In recent times, Business Process Modeling (BPM) software has brought about a transformation, as large businesses were able to use technology to streamline their processes. This has helped them achieve results that not only ensured profitability but also saved money. 

BPM tools

Now, for the first time in India, students will have the opportunity to get hands on experience in using Business Process Modeling tools, thanks to the collaboration between Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resources Development (SCMHRD), one of India's top management institutes and Savvion, one of the leading developers of BPM software in the world.

The course is scheduled to begin by the middle of February, with Savvion providing materials and licences for software to be used in training students. The BPM company is also training teachers of Symbiosis, as the institution is aiming to incorporate BPM as part of their curriculum.

Mangesh Deshpande, Director-sales at Savvion (India), said the course is the result of increasing demand for resources with good understanding of processes. "The technology we provide help people model business processes," Deshpande explained.

"A cement company, for instance, may try different distribution models. They may like to have a dealer-distributor model today, but would like to change this after a few months depending on their business. Alternatively, they may like to try different models for different cities which they may think would help them keep their margins.

Managers handling business process may understand the change, but would require BPM tools to quickly implement the process change."

He said BPM software — which contains modelers and tools to build a fully-automated system, that can be linked with other business applications and existing database — help determine almost to the last point the flow of a process, thereby enabling managers to implement it precisely and obtain the expected result.

"This is especially helpful in very complex processes such as production or finance," Deshpande added further.

"The modeler helps a manager draw the process like a flow chart, implement it through a ready-to-use application and monitor the progress through a dashboard."

Processes

More than people who can write codes, he said, the industry is looking for those who can understand the processes better. While Indian software services companies were operating in BPM spheres overseas, a sudden demand at home has made them start their operations here, triggering a shortage of resources. Deshpande says the demand has lead to Savvion thinking of introducing BPM training programme at the business school level, to avoid shortages in future.

Mr K S Subramanian, Director, SCMHRD, revealed that his institute is introducing the programme on the basis of demand from students. "In fact, we only decide to introduce a course (besides the core subjects), after making assessments of the level of interest at the student level," Mr Subramanian said.

"As far as BPM is concerned, the level of interest among students has been pretty high. Besides, this is a time when technology is making a strong impact on the way businesses are managed. And quite naturally, in addition to teaching core management principles, we feel it is extremely important to give students exposure to technology."

Three courses - Business Process Analysis (for MBA first year), Business Process Management (for MBA second year) and advanced BPM (for MBA second year)- are being offered to the students. While the first course will be a general introduction to the students about Business processes, the second course will offer an understanding of the technology, while the third course will be for those students who are interested in learning the technology in-depth.

Mr Subramanian said that the basic level course will be taught to all the students of the current batch, whereas the second course will be offered as an elective. He also added that the advance course will be offered for those who would like to specialise in BPM software.

Deshpande mentioned that Savvion will endorse certification for the technical training and advanced courses, subject to interest from the students. He said the advanced course would teach students the configuration features of Savvion's latest BPM software and its deployment. "With this training," he said. "Students can look at career opportunities in BPM consultancy."