22 Jul, 2020 | Blogs
Business Process Automation (BPA), Business Process Management (BMP), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are some of the most popular methods companies are seeking to increase efficiency across their organization and optimize processes. BPM, BPA, and RPA are different methods that aim to improve processes in a unique way. These acronyms are technically different from each other and are a part of a broader framework that is aimed at making businesses as efficient as possible. In this blog, we will explain the different nuances of these three processes and how they can be deployed at your company.
Business Process Automation (BPA)
Simply put, business process automation (BPA) refers to a process that automates and streamlines various processes. Business process automation can be done through a range of tools and applications to achieve agility, efficiency, productivity, and higher compliance. By automating day-to-day tasks, processes are executed in a timely manner, without missing a deadline. Some of the common examples of BPA include:
- Employee onboarding
- Approving vacation requests
- Handling project reviews
- Expense filing
- New equipment requests
When business process automation is used, it lowers the total number of tasks within a process along with the total time it usually takes to finish those tasks. It helps organizations streamline workflow for better efficiency and productivity. Business process automation also has an advantage of reducing or eliminating the potential process roadblocks such as lost information and delays due to manual data entry. It automatically exchanges information and delegates work so that you can speed processes up and strive for operational excellence.
Robotic process automation (RPA)
Robotic process automation or RPA is another method deployed by companies to automate high-volume, manual business tasks. While both business process automation and RPA strive to automate processes, the key difference between the two is that RPA deploys modern cognitive technologies in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
Some of the common use cases of RPA include:
- Reconciliations
- Data entry with OCR technology
- Price comparison
- Customer service through chat bots
- Processing HR information
- Password reset
One of the most common examples of RPA is the use of chat bots to increase customer experience. Many organizations are using AI-powered chat bots that often pop-up on business’ websites. These bots work 24X7 and retrieve data or qualify customers to answer their questions or redirect them to the right person. These chat bots are being deployed to reduce an employee’s time spent on answering basic customer service questions, allowing the workforce to focus on more value-added, strategic work.
Understanding the difference between AI and RPA
Business Process Management (BPM)
Business process management (BPM) is an advanced method used to attain maximum efficiency and value out of business tasks. Unlike BPA and RPA, it does not specify any methodology, tool, or tactics. On the contrary, BPM intends to describe a discipline that is present across the company and can be applied to a several procedures. In other words, BPM constantly tries to plan, measure, and optimize processes by visualizing what a process might look like, suggesting improvements, and monitoring them.
Both BPM and RPA are becoming an integral part of organizations since they make processes quicker and can be seamlessly integrated. Some of the use cases of BPM include:
- Configuring sales process model
- Managing regulatory compliance and fraud
- Customer care and insights
- Documenting a process
Also read: Understanding the Difference Between Workflow and Business Process
How Nuummite Consulting Can Help
Business process automation, robotic process automation and business process management are three separate terms that intend to achieve the same thing: improve business processes and increase efficiency of the existing resources.
When implementing automation in your organization, it is critical to have a cohesive strategy that combines two or all the methods to simplify complex processes. At Nuummite Consulting, we understand this better than anyone else. We work together with our clients to understand the process and collaborate at each step to draw the best process to unlock business value.
We create customized solution for all departments across various industries, including Human Resources, Information Technology, as well as Finance and Accounting. We understand business before automation and work closely with your team to create cost-effective, automated processes that drive meaningful interactions. Our automation technologies ensure that mundane tasks are performed by bots and automatically passed from bots and to humans so that your workforce can focus on making more strategic decisions. It is our expertise to combine business and technology that gives us the ability to create end-to-end solutions rather than focusing on a single issue.
To know more about Nuummite Consulting, speak to our team today. If you would like to get started with digital transformation at your organization, then we can help! Get a complimentary proof of concept to see how automation will work within the controlled environment of your organization.