BPM Implementation Pitfalls

Although the AIIM E-DOC magazine site still shows the January/February issue, you can find the link to the article that I wrote for the March/April issue here (or check out the dead-tree version of the publication). In this article, I highlight three major pitfalls that can occur during BPM system implementations:

  • Over-customization
  • Allowing the business to design the solution
  • Applying the wrong BPM tool

A couple of oddities in the online version: the entire last section is in boldface, rather than just the first header sentence (“Apply the wrong BPM tool”) in that section; and my mini-bio at the end states “Sandy Kemsley has BPM experience from the lenses vendor, user, and, currently, consultant experience.” I have no idea what that means, but enjoy the article.

5 thoughts on “BPM Implementation Pitfalls”

  1. Sandy – you (and some of your other readers)might like a more comprehensive overview of the pitfalls and bestpractices … see
    The Keys To BPM Project Success – Explores the best practices for ensuring success when approaching your first BPM project. This paper provides advice on how to develop your BPM Project Blueprint, defining 9 key stages and suggesting techniques that can support each phase. It also discusses some of the ways in which the BPM Project Blueprint should develop as the firm becomes more familiar with BPM implementation success.

    Originally sponsored by FileNet, it is pretty neutral (if you can ignore the one unsubtle plug for the sponsor).

  2. Sandy – good points. I like the “pitfall avoidance” perspective, rather than a long “how-to”.

    It sounds like you have some great BPM “selection, modeling and implementation” insights, from real experience. I’d enjoy reading more – particularly on good process definition techniques – but certainly understand you can’t give away all of your secrets! -brenda

  3. Brenda, thanks for the comment. I will write more if I find the time: I’m a believer in the economy of abundance when it comes to information, and my “secrects” are more about how I integrate knowledge with individual clients rather than a specific piece of abstract information.

    It was good to have a wider-than-usual audience for the article — AIIM’s magazine certainly has a bigger circulation than this blog!

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