A business process consultant, or BPO consultant, is typically a third party professional that is hired and brought in by a business to assess the systems, processes, strategies and techniques of the business with productivity and efficiency in mind. Since the consultant is a third party, they are not an employee of the company, which makes them unbiased and able to evaluate the company and what it is doing from an outside perspective. Essentially, this consultant observes how a company is handling its processes and then makes suggestions on how the company can improve them to make them more efficient and productive.
For example, a BPO consultant may review the computer systems and software that a company is using for daily business functions. The consultant may find that the computer systems and software are fulfilling the needs of the business, or the consultant may suggest that the company upgrade or change the technology they are using.
BPO training typically requires a college degree and some on the job training. A degree in computer science, business, engineering or related fields best prepare a consultant to perform their duties. Observation, presentation and communication skills are also essential characteristics for a successful BPO consultant because these professionals interact with employees of a company on all levels and ultimately report to the owners or upper management of the company.
A BPO consultant tends to travel to the business, and may choose to focus on a local or specific geographic area. Other consultants are best suited to specialize in specific industries or niches. For example, an auto manufacturing BPO consultant already knows everything they need to know about the typical process of manufacturing cars. This means that when the consultant goes into the plant, there is no learning curve about the industry; it’s simply about learning the processes of the manufacturer itself.
BPO consultants have the option to take additional courses so they can continue to refine their skills. Some of these courses are offered in person while others are offered online. Topics can range from handling resistance to change the consultant is suggesting to the powers that be in a company to learning about the latest technology and software programs available in the industry in which they specialize.