BPMS has evolved and has come a long way over the past one or two decades. It's quite interesting to take a peek into the BPMS journey then and now. Business needs and technology, both have gone through a huge change in the meantime.
Right since the earlier days of BPMS, I always found working in this space quite an intriguing thing. The very capability of BPM to model, design, automate, run and track any process seemed to be extremely useful. Comparing the earlier and current process and technology landscapes, following aspects are very clear:
BPM Then
- We had much longer development cycles.
- Development costs were thus very high.
- We largely used client-server model.
- Focus was on improving operational efficiency and managing operational costs.
- It was time consuming for the businesses to realize the actual benefits. By the time processes automation came into effect, the processes themselves had changed.
- Despite BPM being iterative in nature, BPM projects were still following waterfall model.
- BPM was affordable for large enterprises with higher budgets.
- BPM focus was to automate workflow-centric, traditional, complex and long haul processes.
BPM Now
- Low-code/No-code BPM platform has reduced the development cycles to a minimal if not zero.
- BPM now, is low-code/no-code BPM (also known as DPA: Digital Process Automation, which is a much wider term).
- Leading Low-code platforms are cloud based, making automation very cost effective (pay-as-you-go).
- BPM products today are scalable (again thanks to cloud computing).
- Businesses can now expect greater control over their changing requirements.
- Businesses can now expect greater control over their personalization and customization needs.
- Businesses can expect to achieve much more ROI with Low-code/No-code BPM.
- BPM today has become far more affordable for even small and mid sized enterprises.
- End users are most likely to use various channels and SMAC platforms (Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud). Enhanced customer experience has become crucial now.
- Low-code/No-code BPM platform supports rapid prototyping.
- Today's BPM platforms offer hooks for building the automation through AI, Deep Learning and Cognitive Capabilities. This also enables the organizations to use dark data available in various forms.
- Significant shift in thinking from BPM in itself, to DPA, Digital Process Automation.
Trends
Current BPMs put emphasis on improved customer experience, innovation, use of disruptive technologies such as AI and choosing the right business people to start taking control of their processes.
Today's customer is in its most likelihood, going to use various channels such as phone call, internet, mobile app, social and alike, in an asynchronous mode, for carrying out their transactions. In all that, predictive insights, generating hypothesis has become relevant.
The most repetitive tasks that involve intelligence are alike workflow queues from earlier BPM times (now known as RPA). Tasks, where E.Q. and/or human judgement is necessary, will still remain to be manual tasks in the flow.
In Conclusion
Combining the ongoing trends in (BPM) DPA, RPA, AI, Analytics, and Channels (SMAC), "BPM Now" is comprised of data driven responsive processes with the goal of digital transformation, rapid development of various reusable and stand-alone processes, more effective customer-centric processes and proof-out-concepts to work on new ideas. Leveraging low-code (sometimes no-code) business led development will help achieve these goals and process automation will continue to embrace AI for adopting disruptions.
Thoughts?
Author: Swati Pitre, CBAP®, is Sr. Business Analyst
Sr. Business Analyst, Consultant and Trainer with 20+ years of industry experience across various domains and geographies. Recognized by clients as a valued member of business and technology teams, with a proven track record of delivering artifacts and solutions of high quality. Recognized by participants as a highly effective and hands-on trainer and coach. Self-starter, process-oriented, and creative with unique problem-solving skills.
Her specialities include Process Improvement, BPM, Predictive Analytics, Product Development, Quality, and Governance. She undertakes various training courses such as CBAP®/CCBA®/ECBA® Prep Courses, Comprehensive BA Job oriented Course, Agile BA Course, and several other customized courses.
She is also a public speaker and has completed Level 3 of Effective Coaching Pathway at Toastmasters International. She is a yoga and fitness enthusiast with varied hobbies include reading, writing, art, travelling and music.
LinkedIn: Swati Pitre, CBAP® | LinkedIn