Business process improvement solutions are often cited for their "optimization" capabilities but few references touch on what it really takes to optimize a business workflow. This is a bit of an oddity since there are so many functions of process improvement solutions to choose from.
Some functions are as simple as using digital documents instead of actual paper. This achieves a number of improvements all at once. The most obvious advantage of using digital reports, order forms and other paperwork is the amount of space that it does not take up. Also, digital documents are easier to search for, track, deliver and secure than paper.
Other functions involve automation. This reduces the need for human intervention in business processes so that employees can focus on more pertinent tasks. For business process improvement solutions, automation involves software that can effect changes in real life business processes with an easy to use graphical user interface (GUI), and software that monitors and provides real-time analytics of the same processes.
Also, business process improvement software enhances collaborative efforts. With new innovations such as online presentation environments and secure version document management solutions, multiple users can work on the same project at the same time so that the load can be distributed among employees without having to be side by side in front of a single computer.
Some real life examples of business process improvement solutions include web-based knowledge portals to access an organization's knowledge database or training materials for new employees, as well as process monitoring dashboards that help managers monitor business processes remotely.