BPM News Round-Up – September 2024 Edition

Welcome to the September 2024 edition of our Process Management News Round-Up. This month, we delve into how artificial intelligence continues to reshape business process management across various sectors. From healthcare to public policy, AI’s integration raises important questions about its impact and the evolving role of professionals alongside these technologies.

Medical Artificial Intelligence for Clinicians: The Lost Cognitive Perspective

A new paper by Lana Tikhomirov, BPsych [Hons], and colleagues explores the effects of artificial intelligence on clinical work, emphasizing the indispensable value of human cognition in medical diagnoses. The authors discuss how AI, while proficient in data processing and pattern recognition, lacks the nuanced understanding that comes from a clinician’s experience and empathy.

The paper highlights the importance of preserving the human context in diagnoses, cautioning against over-reliance on AI systems. Tikhomirov and her team suggest that the future of healthcare lies in a collaborative approach where clinicians and AI work together. They propose several ideas for this synergy:

• Augmented Diagnostics: Clinicians could use AI as a tool to enhance diagnostic accuracy without relinquishing final decision-making responsibilities.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: AI can analyze vast datasets to recommend treatment options, but clinicians would tailor these recommendations to individual patient needs.
• Continuous Learning: AI systems could help clinicians stay updated with the latest medical research, supporting lifelong learning and professional development.

This perspective underscores a significant trend in business process management news: the move towards integrating AI in a way that complements rather than replaces human expertise.

Helping Public Decision-Making with AI-Based Policy Intelligence System

An article from Newswise introduces a collaborative project between the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI). The partnership focuses on developing an AI-based policy intelligence system to aid public decision-making.

The system aims to leverage AI to analyze complex policy scenarios, predict outcomes, and provide evidence-based recommendations. By processing large volumes of data, it could help policymakers understand the potential impacts of their decisions more comprehensively.

Possible use-cases for this AI-based system include:

• Urban Planning: Optimizing city infrastructure by predicting traffic patterns and environmental effects of new developments.
• Healthcare Management: Allocating resources effectively during public health crises by forecasting disease spread and healthcare demands.
• Environmental Policies: Assessing the long-term effects of environmental regulations on economic and ecological systems.

This initiative reflects a broader trend in business process management trends for 2024, where AI tools are increasingly employed to enhance decision-making processes in the public sector.

The Rise of Agentic Process Management

An insightful article from Forrester discusses the evolving impact of artificial intelligence on process management. The author expresses a cautious view on generative AI (GenAI), noting that while it has been the focal point of recent innovations, its applications in business process management may be overestimated.

The real disruptor, according to the article, is Agentic AI. Unlike GenAI, which primarily generates content based on existing data, Agentic AI possesses autonomous decision-making capabilities. It can understand goals, adapt to new information, and execute tasks without constant human intervention.

Key takeaways from the article include:

• Limitations of GenAI: GenAI excels in content creation but falls short in managing complex, dynamic processes that require contextual understanding.
• Potential of Agentic AI: By enabling systems to act independently within set parameters, Agentic AI can revolutionize how businesses manage and optimize processes.
• Strategic Integration: Organizations should focus on integrating Agentic AI to achieve higher efficiency, adaptability, and competitive advantage.

This perspective underscores a significant shift in business process management trends for 2024. As AI technologies mature, the emphasis is moving towards systems that can not only automate tasks but also make informed decisions, thereby enhancing overall business agility.

Springer Collection: Artificial Intelligence and Processes

Springer has opened a call for articles for a new collection titled Artificial Intelligence and Processes, which will compile the latest academic research at the intersection of AI and process management. This collection aims to serve as a valuable resource for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of how AI can be applied to optimize business processes.

Topics of Interest include:

• Integration of AI into Classic Process Management: how it will become possible in the future to improve process management via techniques like Natural Language Processing and GenAI.
• Streamlined, Hands-Off Automation: How AI could take over automating process steps that would otherwise require manual work to automate.
• Cross-Functional and Interdisciplinary use of AI in BPMN: how approaches like machine learning driven data models and IoT swarm intelligence can make more predictable and monitorable processes.

For academics and practitioners in our audience, this collection offers an excellent opportunity to get share your vast knowhow with the world and make our field better as a whole. We are proud to mention that our very own Prof. Dr. Jan Mendling is on the editorial board, contributing his expertise to ensure the collection’s relevance and quality.

Summary

Artificial intelligence continues to be a dominant force in business process management news as we progress through 2024. However, the conversation is becoming more nuanced. Instead of the earlier, widespread enthusiasm for any AI application, there’s a growing focus on how to apply AI thoughtfully and effectively. Professionals are increasingly interested in AI technologies that complement human expertise rather than replace it.

As these trends unfold, we encourage you to consider how they might impact your organization. Feel free to reach out for a discussion or a demonstration of how our solutions can help you navigate the evolving landscape of business process management trends for 2024.

Food for Thought

As AI technologies advance, how can organizations balance the efficiency gains from automation with the need for human insight and ethical considerations? This question remains central to the future of business process management. Reflecting on this balance will be crucial for professionals aiming to leverage AI without compromising on critical human values.

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