Business process automation, when paired with Business Process Management (BPM) technology, addresses much more than simple operational optimization. While reducing costs and increasing efficiency, process automation with BPM also offers other advantages and benefits that are helping to fundamentally transform the way businesses operate. In this blog post, we will explore these benefits in detail and see how business process automation can revolutionize business process management.
1. Improved operational efficiency
One of the most obvious benefits of process automation is improved operational efficiency. By replacing manual tasks and processes with automated tasks, and by fully automating complete processes with the use of a BPM-based process automation platform, automation significantly reduces the time spent on repetitive tasks and minimizes human errors.
When repetitive tasks are automated, employees are able to focus their time and energy on more strategic activities. When they can focus on high-value-added tasks, the competitiveness of the company is positively impacted. Additionally, automation helps eliminate human error, resulting in greater reliability and better work quality overall.
Process automation using BPM technology also offers the ability to monitor process execution in real-time, which in turn allows better management of resources. Process managers can see where bottlenecks are forming and reallocate resources accordingly. This ability to quickly adjust contributes to a more efficient allocation of human and material resources.
2. Time and cost savings
Process automation significantly reduces costs and deadlines. Automation with BPM optimizes the entire organization by making processes more efficient, minimizing errors and enabling better use of resources. Additionally, integrated with real-time monitoring and analysis capabilities, a BPM process automation platform provides up-to-date information to decision-makers, promoting faster and more informed decisions. This speed in decision-making considerably reduces operational delays.
Cost reduction is a major benefit of process automation. Optimization helps minimize wasted resources, whether in terms of time, money or materials. Automated processes are more efficient and less error-prone, reducing remediation costs. Additionally, real-time process monitoring helps identify potential issues quickly and resolve them before they become costly.
3. Optimization of resources and productivity
As we have noted, resource optimization is a key element of process automation. Businesses have limited resources, and it is essential to use them wisely. BPM technology provides visibility into the use of these resources, allowing businesses to identify waste and eliminate it. This helps reduce costs and improve the overall efficiency of the organization.
Automated processes on a BPM platform provide exceptional visibility into resource usage, making it easier to allocate resources more wisely. Redistribution of resources can help in prioritized areas where they are needed, and also helps reduce costs associated with unused or underutilized assets. In addition, thanks to an optimal configuration of the BPM engine and well-defined processes, human and technical resources are mobilized only when necessary. This on-demand usage frees up these resources for other tasks and processes, supporting increased productivity.
4. Process control and monitoring
BPM technology offers powerful tools for monitoring and controlling automated business processes. Performance can be measured in real-time, and any deviations from established standards identified. By archiving a complete history of actions in an automated process, the business can have a transversal vision of process execution, reinforcing transparency and accountability.
Process monitoring is essential to ensure efficient and up-to-standard execution. Process automation offers the means to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for each process. KPIs can be monitored in real-time and compared to set goals. For example, in logistics, a key KPI might be the time it takes to process a customer order. BPM process automation can track this KPI and alert managers if deadlines are missed.
5. Compliance with standards and regulations
Compliance with standards and regulations is a major concern for many businesses, especially in highly regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and aviation. Non-compliance with standards and regulations can result in fines, litigation, and damage to the company's reputation.
BPM promotes the standardization of processes, and with a BPM-based process automation platform, they are clearly documented, which helps ensure that each step complies with specific standards and regulations. With the real-time monitoring of process execution by a process automation platform, any deviation from standards and regulations can be detected immediately. Automating compliance checks is a major benefit of process automation because it can automatically check whether steps comply with regulations, reducing the risks associated with fines or litigation. For example, in the healthcare industry, these might be data privacy standards or patient safety protocols.
6. Adaptability and organizational flexibility
In a constantly changing business environment, business and IT both need to be able to quickly adapt to new conditions. Process automation with BPM enables this adaptability by providing a clear overview of existing processes and their execution.
Use of a BPM-based process automation platform provides visibility into existing processes, allowing organizations to understand how they operate. Process automation frees up time and resources for strategic activities and creates a flexible structure. BPM provides the ability to quickly adjust processes in the face of changes, whether new regulations or business opportunities. It also encourages continuous innovation by identifying weaknesses and opportunities for improvement, making the organization more adaptable and flexible.
Businesses can quickly identify processes that are no longer efficient or relevant and adjust them accordingly. For example, if new regulations are introduced, BPM-based processes can be quickly updated to comply with the new requirements. Likewise, if new business opportunities arise, processes can be adapted to exploit them to the fullest.
7. Capacity for continuous innovation and optimization
Process automation with BPM technology provides an environment conducive to innovation by allowing regular evaluation of processes. It encourages the identification of inefficiencies and the search for innovative solutions. Feedback embedded in processes drives continuous improvement and ensures the organization remains agile and focused on innovation. BPM-automated processes are flexible and adaptable, so operations can be quickly adjusted in response to changing needs. Employees who have more time for creative and strategic activities can contribute to innovation instead of wasting their efforts on manual, automatable tasks.
In summary
BPM-based process automation technology is much more than just a tool for optimizing business processes. It offers a multitude of advantages and benefits that are helping to fundamentally transform the way businesses operate. From improving operational efficiency to reducing costs, through compliance with standards and the capacity for continuous innovation, process automation with BPM is a major asset for companies keen to remain competitive in a constantly evolving environment.
BPM is not just a method, it's a means of transformation, and Bonitasoft is here to support you in this transformation towards operational excellence. If you're looking for a powerful and flexible BPM solution, the Bonita BPM-based process automation platform is an excellent choice. It offers a wide range of features to help you manage your business processes efficiently and align your organization with your customers' needs. With Bonita, you can create, execute, monitor and optimize your business processes, while delivering an exceptional customer experience every step of the way. Take a step towards operational excellence with Bonita.
Here are 3 ways to learn more:
- Build highly personalized, process-based applications today, for free, with our open-source Bonita Community Edition.
- See how you can reinvent your business processes with BPM. Watch our on-demand Bonita Platform Demo.
- Interested in full project lifecycle support and services from development to operations? Try unlocking the power of Bonita Enterprise Edition. Contact us today or explore our solutions to learn more about unlocking the full potential of process automation.
Bonitasoft knows its business. This article was not created with the use of artificial language technology.
