How are the terms Workflow, BPA, EAI and BPM inter-related, or are they?
Workflow, Business Process Automation (BPA) and Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) are three key components needed when working towards achieving enterprise-wide Business Process Management (BPM). An overall BPM strategy and methodology will ensure that every process, whether systemic or manual, is evaluated closely and, where appropriate, prescribed a solution. • A workflow solution ensures the smooth flow of information from one person to another person, or system, in the firm. • BPA is a collection of business rules that can be used to mimic the decision-making ability of an associate in the firm. • EAI brings together disparate systems to improve the exchange of information across the existing technology within the enterprise. • BPM involves the use of these three components and other appropriate techniques to design, analyze, and manage operational business processes and, where possible, to improve those processes in any organization.
