BPM vs Workflow Automation: What’s the Difference? [Top Integrations]
By Abhinav Girdhar | Last Updated on April 5th, 2023 9:03 am
Introduction
Business process management (BPM) and workflow automation are two approaches used by organizations to streamline and optimize their business processes. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct concepts and have different goals and implementation strategies.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between BPM and workflow automation, as well as some of the top integrations for each approach. We’ll also provide guidance on choosing the right approach for your business based on your specific needs and goals.
Workflow automation refers to the use of technology to streamline and automate routine tasks and processes. It is often used to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and free up employees’ time to focus on more valuable work. Workflow automation tools typically involve setting up rules and triggers that automate tasks and approvals, routing work to the appropriate people, and providing visibility into the status of work in progress.
What is Business Process Management (BPM)?
Business process management (BPM) is a more comprehensive approach to managing and optimizing business processes. It involves analyzing and mapping out all of the steps in a business process, identifying areas of inefficiency and opportunities for improvement, and then using technology and other tools to automate, streamline, and optimize those processes.
BPM typically involves a more strategic and holistic approach than workflow automation, and may involve organizational changes, such as redefining roles and responsibilities or reengineering processes.
Workflow Automation Tools
Here are some examples of Workflow Automation Tools
Workflow Automation Tools
Description
Workflow design tools
Tools that allow users to create custom workflows by defining rules and triggers
Task management tools
Tools that allow users to assign and manage tasks and approvals within a workflow
Notification tools
Tools that send automated notifications to users when a task or approval is required
Data integration tools
Tools that integrate with other systems to pull in data or push data out to other applications
Analytics tools
Tools that provide visibility into workflow performance, such as cycle time, bottlenecks, and resource utilization
Implementing automated loan approval processes using business rule management and RPA
Reduced processing time, improved accuracy and customer experience
Retail
Automating inventory management and order fulfillment processes using WMS and process mining
Reduced inventory costs, improved order accuracy and customer experience
Government
Streamlining permit and license application processes using enterprise architecture and BPEL
Reduced processing time, improved transparency and compliance
Benefits of using Workflow Automation
Here are the benefits of using workflow automation:
Benefits of Workflow Automation
Explanation
Increased efficiency and productivity
Automating routine and repetitive tasks frees up time for employees to focus on higher value tasks. Automated workflows also reduce delays and eliminate the need for manual intervention.
Reduced errors and improved accuracy
Automated workflows reduce the risk of errors that can result from manual data entry, and ensure that all steps are completed accurately and in the correct order. This results in fewer errors and improved accuracy.
Improved visibility and transparency
Workflow automation provides real-time visibility into the progress of tasks and processes, allowing managers and stakeholders to monitor performance and identify areas for improvement. This transparency also helps to build trust and accountability among team members.
Greater consistency and standardization
Automated workflows ensure that tasks and processes are performed consistently and according to standard procedures. This helps to reduce variability in output, and improves quality and compliance.
Better collaboration and communication
Automated workflows provide a central location for teams to collaborate and communicate on tasks and processes. This improves communication and collaboration, and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goal.
Reduced processing time and costs
Automated workflows reduce the time and costs associated with manual tasks, such as data entry and routing documents for approval. This can result in significant cost savings and improved efficiency.
Improved customer service and satisfaction
Automated workflows ensure that tasks are completed quickly and accurately, which can improve customer service and satisfaction. For example, automated customer support workflows can provide faster response times and better resolution of issues.
Increased agility and responsiveness
Automated workflows can be quickly and easily modified to respond to changing business needs or market conditions. This enables businesses to be more agile and responsive to new opportunities or challenges.
Better compliance and auditability
Automated workflows provide a clear audit trail of tasks and processes, which can help to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies. This can reduce the risk of fines or other penalties associated with non-compliance.
Benefits of using Business Process Management (BPM)
Here are the Benefits of using Business Process Management (BPM)
Benefits of BPM
Details
Improved Efficiency
BPM helps in identifying bottlenecks, redundancies, and inefficiencies in processes, allowing for optimization and streamlining of processes for greater efficiency.
Enhanced Visibility
BPM provides a clear, real-time view of the entire business process, allowing stakeholders to track progress and identify issues at each step.
Better Collaboration
BPM helps in standardizing communication and collaboration across teams, departments, and locations for seamless process management.
Reduced Errors
BPM helps in automating and eliminating manual tasks, reducing the potential for human error and improving accuracy.
