Process and Re-engineering
I think we all recognize computers are a normal and vital part of doing business. We might place an order online or work where we use a computer all day. So how do these information systems work to help the organization? An organization is more than just its information system. Each occupation within the organization plays a role in its success. Processes are the way tasks, or jobs, are completed.
If we make chocolate chip cookies, we don't want to add the chips in the first step, where we blend the shortening with the sugar. This would mush the chocolate chips, completely changing the taste and texture of the cookie. Enter process re-engineering, or the redesign of workflows and processes. If we recognize that adding chips at the beginning of the process just doesn't work, we would try re-engineering to make the cookies taste the best with the most efficient process. Let's walk through the making of the cookies. Put dry ingredients in one bowl, shortening and brown sugar in another and in a third, stir the eggs, milk and vanilla together. Blend the shortening and brown sugar well, then add the wet ingredients, mix them together and then add the dry stuff. Once everything is combined, use a spoon to stir in the chocolate chips. You then drop the dough on cookie sheets, bake for a few and hello, awesome and efficiently prepared chocolate chip cookies!
The precursor to process re-engineering is business process modeling, when analysts and managers review a business' systems, or processes, in an attempt to improve them. They'll look at how a process is affecting time and money for the company. They'll also review activities that may be replicated in different departments. The analysis team will break down three types of processes: management, or the governance of a system; operational activities, or departments that must exist to keep the business going, such as sales, purchasing and manufacturing; and support activities. These are processes required so the operational activities can continue. They include accounting, human resources and information technology departments.
Let's look at an operational activity. The current production of chocolate chip cookies has consumer feedback citing overly brown bottoms. A review of the process shows the cookies remain on the metal baking trays when removed from the oven and are allowed to cool on the trays. All the ingredients, the order they're added in and the other processes have been confirmed as correct. Can you re-engineer the last step(s) of baking the cookies so the bottoms aren't overly cooked? A couple of possible ideas are to use a stone baking sheet or to remove the cookies from the baking sheets as soon as they are out of the oven and place them on brown craft paper.
