Exploring the interdependency between reengineering and information technology by developing a conceptual model

The contemporary business environment in which an organization exists is becoming increasingly dynamic. The pressing need to improve the existing business process in an organization, results in the appearance of a new field called Business Process Reengineering (BPR). Reengineering is a management technique to radically transform organizations for dramatic improvement. Reengineering is becoming an increasingly popular option for corporations seeking radical process change. Central to the success of reengineering is the coordination of information technology (IT) throughout the organization. Essentially, IT represents the core mechanism of information flow. When companies improve core IT processes, such as gathering data only once, integrating cross-functional systems or increasing information speed to customers, radical business process change is possible. However, for IT to be an enabler of reengineering or organizational change, it is imperative that managers are conversant with the various methods by which IT can help advance process change. At the same time, management needs to be aware of the numerous pitfalls that may doom any change effort using IT. In this paper the importance of IT in BPR and its role will be explained and a conceptual model will be realized. The present study also examines the links between IT infrastructure and BPR.