How BPM and RPA can be combined to accelerate hyperautomation

 

Combining Business Process Management (BPM) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can create a powerful synergy known as hyperautomation. Hyperautomation is a strategic approach that leverages various technologies, including RPA and BPM, to automate and optimize business processes comprehensively. This combination accelerates the transformation of manual and repetitive tasks into efficient, automated workflows. Here's how BPM and RPA can be integrated to accelerate hyperautomation:

1. Process Discovery and Analysis:

• BPM: Start by identifying and documenting your existing business processes using BPM tools. Analyze these processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas suitable for automation.
• RPA: Once you've identified processes for automation, RPA bots can be used to replicate and automate repetitive, rule-based tasks within those processes.

2. Workflow Design and Orchestration:

• BPM: BPM platforms excel in defining and orchestrating end-to-end workflows. Use BPM to model and design optimized processes that include both automated and manual tasks.
• RPA: Integrate RPA bots seamlessly into your BPM-defined workflows. BPM systems can trigger RPA bots when specific conditions are met or when tasks require automation.

3. Task Allocation:

• BPM: BPM tools can allocate tasks to human workers and RPA bots based on predefined rules and conditions. BPM ensures that tasks are routed to the appropriate resources.
• RPA: RPA bots can handle the execution of repetitive tasks within processes. They can interact with various applications, extract data, perform calculations, and more.

4. Exception Handling:

• BPM: BPM systems can identify exceptions or deviations from the standard process flow. When exceptions occur, BPM can trigger alerts or reroute tasks for human intervention.
• RPA: RPA bots can assist in handling routine exceptions by following predefined decision trees. If complex decisions are required, BPM can step in to guide the process.

5. Data Integration and Reporting:

• BPM: BPM platforms often have robust data integration capabilities, allowing you to collect and aggregate data from multiple sources. They can generate reports and provide insights into process performance.
• RPA: RPA bots can be programmed to input data accurately into various systems and applications, ensuring data consistency and reducing manual data entry errors.

6. Continuous Improvement:

• BPM: BPM tools support process monitoring and analysis. They can track process performance metrics and identify areas for improvement.
• RPA: RPA bots provide data on task execution times, error rates, and other relevant performance metrics. This data can be used to optimize both the RPA bots and the overall process.

7. Scalability:

• BPM: BPM systems offer scalability by accommodating process changes and adapting to evolving business needs.
• RPA: RPA bots can be scaled easily to handle increased volumes of work without the need for significant infrastructure changes.

8. Governance and Compliance:

• BPM: BPM provides a framework for enforcing governance and compliance by defining rules and access controls.
• RPA: RPA can be configured to ensure that automated tasks comply with regulations and standards.

By combining BPM and RPA in a hyperautomation strategy, organizations can achieve end-to-end process automation while maintaining flexibility, scalability, and the ability to handle complex scenarios. This synergy allows businesses to accelerate their digital transformation efforts and realize significant improvements in operational efficiency, cost reduction, and overall agility.