SAP launches collaborative business process expert compendium

Steve Strout, CEO of SAP Americas Users’ Group, says the book – which is available free as a PDF download or in printed format for purchase through online booksellers – is a co-authored experiment, using the collaborative capabilities of a public wiki as the writing platform. ‘Process First’ describes how manufacturers can implement the business process expert role in their organisations. It also look at how to tap into new markets, explains how individuals can improve their skills through community knowledge-sharing, as per the SAP Business Process Expert community, and outlines other opportunities. Strout says that, since the launch of the SAP Business Process Expert community in 2006, more than 425,000 individuals have become registered members. Early on, many voiced their opinions that a compendium of essential information would be useful. Now, by actively tapping into the vast experience of the members themselves, and by using a wiki to collect and refine that knowledge, Strout says Process First is a good initial result. “Process First demonstrates two important ideas in one compact, easy-to-understand book,” he says. “First, the book shows the specific actions business process experts take to build better solutions by staying focused on the process, rather than the technology or other distractions. “Second, it brings to life the true power and sense of the community. Each chapter combines the thoughts of experts from the Business Process Expert community that were polished and refined, so that the end result is better than any one person could create on their own.”