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BPM software helps companies translate data into actions

Malcolm Ross, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy, Appian
February 13, 2013

Big data and similar trends are putting many organizations in a position where information becomes the core lifeblood of their operations. However, companies often face problems when they have analyzed data effectively, but lack a cohesive way to move from studying data to using it. Business process management software can provide companies with the ability to make information actionable, a recent SmartDataCollectivereport explained.

Getting the most out of data

According to the news source, the rise of big data has led to many companies focusing on how they gather and analyze unstructured and structured data. New challenges emerge once the data has been handled effectively. Many organizations still function in strict silos that divide operations by departmental lines. For big data to be used as effectively as possible, the information has to be delivered to end users in an integrated way that crosses these longstanding silo barriers. BPM software can initiate that process by providing organizations with a broader view of information that is integrated across the operational landscape.

However, integrating the information into various applications and systems is not enough to make it actionable. The report said many businesses have found ways to move data around the company effectively, but few have gone from handling that information well to making it actionable. Achieving this is necessary to help employees identify the best ways to use information to drive productivity gains. BPM software can provide the functionality necessary to make data useful.

The news source explained that aligning data-driven enterprise ideals with process-focused operations is necessary to take information and maximize its value. BPM solutions make this possible because their core focus is on taking various technological solutions and aligning them with process ideals within an organization.

Importance of BPM

Big data is not the only technological trend impacting organizations. Cloud computing, the bring-your-own-device movement and social initiatives are all changing the way many businesses function. As these solutions gain leverage in corporate IT departments, there is a growing need to adjust operations in response to technological capabilities. Without such adaptation, organizations can end up mired in a situation in which they are spending a lot of money on IT, but not seeing those investments provide any significant return. BPM platforms provide the process-focused foundation needed to ensure that IT innovation breeds operational gains. As a result, BPM software is emerging as a key technology in many sectors and helping companies align business and IT functionality.

Malcolm Ross

Vice President of Product Marketing