How BPM automation helps your business run more efficiently

What is business process management automation?

Business process management automation, or BPM automation, uses software to run whole business processes with less manual work, so teams save time and cut errors.

• It automates end-to-end processes, not just single tasks.
• It cuts repetitive work and frees staff for key jobs.
• It can save 10 to 50 percent of the time spent on manual work.

Many companies waste time on dull, repeat tasks. These tasks matter for daily operations. Still, they eat up a big share of your employees’ time. That time is better spent on more important work.

Because of this, firms built new ways to cut these slow tasks. As a result, we now have business process management automation, or BPM automation. In this article, we explain how it works and why it helps.

What is BPM automation?

As the name says, BPM automation means automating a business process to make it run better. It uses technology to turn manual tasks into fast, digital steps.

With BPM automation, staff can save as much as 10 to 50 percent of the time once lost to manual work. In short, it makes processes leaner by removing overlap and adding software where it fits.

Many outsourcing firms, like Clark Staff, use technology and new processes to reach this level of efficiency. Smart workflow automation is a big part of that edge.

Automated employee onboarding is one clear example. Once hired, a worker fills out digital forms instead of paper ones. So the new hire can complete them fast, even on a phone.

Next, the forms route to the right departments for filing. As a result, heavy paperwork no longer slows the new hire down.

BPM automation vs robotic process automation

Robotic process automation, or RPA, is another kind of automation. It looks a bit like BPM automation at first. However, their similarities stop there.

BPM automation takes a whole-process view. So it focuses on end-to-end processes, not single tasks. In contrast, RPA handles one task at a time. You can learn more in this guide to robotic process automation.

This limit comes from RPA’s use of code and bots. Each task needs its own script, checked by a subject matter expert (SME). For example, bots can automate log-ins, data checks, or copy-and-paste work. Still, each task needs separate code.

Moreover, BPM automation is broad by design. So you can plug RPA software into an existing BPM automation system.

Benefits of BPM automation

BPM automation brings real gains to any workflow. It helps both in the short term and the long run. Below are some of the main upsides.

Increased productivity

Automation leads to a smoother, faster workflow. As a result, productivity goes up. It also reduces bottlenecks and hiccups. Moreover, it tracks whole processes, so you can spot where to improve.

Error reduction

Automation limits human input in routine work. As a result, fewer errors come from fatigue or slips. If an error does happen, you can trace it to its source fast. Then you can fix the cause and stop it from repeating.

Improved organizational agility

BPM automation tools help firms adapt to change. Because BPM makes processes clear, changes are easier to roll out. As a result, your team can adjust fast to both internal and outside pressures. Strong back office outsourcing can support this shift.

Eliminating micromanagement

Micromanagement often comes from a need to avoid errors. Leaders push staff to follow strict methods. However, BPM automation documents each process clearly. It also spells out who does what. As a result, the need to micromanage fades.

Data access management

BPM automation lets firms control who sees which data. So staff avoid the confusion of too much information. In addition, work moves faster. Each person knows exactly which data to use and which to skip.

Top 5 most powerful BPM automation tools

There is no shortage of BPM automation tools on the market. This range shows how useful these tools have become. Still, the sheer number of options can overwhelm buyers. So we trimmed the list to five strong choices. For more on the wider gains, see these benefits of automation. Take a look below.

Kissflow

Kissflow is an affordable cloud-based BPM tool. It suits small and medium-sized businesses. It also handles processes with many staff and links to outside apps through APIs.

airSlate

Businesses can use this platform for BPM too. airSlate takes a no-code approach. So teams build and automate workflows with its drag-and-drop Flow Creator.

FlowWright

FlowWright is enterprise-grade BPM software for team leaders and managers. It supports task creation, routing, time tracking, and email alerts. As a result, managers can see project status, spot bottlenecks, and gauge output. Mapping steps first with business process mapping makes these tools work even better.

ClickUp

ClickUp is more than process management software. It also helps project managers plan and organize work. Its custom features let teams of any size run each step without switching platforms.

Monday.com

Monday.com is a cloud-based Work OS. It supports project and process management plus daily operations. With Monday, managers build custom workflow templates, track deadlines, and link to other apps.

Frequently asked questions about BPM automation

What is business process management automation?

It is the use of software to run whole business processes with less manual work. As a result, teams save time and make fewer errors. It covers end-to-end processes, not just one task.

How is BPM automation different from RPA?

BPM automation manages whole, end-to-end processes. RPA automates one task at a time with bots and code. Still, you can run RPA inside a larger BPM system.

What are the main benefits of BPM automation?

It boosts productivity and cuts errors. In addition, it makes firms more agile and reduces micromanagement. It also gives better control over data access.

Which BPM automation tools should I consider?

Popular options include Kissflow, airSlate, and FlowWright. ClickUp and Monday.com are strong picks too. So compare features against your own process needs.

Is BPM automation only for large companies?

No, firms of all sizes can use it. For example, Kissflow suits small and medium businesses. So you can start small and scale later.

Key takeaways

• BPM automation uses software to run whole business processes with less manual work.
• It can save 10 to 50 percent of the time spent on manual tasks.
• Unlike RPA, it manages end-to-end processes, not single tasks.
• Key gains include higher productivity, fewer errors, and better agility.
• Tools like Kissflow, airSlate, FlowWright, ClickUp, and Monday.com can help.