Process mining enables you to see how business processes really work, based on facts, not assumptions. We asked Marcus Andersson, Certified SAP Signavio Consultant at Implema, to tell us more about process mining, how to get started, and the role AI plays.
Hello there, Marcus Andersson, What Exactly is Process Mining?
– Simply put, it’s a method that combines different analytical areas to analyze processes based on their actual “as-is” data to see how the company’s processes work in practice. You start with data already in the business system, such as logs, transactions, and timestamps, and build a picture of how the processes really look, not just how you think they look. This way, you can discover bottlenecks, unnecessary steps, and deviations.
What Benefits Can Companies Gain from Process Mining?
– Above all, it provides transparency. Many companies are surprised when they see how their processes actually work. It becomes clear: here we lose time, here the same step is done multiple times, here unnecessary costs are created. With that insight, you can then improve processes, automate repetitive parts, and shorten lead times. This ultimately leads to both efficiency, lower costs, and better customer experience. The goal of process mining is to transform your data into actionable insights by revealing the current state of processes and creating opportunities for improvements.
Many companies are surprised when they see how their processes actually work. It becomes clear: here we lose time, here the same step is done multiple times, here unnecessary costs are created.
Can You Give some Concrete Examples?
– Absolutely. Some typical areas where process mining can quickly make a difference are:
? Order-to-Cash
• Discover unnecessary manual steps in order registration.
• Identify bottlenecks that cause delivery delays.
• Reduce the number of credits and return flows by analyzing error sources.
? Purchase-to-Pay
• Shorter lead times from order to payment.
• Reveal deviations, such as orders outside agreements or delayed approvals.
• Automate recurring purchases and invoice matching.
? Logistics and Inventory
• Make visible where delays occur in the transport chain.
• Optimize inventory levels based on actual demand.
• Reduce double handling and unnecessary transports.
– These are processes that almost all companies struggle with, and where the benefits become apparent quickly.
How Can Implema’s Customers Use Process Mining?
– Our customers often use business systems like SAP and Microsoft Dynamics. There is already a lot of data about how the business runs daily. By applying process mining, we can help them get a comprehensive picture of, for example, order-to-cash, purchase-to-pay, or logistics flows. Then we can together identify improvements and in the next step implement measures in the system.
The advantage is that it is not based on feelings or guesses, but on facts. You get a basis for driving change with great precision.
How Does Process Mining Differ from Process Mapping?
– Process mapping is the classic way to outline how processes should work – often as flowcharts or BPMN models based on workshops and knowledge from process experts that provide a “to-be” process. It’s a good way to create a common understanding of the processes and how they are intended to work.
– Process mining, on the other hand, shows “as-is,” meaning how the processes actually look in reality, based on data from business systems. It can often be an eye-opener when you compare the map (process mapping) with reality (process mining).
How Can Companies Use both Methods Together?
– The greatest benefit comes from combining mapping and mining. Start with a process map to create consensus around the intended flow. Then use process mining to test if reality matches the map. That’s where the most important insights arise: where are the gaps, where do bottlenecks occur, and where can the process be improved? When the actual steps and variants of a process are revealed, it’s beneficial to compare it with an existing “to-be” process to identify deviations or undiscovered flows.
– In this way, process mapping becomes a way to define the target image, while process mining becomes the tool to measure, verify, and improve.
Is Process Mining Already Standard in our most Common Business Systems, like Dynamics 365 and SAP S/4hana?
– Yes, both Microsoft and SAP now have process mining functionality built into their platforms. In Dynamics 365, it happens through Power Automate Process Mining, where you can visualize flows, identify bottlenecks, and get AI-driven recommendations via Copilot.
In SAP S/4HANA, there are ready-made process mining models for, for example, accounts payable, production, and inventory management. They provide KPIs like throughput time, automation rate, and compliance analysis directly as standard. Additionally, there is SAP Signavio Process Intelligence, which is an advanced and powerful process mining tool that can easily be adapted to company-specific flows and KPIs.
The advantage for our customers is that they can start analyzing and improving processes without having to purchase external tools. Then we at Implema can help them customize the solution, integrate more data sources, and connect process mining with automation or AI for even greater effect.
How is AI Used in Process Mining?
– Process mining is fundamentally data-driven. You analyze large amounts of process data. This is where AI comes in as the next step. With the help of AI, we can not only map and understand the processes but also predict problems before they occur and automatically suggest solutions.
An example is that AI can identify patterns indicating a risk of delays in the supply chain and directly suggest alternative actions. In the long run, the combination of process mining and AI leads to more proactive and autonomous processes, where the system itself optimizes the flows.
What is your Best Advice for Companies Curious about Process Mining?
– Start with a limited flow, such as order management or the invoice process. The benefits become apparent quickly. Once the organization sees the value, you can scale up to more processes. The important thing is to see process mining as a continuous improvement tool, not a one-time project.
