What is Process Mining, and why is it important? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and then illustrate several applications of this technique, highlighting the advantages for companies.
Gartner, the author of the Magic Quadrant for Process Mining Platforms, predicts that by 2026, 25% of global enterprises will have adopted process mining platforms. The digitalization of processes generates large amounts of data across all business areas, and with Process Mining, companies can leverage this data to improve their processes and increase operational efficiency.
But what exactly is Process Mining? In short, it’s a discipline that combines data science and business process management to analyze real business processes and optimize them.
What is Process Mining and how it works
Process Mining is a technique that extracts information from data recorded in information systems to analyze business processes. It uses real data to create an accurate process map, providing a graphical representation of the process that helps identify deviations, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies.
Its operation is based on the following steps:
- Data Extraction: Collect information from various business sources;
- Data Preparation: Prepare the extracted data, in the form of an event log, to be processed by Process Mining algorithms;
- Application of Process Mining Algorithms and Mapping Generation: Algorithms analyze the event log and generate flow diagrams, process maps, and interactive charts;
- Process Analysis: Identify any bottlenecks or recurring patterns;
- Continuous Monitoring: Enables an up-to-date view of workflows.
Through Process Mining, companies can better understand how their operations are performed, identify areas for improvement, and take targeted action to optimize performance.
Applications of Process Mining in enterprises and public administration
Now that we understand what Process Mining is, it’s important to explore where it can be applied. It has numerous applications across various industries and business functions, making it a versatile tool for digital transformation.
Some applications include:
- Production Process Optimization: For example, in manufacturing, process mining can analyze data from machinery and production management systems to reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and cut operational costs.
- Customer Service Improvement: In the context of customer service, it can analyze ticket flows and customer interactions to improve service quality and customer satisfaction.
- Accounting Process Optimization: Analyze order management, accounts payable, and payment reconciliation processes to identify discrepancies or inefficiencies, reducing execution times and increasing transparency.
- Compliance and Conformity: Process mining can verify regulatory compliance by comparing real processes with those required by regulations, identifying any non-compliance and simplifying the audit process.
- Digital Transformation: Process mining serves as a key tool for digital transformation initiatives.
In the specific context of public administration, applications may lead to:
- Increased Agility and Productivity: Analyzing and mapping processes to discover strengths and weaknesses;
- Service Optimization for Citizens: Knowing the status of each process and offering transparency to users.
In this area, Revelis has developed ProMETeO, a platform based on Rialto™ that enables process analysis using information system logs and offers functions to:
- Identify process variants;
- Graphically analyze variants;
- Detect bottlenecks;
- Verify process compliance with corporate standards.
Benefits of process Mining for enterprises
Using process mining can bring several benefits to companies, particularly in terms of operational efficiency and competitiveness:
- Greater Transparency: Companies can understand exactly how activities are carried out and easily identify areas needing improvement.
- Cost Reduction: By identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks, companies can optimize processes and reduce operating costs.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Process mining enables strategic decisions based on concrete data, resulting in more accurate and timely decision-making, improved resource management, and enhanced effectiveness of business initiatives.
- Continuous Improvement: With process mining, constant monitoring of process trends allows real-time corrections, fostering ongoing improvement.
Conclusions
Adopting process mining techniques today offers all organizations an unprecedented opportunity, translating into a significant competitive advantage for companies and public administrations through process optimization and enhanced operational efficiency. Furthermore, its numerous applications make it an essential tool for companies seeking to tackle the challenges of digitalization.
Investing in process mining means equipping oneself with an effective tool to drive digital transformation and achieve new levels of efficiency and innovation.
