BPM can be viewed as the point where the business environment mingles with the technological environment. For BPM to function effectively as a process oriented system utilizing information technology to streamline overall organizational processes, it is critical that both aspects of an organization are run along similar organizational guidelines. It is often difficult to streamline a business environment with an information technology environment. The goals and objectives of both may be very different.
BPM generally presents a radical way to organize an enterprise and integrate information technology with traditional business services (Linden, 1993:9). An organization can operate more functionally if information technology is integrated with business management processes. The integration process however can be long and cumbersome. Yet another disadvantage is that information technology utilization generally requires frequent upkeep and training. Employees will not only need to be trained at the outset of implementation of an integrated system, but will need continuing training over time to keep up with technological changes and standards. This time will also increase overall organizational expenditures.
The process of integration of BPM and information technology is one that is complex...
For an organization to successfully integrate the two they must first address all of the potential disadvantages of information technology and work to establish an environment that is supportive of a uniform system. Managers will have to adapt to learn the technical aspects of running a business, and information managers will have to acknowledge the more operational and strategic components of the business environment.
Typically a manger will organize the business environment around particular functions, including information technology (Linden, 1993:9). In a BPM environment however, the manager must organize along more process oriented lines, which means that decisions have the potential to be streamlined via sequential processes fostered by processes rather than functions (Linden, 1993:9). It is possible to streamline information technology practices in order to coincide with the goals of BPM program, the 'process' however of moving from a functional to a process oriented mindset will take time and effort.
