Let’s embark on a transformational journey from Business Process Management (BPM) to Digital Process Automation (DPA), a change that is reshaping the business world. DPA, a term coined by Forrester Research in 2017, signifies a shift from conventional BPM Software to innovative systems that employ low-code development tools to automate tasks cutting across multiple applications. Be it sales, marketing, management, IT, or production, the utility of DPA has permeated various business functions. Through this digital revolution, the aim is to enhance your business efficiencies by automating workflows that typically demand human interaction. From delivering cost and time savings to improving customer experience, the potential benefits of DPA are extensive. But remember, the journey requires strategy – identify suitable processes, establish alliances with IT, introduce governance, and start small before leveling up. Continue reading to find out the skills on how to Transitioning from BPM to DPA.
Understanding Business Process Management
Understanding Business Process Management (BPM) is fundamental to appreciate the evolution of enterprise automation. BPM refers to the practice of aligning all aspects of an organization with its client wants and needs. It is a holistic management approach that promotes business effectiveness and efficiency while aiming for innovation, flexibility, and integrated technology.
Definition of Business Process Management
Business Process Management (BPM) encompasses the strategy, methods, techniques, and tools to manage and continuously improve an organization’s business processes. It involves defining, visualizing, measuring, and controlling the procedure to ensure consistent output aligned with the organizational goal.
Role of BPM in organizations
BPM plays a critical role in organizations by providing a structured approach to streamline and optimize business processes. This leads to a more effective workflow, increased productivity, cost reduction, and improved customer satisfaction. It helps to convert raw data into valuable insights for making informed business decisions.
BPM software tools
Understanding the importance of bpm software tools is critical. BPM software tools play a vital role in implementing BPM in an organization. These tools help to design, model, execute, monitor, and optimize business processes. They provide end-to-end solutions ranging from workflow tracking to collaboration and integration with other business functions.
Introduction to Digital Process Automation
Taking a step ahead, let’s explore what Digital Process Automation (DPA) is all about and how it marks an evolution in BPM.
Definition of DPA
Digital Process Automation (DPA) uses low-code development tools to automate tasks that span multiple applications. It is an advanced form of BPM, which emphasizes digitizing business processes to minimize manual effort and improve efficiency.
Forrester’s role in coining DPA
Forrester Research, a reputable research company, coined the term DPA in 2017. This was in recognition of the shift from traditional BPMS to DPA for enhanced digital transformation in businesses.
DPA deep and DPA wide explained
Forrester categorizes DPA into two types – DPA Deep and DPA Wide. DPA Deep signifies evolved BPMS tools for complex business processes, while DPA Wide implies lighter tools designed for simple process automation.
Comparison between DPA and BPM
While BPM works at a more comprehensive level, focusing on the overall business process and workflows, DPA extends these principles to cover the entire gamut of tasks within the workflows. Compared to BPM, DPA is more tactical and focuses more on achieving tasks and objectives at pace.
The Shift from BPM to DPA
There’s a growing trend of shifting from traditional Business Process Management to Digital Process Automation. Here’s why.
The growing trend towards enterprise automation
Enterprise automation, including DPA, is making waves in the corporate world. The shift towards DPA signifies an approach to refine, streamline, and automate business processes using digital technology to drive performance and efficiency.
Reasons for the shift
The move from BPM to DPA is driven by the need for faster and more flexible processing, increased agility, cost efficiencies, and improved customer experience. DPA offers an agile and responsive mechanism to adapt rapidly to changing business needs.
Challenges in transitioning from BPM to DPA
It’s important to understand that this transition is not without challenges. These typically entail gaining executive buy-in, migrating from legacy applications to new ones, user training, and dealing with technical glitches.
Applications of Digital Process Automation
To understand transitioning from BPA to DPA, you must first understand the applications of DPA. DPA has a wide range of applications across different areas of businesses.
Usage of DPA in various business functions
From sales, marketing, management, IT to production, all business functions can benefit from DPA. It aids in various functions that typically require manual interaction, transitioning towards more automated workflows that save time and effort.
Examples of common business processes automated using DPA
Common business processes such as customer onboarding, procurement, and order fulfillment can be automated using DPA, leading to significant efficiency gains and improved customer experiences.
DPA in sales, marketing, IT and production
In sales, DPA can automate order management, while in marketing, it can manage campaign executions. IT can utilize DPA to streamline support services, and production departments can automate manufacturing processes.
