Process discovery is another avenue to improving processes. Unlike process mining, process discovery does not use event logs or access enterprise systems’ back ends. Instead, it operates on the user’s desktop and tracks user behavior via keystrokes or mouse clicks. While process mining is system-oriented, process discovery is user-oriented, bringing the human element into an understanding of processes. “For example, when an invoice gets updated in an ERP system, it shows up in an event log, but the steps taken by the accounts receivable individual to file it are not necessarily visible,” said Holly Anderson, VP of product marketing at Nintex. “Process discovery provides that missing piece.”
Nintex provides a set of tools that allow for process discovery and automation, as well as process mapping and process analytics. The Nintex process discovery robot captures information about users’ activities, and Promapp shows a map that reflects the process information collected. “Promapp optimizes the process,” noted Anderson, “so that companies don’t end up automating a badly designed process.” Once the most efficient path is determined, Nintex automation tools such as Kryon RPA or Nintex Workflow can automate the selected process.
Process discovery and process mining are synergistic rather than competitive. “Our process discovery product can integrate with process mining,” continued Anderson, “which creates a more complete description of process in an enterprise.” Most companies come to Nintex with a particular issue or concern, rather than a comprehensive digital transformation. They need to understand what processes and tasks are in place, what the optimal flow is, and what existing processes could be automated. “Our goal is to build out a process system of record,” Anderson said.
“Our products can reach out to any system and bring in information from all of them. What we are looking to build out is a single source of truth for process, which we have not seen in the industry so far.”