Increased Agility
BPM allows for quick adaptation to changes in the market, industry, or regulations, allowing businesses to stay competitive and agile.
Improved Customer Experience
BPM helps in identifying and addressing customer pain points and bottlenecks in processes, improving overall customer experience and satisfaction.
Better Compliance
BPM helps in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
Data-Driven Insights
BPM provides valuable data insights and analytics for continuous process improvement and informed decision-making.
Best Practices for Business Process Management (BPM) and Workflow automation
Here are some best practices for Business Process Management (BPM) and Workflow Automation:
Best Practices
Workflow Automation
Business Process Management (BPM)
Identify and document processes
✅
✅
Evaluate and prioritize processes
✅
✅
Streamline processes
✅
✅
Monitor and measure processes
✅
✅
Continuously improve processes
✅
✅
Involve all stakeholders
✅
✅
Ensure data accuracy and consistency
✅
✅
Ensure system security and compliance
✅
✅
Provide adequate training and support
✅
✅
Regularly review and update processes
✅
✅
Key Differences Between BPM and Workflow Automation
Here are the key differences between BPM and Workflow Automation
BPM
Workflow Automation
Focuses on optimizing business processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Focuses on automating repetitive tasks and workflows to improve efficiency.
Can involve complex process modeling, analysis, and optimization. BPM may involve restructuring of the entire organization.
Usually involves simpler process automation, without the need for extensive modeling or analysis. Workflow Automation is usually implemented at the departmental or team level.
Can involve multiple departments and stakeholders across an organization. BPM implementation often requires collaboration across departments and stakeholder groups.
Generally focuses on individual departments or teams within an organization. Workflow Automation is generally limited to a specific department or team.
Often requires integration with other systems and technologies, such as ERP or CRM. BPM requires integration with other systems to optimize end-to-end processes.
Usually implemented as a standalone solution, without the need for integration with other systems. Workflow Automation is a standalone solution that automates a specific process or workflow.
May involve human decision-making, such as approving or rejecting a loan application. BPM may involve human intervention or exception handling for non-standard processes.
Usually involves only automated decision-making, such as triggering a workflow or sending an email notification. Workflow Automation is usually limited to standard, repetitive tasks.
Can be used to standardize and enforce compliance with industry regulations and best practices. BPM ensures that the organization is compliant with industry regulations and best practices.
Typically used to reduce errors and save time, without a direct focus on compliance. Workflow Automation streamlines repetitive tasks to reduce human error and save time.
Top Integrations for BPM and Workflow Automation
Here’s the Top Integrations for BPM and Workflow Automation
BPM
Workflow Automation
Details
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Content Management Systems (CMS)
By integrating BPM with CRM, organizations can streamline their sales and marketing processes, manage leads, and improve customer experiences. Similarly, workflow automation tools can help manage content creation, review, and publishing processes, and improve team collaboration on content projects.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Project Management Tools
Integrating BPM with ERP can help automate and optimize business processes related to finance, procurement, inventory, and manufacturing. Workflow automation tools can help manage project timelines, resources, and budgets, and improve team collaboration on project tasks.
Human Resource Management (HRM)
Collaboration Tools
By integrating BPM with HRM, organizations can automate and optimize processes related to employee onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement. Workflow automation tools can help improve team collaboration on HR-related tasks such as recruiting, scheduling, and training.
Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Marketing Automation
Integrating BPM with SCM can help organizations automate and optimize processes related to procurement, inventory management, and logistics. Workflow automation tools can help manage marketing campaigns, social media, email marketing, and customer engagement.
Business Intelligence (BI)
Customer Support and Ticketing
By integrating BPM with BI, organizations can gain insights into business performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and optimize processes accordingly. Workflow automation tools can help manage customer support tickets, prioritize and assign them to the right team members, and improve customer experiences.
Customer Experience (CX)
Accounting and Invoicing
Integrating BPM with CX can help organizations improve customer experiences across multiple touchpoints, including sales, support, and billing. Workflow automation tools can help manage accounting and invoicing processes, track payments, and improve team collaboration on financial tasks.
Top Integrations of Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Here are the Top Integrations for Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
HubSpot offers a range of integrations, including with Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics, to help businesses streamline their marketing, sales, and customer service processes.
– Provides a unified view of all customer interactions – Enables personalized and automated marketing and sales processes – Improves customer service by providing relevant and timely information to agents
Zendesk offers integrations with popular CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho, as well as other business tools like Slack and Jira, to help businesses manage customer interactions across channels.
