Process engine software platforms are designed for modeling and executing applications that are process based. These are common applications that companies use to assist with running process based applications. It is common for a business to have these built 'in-house' to meet the exact needs of the business.

Business analytics suites for business management are very effective in running reports on issues within the company and externally with the competitive market. This type of software enables management to identify issues such as trends in the local market, run reports, and see potential opportunities. Managers can effectively make decisions when they have the ability to research and run reports with statistical data about the business. This type of software is also appropriate for data analysis, giving presentations, and running a competitive analysis.

Business management software can also be used for content management. It is common for a business to have many people typing up documentation from many different departments. These documents may be spread across network drives or even on local hard drives. Not only is this difficult to back up but it is hard to manage, and can cause a loss of productivity for staff members when their job requires certain documents. A content management suite allows for successfully organizing and storing content and data in a central location that is shared by the entire network. This type of suite secures data and allows shares to be placed with controls for confidential items. Images, electronic documents, and other types of files can be stored in a content management system.

Collaboration systems are the most common suites today that work to provide effective business management through communication. Many managers use these tools on a day to day basis to communicate with their team. These types of tools include message boards, dynamic workspaces, chat rooms, and even discussion forums. Web conferencing packages are commonly used as collaboration systems because they allow individuals within a company to communicate across the world as if they are in the same room, share documents, and communicate with one another. Collaboration systems are vital for business management to eliminate any communication barriers that might exist within a company.

Business management can be effectively managed with different software suites that have the ability to meet different needs. These suites include an automated process engine, analytic applications, content management, or collaboration tools.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.