and PRINCE2. These certifications showcase their ability to manage projects related to business process improvement.
These certifications prove their expertise and knowledge in business process management, and working with a certified BPM consultant instills confidence in you and your team.
2. Experience
A business process management consultant brings valuable experience to your organization. They work on various projects across different industries and organizations.
Their exposure equips them with insights into common challenges, practical solutions, and hands-on experience implementing BPM strategies. BPM consultants understand industry-specific requirements and will use their experience to deliver successful outcomes for your organization.
3. Knowledge
A BPM consultant stays up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and advancements in business process management to offer innovative solutions. They have a deep understanding of process analysis, improvement techniques, automation tools, and process management.
A knowledgeable BPM consultant will analyze complex business processes, identify areas for improvement, and design and implement effective strategies for optimization.
4. Communication Skills
A business process improvement consultant typically interacts with people in different organizations to present findings, address concerns, and share information on process improvement.
They have strong communication skills that help them understand complex business requirements and translate technical concepts into clear terms. BPM consultants also conduct workshops, provide training, and offer ongoing support.
5. Leadership Skills
A successful BPM consultant has strong leadership qualities that allow them to drive change within your organization. Their leadership skills include the ability to inspire and motivate teams, facilitate change management, and guide your organization through process improvement initiatives.
Also, BPM consultants have exceptional problem-solving abilities, practical decision-making skills and can manage project timelines and resources effectively. With their guidance, you will implement BPM strategies successfully and achieve your business goals.
When Do You Need to Bring in a Business Process Management Consultant?
Here are some indicators that suggest that your business needs a business process management consultant.
1. Missed Targets and Falling Short of Goals
If your company is consistently missing its targets and not achieving its goals, it could indicate that your processes are not working effectively. A business process consultant will help identify areas where your processes fall short and provide solutions to improve performance.
2. Struggling Employees and Ineffective Managers
When employees struggle, or managers become ineffective, it may be a sign of underlying process issues. A business process consultant will assess the inner workings of your processes, identify any inefficiencies, and recommend improvements to enhance employee productivity and managerial effectiveness.
3. Non-Compliance with Company Processes
If your team doesn’t follow the processes in your company’s handbook and training manuals, it can hinder your organization’s overall performance. A process consultant will identify gaps in adherence and help implement strategies to ensure your company operates optimally.
4. Reaching the Growth Ceiling
As your business grows, you may hit a point where it’s challenging to meet customer demand, increase revenue, or scale. This point is known as ‘the growth ceiling.’ Hiring a business process improvement consultant will help you rethink and optimize your business operations and overcome growth limitations.
Why Hire a Business Process Management Consultant?
Here are three compelling reasons to hire a BPM consultant instead of attempting process improvements alone.
1. Fresh Perspective
A business process management consultant brings fresh eyes and an objective viewpoint to your organization. They will identify areas of waste and improvement that you may have overlooked. Their objective viewpoint provides new ways to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
2. Leverage the Latest Technology
A BPM consultant is up-to-date with the latest advancements in business process automation. They will adopt the right technology solutions that align with your business goals and help you stay ahead of the competition.
3. Efficient Process Optimization
A business process consultant has the expertise and experience to streamline and optimize your business processes. They will analyze your current workflows and recommend process reengineering techniques to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Hire a business process improvement consultant and achieve faster cycle times, increase productivity, and save costs. Book a free call with our expert BPM consultant to discuss your process improvement goals.
How to Choose the Right Business Process Management Consultant for Your Business
Choosing the right Business Process Management (BPM) consultant for your business is crucial for successful process optimization and improvement. Here are four factors to consider when making this critical decision:
1. Determine Suitability for Your Organization
Find a BPM consultant who understands your organization’s specific needs to increase your chances of process improvement. Your BPM consultant’s approach should align with your long-term objectives and contribute to your business strategy.
Discuss with the BPM consultant to determine if they suit your organization. Seek their understanding of your industry, inquire about their experience handling similar challenges, and ask how they would align their strategies to meet your requirements.
A business process consultant that understands your pain points and goals is more likely to identify inefficiencies within your processes and provide the appropriate tools for improvement.
2. Consider Track Record
When choosing a BPM consultant, look for evidence of their ability to deliver tangible results and drive business process improvements.
Review their past projects, client testimonials, and success stories to gauge their effectiveness. Client references and feedback will help you gauge their level of client satisfaction and the impact of their work on previous organizations.
A BPM consultant with a strong track record of successful project deliveries will be skilled and reliable in achieving desired results.
3. Evaluate Technical Expertise
Assess the business process management consultant’s technical proficiency and knowledge of BPM tools and methodologies. Inquire about their certifications, training, and practical experience with relevant BPM tools and technologies.
Prioritize BPM consultants with proper certification from a recognized authority. This ensures they have the knowledge and skills to drive your business process management efforts.
Also, consider their ability to guide you on process automation, workflow design, and data management. Choosing a certified BPM consultant with strong technical skills will significantly enhance the success of your BPM projects.
4. Define Your Budget
When selecting a BPM consultant, determine your budget and consider the cost implications of hiring their services. Keep in mind that while cost is an important factor, it should not be the sole determining factor.
Consider the long-term benefits and return on investment that a skilled and reputable business process improvement consultant will provide in relation to their fees. Then, choose a consulting service that balances affordability with expertise and experience.
Also, discuss their pricing structure, payment terms, and any additional costs with the BPM consultant. This conversation will help you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected financial burdens.
Use our comprehensive list of questions to ask a potential BPM consultant during an initial interview to guide your decision.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right business process management consultant is a crucial decision that will impact the growth of your organization in the long run. Remember to consider factors such as suitability, track record, expertise, certification, communication skills, leadership skills, and your budget. These will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your needs and goals.
Also, remember to evaluate the consultant’s understanding of your industry, ability to deliver tangible results, and experience addressing similar challenges. Engage in thorough discussions and ask relevant questions to ensure a good fit. With the right BPM consultant on your team, you will drive process improvements, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve long-term success.
If you’re ready to take the next step in optimizing your business processes, schedule a free call with one of our experienced BPM consultants to get started right away.
