In January 2010, IBM purchased a game-changing software from Lombardi Inc called “Blueworks Live.” This is a process management software solution that has received minimal attention and remains a hidden gem. Yet, the software can help organizations map all their processes and procedures in a centralized SaaS for global visibility on all the processes within the organization. It provides additional features for analysis and improvements such as standardized participants, systems, and SIPOC (Supplier, input, process, output, and customer) analysis.
Each activity box allows the editor to input further information on the procedures and metrics relating to that specific activity.
Over the years of using this solution, there are some best practices that I have learned to enable successful adoption within an organization:
1. Always use between 8-12 processes within a single process map. Any more should result in consideration for a linked process.
2. Each process should have a standardized participant selected- enabling visibility on how a single participant operates across various processes.
3. Each process should have a standardized system selected- this will enable visibility on how a system is used across various processes.
4. Each box should have additional details on how the step is to be completed, including other links, checklists etc. This will allow for a fulsome process document with all the details to complete the work.
5. Choose the next element of standardization (e.g. Cycle time, Cost, SIPOC etc.) and consistently address in each box to create meaningful data across the processes.
With these small steps to putting processes within the tool, organizations can maximize the effectiveness and gather critical business information that can help optimize processes, facilitate change management, facilitate acquisitions of ISO certifications or other audit requirements, and ensure that the organization is continually monitoring its processes.
Reach out to me at mirette.sedarous@naracat.com to learn more about how this simple yet powerful tool, when used properly, can save your organizations hundreds of thousands of dollars, and position you for successful business growth.
