There have been many three-letter acronyms that businesses embrace - CIO, UC&C, ITS and the like. Over the years business processes have had their own acronyms as well, and the latest is BPM - business process management solutions. However, as is the way with these common enterprise IT acronyms, BPM is beginning to evolve into a new acronym, BPA, or business process automation. With the rise of automation comes new demands on processes to support and enable the efficiency driven goals of modern companies embracing these solutions.
According to TechTarget's ComputerWeekly, BPM software evolved out of business process re-engineering (BPR) of the 1990's and business process optimization (BPO) of the early 2000's. BPM replaced manual processes and helped companies streamline the many benefits of re-engineering of optimization, then incorporated these efforts into a more one-size-fits-all strategy.
Today, new technologies have optimized business processes. Social, mobile and cloud BPM allow firms to integrate new systems more easily, control workflow remotely and enhance productivity beyond previously conceived levels. This has led a natural progression toward process automation. Many companies are moving to cloud-based BPM, led by Appian. Ovum's BPM Decision Matrix 2014 Report listed Appian as the "leader" in BPM solutions.
"Appian supports the full range of BPM activities from process discovery (using the collaborative process discovery tool) to case management (via the platform's support for ad hoc processes)," the report stated. "The suite is highly integrated in terms of the user experience and the underlying runtime and repository technology."
Ovum also noted Appian's dedication to automation: "[Appian] is highly automated and provides non-technical users with everything they need to create and manage processes from start to finish."
Why automate though? Businesses considering BPM software and automation need a bottom line, and for many it lies in cost savings. According to CBR, advanced BPM technology can significantly cut operational costs for firms, reducing claims handling cycle times by upward of 30 percent and a 5 percent or more reduction in indemnity expenses. This demonstrates a clear and measurable ROI for BPM software, but highlights just one of the many reasons these solutions help to improve operations.
From workflow efficiency to operational costs, BPM solutions like Appian's modern work platform can enhance business process management across the board while enabling new trends and techniques for the workplace that companies can use to create even more growth. The right tools being put in place at the right time make all the difference.
Vice President of Product Marketing
