Business process transformation defines a new level of business optimization that manifests as a range of industry-specific initiatives that bring processes, people, and information together to optimize efficiency. For example, BPT encompasses lights-out manufacturing, targeted treatment solutions, real-time risk management, and dynamic supply chains integrated with variable pricing.

To examine how BPT can optimize an organization's processes, the authors describe a corporate initiative that was developed within IBM?s supply chain organization to transform the import compliance process that supports the company?s global logistics.