Did you know that Microsoft Excel – when it was launched in the 90s – was taught as a computer science subject? Today, a digital workplace would be unthinkable without Excel: We all use Excel – and usually (all Data Scientists excluded) without any special Data Science training at all. A similar development, namely a democratization of access to information and knowledge, can be observed again today in the environment of data analysis ...

The image of the typical BI user is moving from the Data Scientist to every end user in every department for every analysis purpose. Where experts used to create subject-specific prefabricated analysis sheets with the "most important key figures", today end users can build their own dashboards entirely according to their individual information needs. Qlik® refers to this as goverened Self Service BI. In addition to access for anyone, access today is also possible "from anywhere and at any time" as well as "via any mobile device". This is now also possible for the process analysis technology Process Mining why Process Mining should become part of the self-service analysis universe in the digital workplace and how meaningful technology symbioses can be used is the topic of the following.

Democratization of data and process knowledge

The objective of most companies dealing with data analysis is to improve process quality and efficiency within the company. The application of Process Mining makes a significant contribution to this. The broad access of users and the associated democratization of data should help companies to develop into a data-driven organization in which all employees, regardless of their previous knowledge, are able to gain insights and make decisions that contribute to business success. Because not every employee has sufficient data literacy – the ability to read, work with, analyze and reason with data – the trend now is to support users in using analytics software. To achieve this, technological developments from the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and Augmented Intelligence are now being incorporated into analytics and Process Mining software.

Artificial Intelligence | Machine learning is the focus here. Ultimately, machines make decisions on the basis of previously acquired knowledge. Through the interaction of computer science, data science, computing power and algorithms, machines are able to independently solve problems and complete tasks that were previously the preserve of humans. Artificial intelligence replaces human intelligence and computers are given complete autonomy in certain areas. Interaction with humans is no longer necessary.

Augmented Intelligence | This type leaves the decision-making entirely up to the human. Augmented intelligence is only intended to support human thinking and decision-making. Humans and machines interact. The authority over the actual action and any decisions remains with the human.

Some AI applications rely on machine automation alone. But human interaction and perspective is essential for solving most complex business problems. We therefore consider an extension of Business Intelligence and Process Mining with Augmented Intelligence to be a sensible development – users receive contextual suggestions that help them uncover previously hidden insights. Employees can explore new avenues, and with each new discovery they gain confidence.

Turn two into one

BI applications are growing closer and closer together with Process Mining solutions. Why does this make sense? The basic and fundamental tasks involved in data sourcing, modeling and delivery are very similar. There are already some tool symbioses on the market, which are also welcomed in the Gartner Market Guide for Process Mining 2019. There are several reasons why the convergence of tools makes sense:

The use of the analysis tools broadly pursues the same goal: Operational Excellence and, as a result, a future-proof, efficiently operating, successful company.

The development towards the democratization of analyses makes the convergence of Business Intelligence and Process Mining technologies even more meaningful. There is a necessity for a convenient analysis world for the end users at digital workplaces.

Since the systems and data sources go hand in hand anyway at a high percentage, two analysis islands would obviously make little sense not only from a user perspective, but also from a data procurement perspective.

In summary, the question why Process Mining should become part of the digital workplace as part of the one SINGLE POINT OF TRUTH, can be answered by a simple counter question: would you privately buy two smartphones just to install two apps? Probably not 🙂

If you would like to learn more about Process Mining and its synergy effects to Business Intelligence, please register for the ProcessMining BlackBox, the Insider Portal for interested people who want to "get smart". In the BlackBox, members will find basic and specialized information as well as new webinars and infographics on a regular basis.

Webinar on Demand | You can observe how users are actively supported by Augmented Intelligence in self-service analysis and interact with process data via natural language. (The webinar is held in english language)