Identify+opportunities+for+improvement

This stage of the Business Process Analysis consists of analysis of the “As-Is” processes and identification of problem areas and potential improvements. Factors such as the need to accommodate regulatory changes, trade security issues, and a drive to ensure information arrives in advance of the arrival of goods so as to reduce delays, can lead to necessary changes. The analysis process includes identification of a subset of activities which cause long delays, duplicated procedures, redundant documentary requirements, etc. Improvements can be made by the use of standardized documents, recommendations and the adoption of the Single Window approach to provide a common data input to previously independent systems. Performance measures such as the average time to execute a process may be compared to targets or international norms to help identify areas for improvement.
 * **Performance measures:** On the basis of the “As-Is” processes, determine the average time taken to complete the processes, the average number of consignments awaiting clearance, etc. Compare with targets set by management or with international benchmarks
 * **Identify bottlenecks:** Activity Diagrams may help to identify bottlenecks. Can these be eliminated by additional resources, or by re-organizing the processes, carrying out processes in parallel rather than sequentially?
 * **Best practice:** Do the current processes use the best international practices and standards? Are UN standard documents, UN/EDIFACT standard messages or XML schemas used?
 * **Reduce data requirements:** Identify the minimum information needed to enable each process to be carried out. Can the amount of data be reduced from that currently demanded?
 * **Harmonize data:** Can the data required by different processes/agencies be harmonized to simplify the requirements of those submitting the data (traders, transport suppliers, customs brokers, etc.)?
 * **Single Window:** Can a single input be used by different agencies?
 * **Electronic input:** Consider changing from paper input to computer input to reduce delays and errors.

Deliverables and comments regarding this phase:
The next stage of the Business Process Analysis process is to specify the "To-Be" process, having identified improvements to implement. Refer to the Process Analysis Methodology to learn more about the overall BPA process and responsibilities of the roles in each phase.
 * **Deliverables** || **Do’s** || **Don’ts** ||
 * //A set of observations// of the As-Is processes that have the potential to be improved. || When conducting interviewing session and peer review activities, ask questions to interviewees, practitioners and experts about their opinions and observations on any bottlenecks and issues related to the process, documentary requirements, rules and regulations that should be improved, and how to improve them. || Do not wait to the end to analyse and identify any bottlenecks and observations for improvement, but rather incrementally collect related opinions and observations throughout all phases of the process analysis study. ||