Benefits of Digital Process Automation
Digital Process Automation has multiple benefits that can translate into measurable business outcomes.
Cost savings
One of the significant benefits of DPA is cost savings. By automating manual tasks, organizations can reduce overheads tied to human resources and errors.
Increased efficiency
Efficient workflows are central to DPA. Automation speeds up repetitive tasks, freeing up staff to concentrate on strategic activities and boost productivity.
Improved customer experience
Automation can deliver a better customer experience by reducing wait times, errors, and inconsistencies in service. Customized processes can also lead to enhanced customer engagement.
Time savings
DPA reduces cycle times and improves process reliability, leading to substantial time savings – an invaluable resource in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Difference between DPA and RPA
Understanding the distinctions between DPA and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is essential as both are distinct yet related technologies.
Definition of Robotic Process Automation
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) replicates human actions to handle repetitive tasks by following rule-based processes. Unlike DPA, RPA mimics the actions of a human user rather than integrating with applications.
Key differences between DPA and RPA
While both DPA and RPA aim to automate tasks, they differ in terms of capability and integration. DPA uses low-code platforms integrated with applications to automate processes, while RPA relies on software robots to mimic human tasks.
Combining DPA and RPA to implement Intelligent Process Automation
Combining the capabilities of DPA and RPA can lead to Intelligent Process Automation (IPA), catering to more complex and cognitive tasks. The simultaneous application of both can lead to a more comprehensive, end-to-end automation solution.
Guidelines to Implement DPA
Implementing DPA in an organization requires a deliberate approach and careful planning.
Identifying processes for automation
The first step to implementing DPA is identifying the processes for automation. These are usually high-volume, repetitive tasks that consume excessive time and resources.
Collaborating with IT
A close collaboration with the IT department is critical for a successful DPA implementation. Being tech-based, DPA requires the IT department’s involvement for setup, integration, and troubleshooting.
Importance of governance in DPA
Governance in DPA is crucial to ensure that the deployed automated processes adhere to the set policies and regulatory guidelines of the organization.
Starting with simple processes before scaling up
It’s always advisable to automate simple, less complex processes first to gain confidence in DPA before moving on to automate more complex tasks.
DPA Tools and Vendors
The selection of the right DPA tool and vendor is crucial for a successful implementation.
Introduction to DPA tools
DPA tools assist in designing, configuring, and managing the automated processes. They can comprise built-in features like automation capabilities, notifications, or application development tools, depending on the vendor and the specific tool.
Traditional BPMS vendors like Appian and IBM
Traditional BPMS vendors such as Appian and IBM have adapted to the DPA evolution, offering tools that integrate seamlessly with other applications and offer robust process management features.
DPA Wide vendors like AgilePoint and Nintex
DPA Wide vendors like AgilePoint and Nintex cater to the simple process automation category within DPA, providing intuitive workflow interfaces and speedy implementations.
Key features of DPA tools
Key features to look for in DPA tools include ease of use, integration capabilities, scalability, process modeling and analytics, among others.
Case Studies of Successful DPA Implementation
There have been numerous instances where businesses experienced a positive shift in performance after DPA implementation.
Successful DPA applications in businesses
Successful applications range across industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to finance and retail. The measure of success usually gets reflected in increased productivity, cost reduction, and improved customer experiences.
Effects of DPA on business performance
DPA can have a transformative effect on business performance. Besides improving efficiency and reducing costs, DPA can also contribute to business agility and competitive advantage in today’s digital marketplace.
Lessons from successful DPA implementations
Lessons from successful DPA implementations emphasize the importance of initial planning, understanding the business pain points and needs, engaging stakeholders, setting clear objectives, and continuous monitoring and improvement of the automated processes.
Future trends in Digital Process Automation
As technology advances, the reach and applications of DPA are expected to evolve as well.
Potential developments in DPA
Future developments in DPA may include more sophisticated automation tools, expanding the scope of DPA to include more complex, cross-functional procedures.
Integration of AI and machine learning within DPA
The integration of AI and machine learning within DPA could unlock more significant potential- further improving the ability to predict, analyze, and make decisions based on data.
Predicted effects on businesses implementing DPA
Given the myriad benefits offered, businesses implementing DPA can expect an accelerated digital transformation journey, significant cost savings, improved efficiency, enhanced customer service, and a competitive edge in their industry.