Many people confuse Business Process Management (BPM) with workflow management, but they are not the same. BPM improves overall business processes, while workflow management focuses on optimising individual tasks.
Let’s explore the differences and why both are important for business success.
Extended reading: Streamlined BPM: Integrating Goals, Processes, and Management
What is Business Process Management (BPM)?
BPM is a structured method used by organisations to improve efficiency, employee productivity and customer satisfaction. It involves analysing how work is done, identifying areas for improvement and making processes more efficient.
For example, BPM looks at an entire business operation, such as how customer orders are processed from start to finish. It helps identify bottlenecks, reduce inefficiencies and ensure smooth operations. Companies that regularly optimise their processes can remain competitive and agile in a rapidly changing business environment.
However, BPM is not the same as workflow management.
What is workflow management?
Workflow management is a more focused approach to managing individual tasks within a process. It ensures that tasks are completed in the right order, assigned to the right people and, where possible, automated.
For example, in an invoice approval process, workflow management ensures that invoices go through the right steps – submission, review, approval and payment without delay. By automating these steps, organisations can reduce human error and improve efficiency.
How BPM and Workflow work together
BPM and workflow are complementary. While BPM monitors the overall business process, workflow management ensures that individual tasks within the process run smoothly. Together, they create a seamless operation that improves productivity and performance.
Steps in Business Process Management
To effectively manage business processes, organisations follow these key steps:
- Monitor and improve: Continually track performance and refine processes to ensure ongoing efficiency.
- Identify processes: Recognise what processes exist in the organisation and define their purpose.
- Analyse: Evaluate how these processes work and identify inefficiencies or delays.
- Design and Implement: Develop a structured approach to improving processes, assigning roles and integrating technology where appropriate.
Steps in workflow management
Workflow management focuses on individual tasks within a process and follows these steps:
- Manage delays: If a task is delayed, identify the reason and find a solution to prevent further disruption.
- Assign tasks: Ensure tasks are assigned to the right person based on skills and availability.
- Track progress: Monitor each task to ensure deadlines are met and work is progressing as planned.
Key differences between BPM and Workflow Management
Here are the key differences between BPM and Workflow Management:
| Aspect | Business Process Management (BPM) | Workflow Management |
| Focus | Looks at the entire process | Concentrates on individual tasks |
| Goals | Improves overall business efficiency | Ensures specific tasks are completed on time and correctly |
| Scope | Applies to the whole organization | More task-specific |
| Complexity | Involves deeper analysis and optimization | More straightforward and focused on execution |
Example of BPM vs. Workflow Management
Imagine a sales team handling customer enquiry, lead generation, follow-up and closing deals. Workflow management would focus on individual tasks, such as streamlining the lead generation process by automating data collection. Meanwhile, BPM would evaluate the entire sales process, ensuring that each stage is running efficiently and contributing to overall business goals.
For example, BPM might reveal that following up with unresponsive leads is wasting resources and suggest a more targeted approach. At the same time, workflow management would ensure that each lead is properly tracked and followed up at the right time.
Why companies need both Business Process Management and workflow management
Organisations should not choose between BPM and workflow management; both are essential. Workflow management ensures that tasks are completed efficiently, while BPM ensures that all tasks work together towards larger business goals. To remain competitive, organisations must implement both strategies to streamline operations.
If you’re looking for a reliable way to manage your business processes and workflows, Weaver’s BPM can help. Book a demo today to see how our software can improve efficiency and optimise your operations.
