A business process consultant, also known as a BPO consultant, is a third-party professional hired and brought in by a company to assess the company’s systems, processes, strategies, and techniques with the goal of increasing productivity and efficiency. Because the consultant is a third party and not an employee of the company, they are unbiased and able to assess the company and its operations from a distance. This consultant basically observes how a company handles its processes and then makes recommendations on how to improve them to make them more efficient and productive.
A BPO consultant, for example, might examine a company’s computer systems and software for day-to-day operations. The consultant may determine that the company’s computer systems and software meet its needs, or the consultant may recommend that the company upgrade or change its technology.
A college diploma and some on-the-job training are typically required for BPO training. A consultant’s duties are best prepared by a degree in computer science, business, engineering, or a related field. Because these professionals interact with employees at all levels of a company and ultimately report to the owners or upper management, observation, presentation, and communication skills are also necessary characteristics for a successful BPO consultant.
A BPO consultant usually travels to the client’s location and may specialize in a local or specific geographic area. Others are better suited to specialize in particular industries or niches. An auto manufacturing BPO consultant, for example, already knows everything there is to know about the typical car manufacturing process. This means that when the consultant enters the plant, there is no need to learn about the industry; it is simply a matter of learning the manufacturer’s processes.
Additional courses are available to BPO consultants so that they can continue to improve their skills. Some of these classes are available in person, while others are only available online. Topics can range from dealing with a company’s resistance to a consultant’s proposed change to learning about the latest technology and software programs available in the industry in which they specialize.