Usage scenarios for BPA
Business Process Analysis (BPA) can be used within Trade Facilitation (TF) to achieve various goals. The following examples provide just an overview of possible usage scenarios.
Reduction of trade barriers
A common application of BPA is to improve the performance of processes, for example to reduce the number of days it takes to import or export goods at a port (or border). Waiting times may be reduced, sub-processes may be stacked and work in parallel, information flow may be reorganized to allocate resources more efficiently – these are all benefits provided by BPA based on a detailed analysis of the processes involved and resources. A BPA can therefore provide data for reform indicators.
The structured documentation of the processes provided by the BPA allows for comparison with best practice models and benchmarks to identify areas for potential improvements and propose changes at the process level.
Support in decision taking
BPA delivers structured documentation of the analysed processes. This contains valuable information that can be used as a decision-making aid during TF-efforts. For example, performance values may guide the decision whether to invest in automation or improve manual processing.
Render concepts for IT or eCommerce solutions
BPA provides the necessary information for computerization or automation of manual processes, therefore enabling e-business solutions, implementation of Single Windows, and other IT related solutions. Furthermore, different scenarios may be modelled to show the impacts of the various concepts at the process level. Based on these models, decisions and further planning can be made. During the implementation, topics like simplification, harmonization and standardization will come up. Both topics are well supported by BPA, and even technical specifications can be derived from the process models, which aids all kind of implementations.
Documentation for training and capacity-building purposes
The creation of process manuals will inform both private and public sector users of, for example, Single Window Information Trade Portals. These process manuals not only explain the usage of certain systems, they also harmonize the procedures and act as training material for capacity-building purposes. Process manuals document the AS-IS processes.
