Don’t Get Left Behind: Prepare Your Business for Tomorrow’s Disruptions Today!
By Limor Regular, 2024

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Don’t Repeat This Mistake: Ensure Your Business is Ready for the Next Big Change!

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Adopting a Business Process Management (BPM) framework can empower your organization to optimize processes by systematically analyzing, designing, implementing, and monitoring workflows for maximum efficiency (Bai & Sarkis, 2013; Reijers, 2021). When applied effectively, BPM minimizes resource waste, enhances productivity, and strengthens competitiveness by making operations more agile (Bai & Sarkis, 2013; Reijers, 2021). It creates seamless, well-integrated workflows that allow businesses to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and evolving customer demands (Bai & Sarkis, 2013; Reijers, 2021). The rapid pace of change—whether due to technological advancements, economic shifts, or unforeseen crises—demands that businesses operate with agility and efficiency. Those who fail to adapt and innovate in real-time risk being left behind by more nimble competitors. This is where BPM comes into play (Ahmad & Van Looy, 2020).

 

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the need for companies to foster a culture of flexibility and efficient operations. Companies that had invested in process management systems before the pandemic were far better equipped to adapt to the rapidly changing environment (Alicke et al., 2021; Mysore et al., 2021). They could pivot quickly, whether shifting to remote work, meeting surges in demand for digital services, or managing unprecedented supply chain disruptions (Alicke et al., 2021; Mysore et al., 2021). In contrast, companies without BPM faced operational breakdowns, inefficiencies, and significant revenue losses (Alicke et al., 2021; Mysore et al., 2021).

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Why BPM Matters More Than Ever: Real-World Success Stories

 

Driscoll's Case Study During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Driscoll’s, a global berry producer, successfully leveraged a robust Business Process Management (BPM) foundation to ensure operational continuity amid severe disruptions. The company used the Signavio Business Transformation Suite to manage and adapt processes, which proved critical in maintaining productivity and service levels during widespread staff shortages caused by lockdowns and quarantines (Process Excellence Network, 2023).

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Key Elements of Driscoll's BPM Response

1. Cross-Training Framework

Driscoll implemented a process-driven cross-training program to upskill staff, enabling them to perform multiple roles. This flexibility ensured that core processes continued smoothly despite staffing disruptions. The company followed a four-step approach to identify critical roles, analyze core processes, map available human resources, and create a cross-training matrix.

2. Process Documentation & Standardization

Driscoll relied on existing process models to maintain consistency and clear communication during the training and execution phases. This helped maintain high service standards and minimized operational errors.

3. Adaptability & Resilience

A solid BPM framework enabled the quick pivoting and implementation of the cross-training program, which provided clear insights into process requirements and roles. This approach kept operations running and ensured processes were consistent and scalable under crisis conditions.

 

How a Robust BPM Foundation Empowers Organizations During Disruptions

Driscoll’s case illustrates that a strong BPM framework enables organizations to maintain operational continuity by allowing quick adjustments and role flexibility, ensuring seamless operations even during workforce shortages. It also enhances adaptability, as clear process models help organizations swiftly identify gaps, reassign tasks, and train staff to handle multiple roles effectively. Furthermore, BPM promotes consistency by providing documented processes that serve as a single source of truth, reducing errors and maintaining quality even when roles need to be temporarily shifted. Lastly, by fostering a culture of process awareness and continuous improvement, BPM builds long-term resilience, preparing organizations to respond effectively to future disruptions such as pandemics, economic shifts, or other crises.

This case study highlights the role of BPM in navigating uncertainty, reinforcing its crucial role as a component of organizational resilience.

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The Results Washington Initiative

The Results Washington initiative is another excellent example of how Business Process Management (BPM) can transform public sector operations, delivering efficiency, alignment, agility, and resilience (Wiseman et al., 2017). As leaders navigate an increasingly complex and unpredictable environment, this initiative offers valuable insights into BPM's strategic advantages.

 

How Results Washington Leveraged BPM for Success?

The state-level program implemented BPM models through Lean process improvement and performance management, enhancing government efficiency across various services. By aligning processes with key strategic goals like education, economic growth, healthcare, and accountability, the initiative delivered measurable outcomes that every leader can learn from (Wiseman et al., 2017).

