Summary

Business process reengineering began as a private sector technique to help organizations rethink how they do their work in order to improve customer service, reduce operational costs, and become world-class competitors. A key stimulus for reengineering has been the continuing development of sophisticated information systems and networks. Leading organizations are becoming bolder in the use of this technology to support innovative business processes, rather than refining current ways of doing work. Not surprisingly, business process reengineering has captured the interest of federal agencies, which are faced with an urgent need to reduce costs and improve service to the American people. This guide is designed to help auditors review business process reengineering projects in a federal setting, determine the soundness of these efforts, and identify actions needed to improve the prospects for their success.