– Provides a unified view of all customer interactions – Improves customer service by providing agents with relevant and timely information
Intercom offers integrations with popular CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot, as well as other business tools like Slack and Shopify, to help businesses manage customer conversations across channels.
– Provides a unified view of all customer interactions – Enables personalized and automated messaging across channels – Improves customer service by providing agents with relevant and timely information
Calendly offers integrations with popular CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot, as well as other business tools like Zoom and Slack, to help businesses schedule meetings and appointments more efficiently.
– Streamlines scheduling and reduces back-and-forth emails – Increases productivity by automating scheduling tasks
Top Integrations of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Here are the top integrations for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
ERP System
Top Integrations
Description
SAP
Salesforce
Integrating SAP with Salesforce allows users to share data between the two systems, providing a seamless experience for sales and customer service teams.
Microsoft Office 365
This integration allows for easy access and sharing of data between SAP and Office 365 applications, such as Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
Oracle
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Integrating Oracle with Dynamics 365 enables users to share data between the two systems, streamlining processes and increasing productivity.
Salesforce
Integrating Oracle with Salesforce enables users to access and share data between the two systems, improving communication and collaboration.
NetSuite
Shopify
Integrating NetSuite with Shopify enables users to streamline order fulfillment processes, track inventory, and manage financial data.
Zendesk
Integrating NetSuite with Zendesk allows users to access customer data and support tickets in one place, improving customer service.
Microsoft Dynamics 365
LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Integrating Dynamics 365 with LinkedIn Sales Navigator allows users to access social media insights and prospect data in one place, improving lead generation and sales processes.
Top Integrations of Human Resource Management (HRM)
Here are the top integrations for Human Resource Management (HRM)
Integration
Description
Benefits
ADP Workforce Now
Payroll and HR management software
Automated data transfer, improved data accuracy, streamlined HR processes
Here are the Guidelines for choosing between BPM and Workflow Automation
BPM
Workflow Automation
Best suited for organizations with complex, high-volume processes that require extensive human input and decision-making.
Best suited for organizations with routine, repetitive processes that can be automated without requiring human input.
Typically used in industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, where compliance, risk management, and auditing are critical.
Typically used in industries such as marketing, sales, and customer service, where speed, efficiency, and productivity are important.
Focuses on improving overall business performance, optimizing processes, and achieving long-term goals.
Focuses on increasing efficiency, reducing errors, and improving speed in day-to-day operations.
Requires significant planning, coordination, and involvement from various stakeholders, including IT, process owners, and business leaders.
Requires minimal planning and coordination, and can be implemented by individual teams or departments without extensive involvement from IT or business leaders.
Involves multiple stages, including process modeling, design, implementation, monitoring, and optimization.
Involves fewer stages, such as process identification, automation, testing, and deployment.
Usually implemented using specialized BPM software and tools that provide advanced features, such as process modeling, workflow management, and analytics.
Can be implemented using a variety of tools, including business process management software, robotic process automation, and low-code platforms.
Provides end-to-end visibility into processes and offers real-time insights that help organizations identify bottlenecks, optimize resources, and improve decision-making.
Provides limited visibility into processes and focuses on automating specific tasks or workflows without providing a comprehensive view of the overall process.
Generally involves a larger investment of time, money, and resources, but offers greater benefits in terms of cost savings, efficiency, and agility.
Generally involves a smaller investment of time, money, and resources, but offers more immediate benefits in terms of productivity, speed, and accuracy.
Conclusion
Both BPM and workflow automation are powerful tools that can help businesses streamline their operations, increase efficiency, and reduce errors. While BPM is better suited for complex, high-volume processes that require extensive human input and decision-making, workflow automation is best for routine, repetitive processes that can be automated without requiring human input. Choosing the right approach depends on the specific needs of your business, the processes you want to optimize, and the resources available.
Fortunately, with the advent of AI-driven integration platforms like Appy Pie Connect, businesses can now integrate their workflow automation and BPM solutions seamlessly and efficiently, unlocking new possibilities for process optimization, collaboration, and innovation. By leveraging the power of automation and integration, businesses can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve their bottom line. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve better business performance, improved customer satisfaction, and increased profitability.
What is Ethereum And How Does it Work? (A Beginner’s Guide to Ethereum) 
Bumble – The Multi-Functional Dating App [A Case Study] 
Best Slack Slash Commands to Boost your Productivity 
Most Popular App Categories 2021 *Top Mobile Application Categories 
An Ultimate Guide To Mobile App Install Campaigns