Four business process re-engineering strategic motivation

There can be several motivations for any business process reengineering (BPR). The motivation will affect the nature, focus, and probable success of the intervention.

Survival as a Motivation
Indications for re-engineering
- Outgrowing capacity
- Value added versus revenue
Under this motivation the major success factor may be the speed of automation and the primary focus is the core operation of the organization with the intention being "Don't Automate Obliterate"

Elimination of Competitive Disadvantage as a Motivation
Indications for re-engineering
- Losing market share
- Performance lag
Within this scenario the most critical factor is probably an understanding of the original source of disadvantage and the primary focus is to lead the competition. This scenario is based on the concept that "If you can't win at the game. Change the Rules"

Generating Competitive Advantage as a Motivation
Indications for re-engineering
- Stable market share
- Stable industry
Under these circumstances, the most critical success factor is the ambition of the leader of the process and the focus is clearly on customer-value drivers. This could be described as "Cuddling up to the Customer"

Creating a Breakthrough as a Motivation
Indications for re-engineering
- Declining market
- New industry opportunities

Source: Auditor’s guide to information systems auditing, Richard E. Cascarino 2007