This is one of the most frequently asked question when making a decision to implement a solution involving Portal based workflow. I have tried to put together some points on why to go with a BPM solution:
Why to go for BPM when same functionality can be implemented using Guided Procedures?
> There are numerous reasons for going ahead with BPM solution but I have listed some of them which are more important in my view:
1. Features: Yes we can design a robust workflow spanning across various SAP and Non SAP systems using BPM and Guided Procedures but BPM has a big edge over GP in terms of lower time to implement and being agile at the same time. BPM provides lot of pre-delivered functionalities (like Automatic Notifications, KPI Monitoring, automatic UI generation from Context, etc.).
2. Time to market: With lots of the standard pre-delivered content and starter kits reduces the amount of Custom Development required and hence leading to reduced timelines to realize the solution.
3. Agility: Today we need agility in our businesses to keep the competitive edge and BPM provides that by supporting agile Business Process (Changes can be made easily) and continuous process improvement. On the development side, BPM provides a pictorial representation of the Business Process that can be easily understood either by a Business guy or a developer.
4. Business Rules Management: BRM integrated with BPM helps in automating the high-volume low-impact decision making which can lead to greater efficiencies by eliminating the human interaction in such scenarios. Also the decision logic is not coded into the applications and can be modified easily.
5. Support: With Guided Procedures having official support till 2013, it is also an area of concern and I think slowly the guided procedures will move towards BPM.
6. Better Returns: SAP Netweaver BPM helps in increased ROI by monitoring key performance indicators, enhanced process agility and continuous process innovation.
