Information Technology, a Catalyst for Process Optimization

Abstract

Rapid product development and virtual prototyping are fast becoming commodities of world class companies. In order to maximize their effectiveness, one must be able to measure and change business processes.

Efforts like Business Process Reengineering (BPR) and Concurrent Engineering (CE) that help define process improvement methodologies are being adopted by more and more organizations. This paper will cover a small array of information technology (IT) tools that aid the paradigm shift from traditional, functionally-oriented operations to process-oriented ventures. Software tools are plentiful but cannot be used as stand-alone resources. Successful utilization is dependent upon a holistic approach to change management with adequate planning, personnel and financial resources, know-how and information technology.

Analysis of organizations in terms of processes and process flows increases our understanding of core competencies and weakness enabling business success. This paper addresses issues raised when implementing IT as a catalyst for finding process-oriented solutions. BPR and CE are initiatives that bear similar attributes and are equated to be different sides of the same coin. The two have been freely intermixed in the following paper.