In a digital transformation, an important element is process. Processes describe the activities that fulfill a business purpose in a specific order. It is precisely these processes that are often the starting point for digitization and ultimately the reason for a holistic transformation.
An important method in the field of process digitization/optimization is so-called process mining.
Process mining is actually a discipline of business data analysis that is used in the operations area of a company to improve processes. The individual steps of the process stored in the systems are combined and the process is visualized in its entirety (see the figure opposite):
Process mining makes it possible to model the implicit and otherwise hidden process knowledge contained in data and thus make it tangible and transportable. The technique is often used …
- if no formal description of the processes is possible by other approaches.
- When the quality of existing process records is questionable.
- when objective causes of process variations are to be identified.
- if the effect of change (e.g. digitization) is to be analyzed for its degree of effectiveness
- when comparisons between processes, business units, etc. are to be performed.
The advantages of such a method lie in the fast, automated and objective analysis of process runs executed umpteen times and the detection of strengths and weaknesses. The goals that can be pursued are manifold:
– Optimized processes enable the automation of workflows and increase efficiency.
– Throughput times and process quality are significantly improved.
– Savings: Less working time and reduced working capital costs lower expenses.
– Compliance is monitored, process violations and overall risks are reduced.
– Focus: ERP and IT projects gain insight into truly needed and redundant processes before migration.
– Transparency: Agnostic data provides real-time insights, avoids opinion-based discussions, and reduces audit complexity.
Here we will now show how process mining can be used as a method in a company and which project structure can be followed.