 

1. BPM Reduces Waste and Boosts Efficiency

Results Washington’s application of Lean process improvements tackled inefficiencies head-on. The initiative achieved impressive results, including a 20% faster DNA processing time, a 17% reduction in water permit backlogs, and over 1 million hours saved in licensing office wait times. These efforts resulted in a 4.5-to-1 return on investment, generating $33 million in savings and cost avoidance. For leaders, this demonstrates BPM’s power to maximize resource use and drive productivity.

2. BPM Aligns Processes with Strategic Goals

BPM ensures that processes stay aligned with organizational priorities. In Washington’s case, all initiatives were designed to support five top-level goals: world-class education, a thriving economy, sustainable energy, healthy communities, and accountable government. With nearly 200 performance goals actively tracked, the state achieved a level of strategic focus that facilitated effective cross-agency collaboration, addressing complex challenges like homelessness and environmental issues.

3. BPM Enhances Agility

The initiative empowered employees at all levels to make rapid improvements. Using Lean tools, teams re-engineered workflows and swiftly removed bottlenecks. This enabled the state to pivot effectively in response to changing demands, leading to a 57% reduction in child protective service backlogs and a 20% speed increase in DNA testing, cutting overtime by 56%. Leaders aiming for greater agility can draw from this example of BPM-driven adaptability.

4. BPM Promotes Long-Term Resilience

One of the most significant achievements of the Results Washington initiative was building a culture of continuous improvement. Over 31,000 state employees were trained in Lean methodologies, driving ongoing innovations and enhancing the state’s ability to withstand future challenges—whether operational, financial, or policy-driven. This level of preparedness is essential for leaders committed to fostering long-term organizational resilience.

 

Lessons for Business Leaders

The Results Washington case highlights how BPM can deliver immediate gains and sustained strategic advantages. Public or private sector leaders can use BPM to drive efficiency, align operations with goals, enhance agility, and build lasting resilience. In today’s volatile environment, BPM is not just an operational tool—it’s a vital strategic asset.

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The Next Wave of Change is Coming: Will Your Business Sink or Swim?

The next big disruption is not a question of “if” but “when.” Rapid market changes, technological disruptions, and global crises constantly impact businesses, so being prepared is key to survival. BPM offers a structured approach to keeping your organization agile, efficient, and capable of adapting to the next challenge (Reijers, 2021). From managing daily tasks to responding to unexpected crises, BPM ensures that your business remains competitive and ready for the future.

 

In today’s dynamic business environment, success favors the prepared. BPM is a crucial investment for organizations that want to thrive—not just survive. The difference between being caught off guard by unexpected disruptions and being ready to meet them head-on with agility and efficiency lies in the strength of your processes. With BPM, you will be positioned to capture new opportunities, innovate continuously, and maintain your competitive edge in an ever-changing market. Don’t get left behind—start investing in BPM today.

 

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References

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Ahmad, T., & Van Looy, A. (2020). Business process management and digital innovations: A systematic literature review. Sustainability, 12(17), 6827. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12176827

 

Alicke, K., Barriball, E., & Trautwein, V. (2021, November 23). How COVID-19 is reshaping supply chains. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/how-covid-19-is-reshaping-supply-chains

 

Bai, C., & Sarkis, J. (2013). A grey-based DEMATEL model for evaluating business process management critical success factors. International Journal of Production Economics, 146(1), 281–292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2013.07.011

 

Mysore, M., Sanghvi, A., Singh, N., & Sternfels, B. (2021, March 29). Speed and resilience: Five priorities for the next five months. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/speed-and-resilience-five-priorities-for-the-next-five-months

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Process Excellence Network. (2023, August 29). How process-driven cross-training helped a global food supplier overcome the challenges of Covid-19. https://www.processexcellencenetwork.com/business-process-management-bpm/whitepapers/how-process-driven-cross-training-helped-driscolls-overcome-the-challenges-of-covid-19

 

Reijers, H. A. (2021). Business Process Management: The evolution of a discipline. Computers in Industry, 126, 103404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2021.103404

 

Wiseman, J., Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, & Harvard Kennedy School. (2017). Case Study: Performance Management and Lean Process Improvement — Results Washington. https://ash.harvard.edu/files/ash/files/case-study-results-washington-performance-management-lean.pdf?m=1618343041

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