Why customize an application when you can rework the process.
Working with Oracle Enterprise Applications for over 18 years, I've seen many changes. Most changes are for the better, improved functionality, streamlined processes etc. However although the applications are growing rich in functionality, there's an underlying trend that raises a concern. In today's market it seems more and more, the path of least resistance is to customize applications vs. reviewing and re-engineering business processes.
A technical solution to a business problem often seems a cheaper path. This is often a misconception. Whilst a technical fix can provide a quick solution, the long term issues tend to be overlooked.
Often customizations are designed around facilitating a current business requirements. As business requirements change and evolve, companies find themselves in a constant state of changing their customization to facilitate the new requirements.
Business Process Re-Engineering or BPR was a buzz phrase in the 80's and 90's. It conjured up images of massive change in Organization processes, and practices, forced upon corporations by men in power suits, and aluminum briefcases.
I say it's time to bring back BPR, minus the power suits and aluminum briefcases. BPR should be treated as a harmonization of business requirements and software functionality, change is good, change works....
