Automating Purchase Orders: Business Process Reengineering or Simply Digitization?

When we speak about replacing a manual process to create purchase orders with an online web-based system, it is tempting to call it business process reengineering (BPR). However, such a change is often a form of digitization in action, which, in turn, can bring about a deeper re-engineering of the process.

The Nuances of Digitization

Digitizing a manual process is more than just moving from pen and paper to a digital system. It involves a detailed review and rethinking of the current process. Automating this process in a business process management (BPM) tool will lead to the elimination of tasks that are no longer necessary and the introduction of new tasks that are made possible by digital tools. This transformation eventually leads to a whole new way of processing purchases, reflecting a form of business process reengineering.

When Does Digitization Become Reengineering?

The key lies in the level of change that occurs. Simply switching from a manual process to a digital one may not always necessitate a full reengineering. However, when the goal is to automate the process through the digital tool, it becomes a natural development process where you will continuously refine and improve the system through iteration. This iterative process is a hallmark of true reengineering.

The Role of Low-Code/No-Code BPM Tools

To achieve this iterative reengineering, low-code or no-code BPM tools offer a significant advantage. These tools enable businesses to reengineer their processes without the need for extensive programming or complex configurations. They provide a high level of agility, making it easier to test, introduce improvements, and deploy changes efficiently.

Advantages of Low-Code/No-Code BPM Tools:

Agility: Because these tools are designed for quick deployment, they facilitate rapid iterations and improvements. No-Code: Users can develop workflows and automated processes without needing to write code or rely on IT departments. Iterative Improvement: By deploying the first version, testing, identifying issues, making improvements, and redeploying, these tools enable continuous process refinement.

Understanding Low-Code/No-Code BPM Tools

To understand the benefits of low-code or no-code BPM tools, consider Flokzu BPM, a tool that embodies these characteristics. Flokzu BPM allows users to automate and reengineer processes without the need for complex technical skills. It offers a user-friendly interface that enables businesses to define, test, and improve their processes iteratively.

Watch the Video: Flokzu BPM in Action

For a visual demonstration of how low-code/ no-code BPM tools work, we have included a short video showcasing Flokzu BPM in action. This video will provide you with a clear understanding of how these tools can be used to reengineer and automate processes efficiently.

Conclusion

While replacing a manual purchase order process with a digital one might not always be classified as business process reengineering, the need to automate such processes often brings about a deeper reengineering of the workflow. Utilizing low-code or no-code BPM tools can significantly expedite this process, offering agility and continuous improvement capabilities.

By embracing digital transformation and iterative reengineering, businesses can achieve more efficient and effective purchase order management. Whether you call it reengineering or simply digitization, the result is a more streamlined and integrated approach to business processes.

Key Takeaways

Digitization often leads to reengineering of processes. Low-code/ no-code BPM tools offer agility and no-code capabilities for continuous improvement. User-friendly tools like Flokzu BPM enable businesses to reengineer and automate processes efficiently.

Further Reading

For more insights into business process reengineering and digital transformation, consider the following resources:

How AI Can Boost Business Process Reengineering Efforts Why Business Process Reengineering is Still a Paramount Issue What Is Business Process Reengineering and Why Is It Important?

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