Optimizing processes is not only about updating the process assets; it is key to ensure that the updated processes assets are in use and do not become shelf-ware. For this we use active change management.

For those optimization efforts that say they address change management, they often mean they communicate. But communication is only one of the means of doing active change management.

Change management must ensure that all involved in the optimization

• are aware of the reasons why the change must happen: if people do not know why something happens, why should they support it...
• desire to support the change: active resistance management at all levels is a must..
• have the required knowledge to play their new or updated roles: if people don't know what to do, it cannot be done...
• are able to perform their new or updated roles: people might know updated processes, but this does not mean they are able to perform them...
• feel that the optimization is continuously reinforced: without continued visibility about the needs, effects, benefits, etc., the optimization will surely degrade...

Communication is one of the ways to achieve effective change, but it is not the only way. Resistance management, sponsorship monitoring, and deployment planning are just some of the other additional means.