Business process improvement top priority in 2005

The results of the latest Gartner Executive Programs (EXP) survey revealed that business process improvement is ranked as the number one business priority for 2005. Gartner EXP surveyed more than 1 300 chief information officers (CIOs) in over 30 countries, representing in excess of R324 billion in IT spending.

Commenting on the research findings is Gys Hyman, consulting services director of local process, content and integration specialist, Ovations. Hyman believes the high ranking of business process improvement can be attributed to two change drivers.

"The first is constant efforts to reduce costs, drive efficiencies across the business and improve customer service levels. The second is a realisation that, at the end of the day, a business is all about processes and not about operating in silos. Companies today cannot ignore the importance of business processes," adds Hyman.

The trend towards closer alignment between IT and business continues, with strategic business thinkers moving from operational positions into information leadership/CIO positions, with the business`s strategic direction in mind.

"In line with Gartner`s research, our experience shows that South African companies are progressive in their thinking and are embracing business process management by placing it at the top of their corporate agendas," adds Hyman.

The research furthermore states that 2005 is the year in which CIOs must deliver more value and become contributors rather than commodities. "Business process improvement affirms this trend. An organisation that reengineers a business process can see immediate, tangible improvements. It is not just about cost savings, but also about running a more efficient business," concludes Hyman.