There has been a lot of debate lately about the usefulness of BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) to business managers. Some say that it’s too complicated and unintuitive and that it’s better suited to IT people. Others say business managers must spend time learning to read BPMN notation to find it more useful. Then there are those who say they use a sub-set of BPMN symbols to simplify models so that business managers can understand them. What’s more, little is said in the debate about the process modeller’s skills.

Each year the Federal government doles out millions to healthcare providers in improper payments for Medicare and Medicaid. To cut improper payments, the government stepped up efforts recently to root out risk, fraud, and compliance throughout the system. As part of the effort, the government closely audits healthcare providers for fraudulent and non-compliant billing practices. Where the government finds inconsistencies in a provider’s practices, it takes action by forging corporate integrity agreements (CIA) between with the providers.

Today’s organizations are seeking to improve accountability and put more structure around their businesses, in order to respond more effectively to rapidly changing requirements. While getting those requirements right is important, communication about the requirements is also very important, requiring a dialogue between IT and the business users. For many organizations that is a challenge – but it is a challenge that can be overcome. And there are some tools that, once implemented, can make that dialogue between IT and ‘the business’ a happier conversation.

Learning to compete on time is the key to surviving in intense marketplaces. Businesses that can’t do this risk being overtaken by more agile competitors or failing altogether. Appian BPM Suite 6.5 helps businesses compete in tough marketplaces. This integrated suite lets companies quickly transform operations and achieve the agility they need to survive in today’s marketplaces.