INUBIUM: Cover Story 9th Issue (September 2011)
inubit Suite 6
Bringing Together Processes, Data, Applications and Stakeholders
inubit has just released inubit Suite 6 and BPM+, thus marking the launch of the next generation of process management software. In this question-and-answer session, the product managers Dr. Frank Puhlmann, Dirk Slama and Sebastian Zabre explain the new technological features of inubit Suite 6, outlining the added value key users can gain from BPM+, and what differentiates inubit from the competition.
From a product management point of view, what are the key developments in today’s BPM market?
Frank Puhlmann: Today, BPM solution providers have to meet far more complex requirements than they did just a few years ago. Whereas at the end of the previous decade, it was enough to define the sequence of forms as workflow, in order to convert a CRM solution into a BPM product, users now want to be able to use the entire BPM stack consistently and homogenously, and functional and operational requirements have increased significantly.
This means on the one hand, for example, that existing functions such as modeling, automation, and integration, which we know will accelerate relevant benchmarks such as time-to-market or return of investment, are continuously improving.
On the other hand however, innovations involve more than just sporadically improving the BPM stack, and must embrace a more comprehensive approach that transforms basic, form-based processes into end-to-end business solutions. These solutions are made up of a wide variety of process types, and integrate both existing business applications and data. inubit has come up with the name BPM+ for its new application, to reflect the additional functionality that goes above that offered by traditional BPM software programs.
Another interesting trend is evident in the area of cloud computing. Whereas previously, this was a somewhat vague marketing buzzword, recently there has been a more definite shift from companies operating their own business solutions to using dynamic platforms that can be scaled to their specific requirements. This means that small-scale scenarios can be implemented rapidly and cost-effectively, and put into operation throughout the entire enterprise at a later stage. The development of these solutions is only at an early stage, however, and a number of obstacles remain to be overcome before the ultimate objective is reached. This means that only parts of processes that involve personal data, for example, can be implemented in-house, and in some cases may only be saved in physical data centers in the EU.
Until such time as these requirements can be implemented in a flexible infrastructure, however, a number of “quick wins” are possible on the way, particularly for business departments. In addition to using and integrating existing cloud applications such as salesforce, processes can already be modeled and discussed in cloud computing, and can then be seamlessly integrated.
Where does BPM+ come in to all this? What does the “+” stand for? What makes inubit stand out from its competitors?
Dirk Slama: Traditionally, BPM revolves around processes. The BPM cycle defines how processes are analyzed, modeled, implemented and monitored. BPM+ adds two key dimensions to this approach. The different process classes appear on the horizontal axis of “+” application scenarios. Not all processes are the same. BPM+ deals with very structured, highly automated processes, with traditional human workflows, and with less structured processes that are more collaborative in nature. On the vertical axis, BPM+ maps the entire spectrum of modern business applications, from portal-based process applications to the data level. The integration of processes and data in the context of BPM+ constitutes a key step. Here, process data and master data can be closely interlinked. Ultimately, any process is only as good as its data. The merging of data from different data sources using an innovative federation approach, and the integration of documents into processes complete the picture.
Close interlinkage of these different approaches in a uniform BPM+ concept enables key users to be involved in process modeling for the first time, and in the design of end-to-end processes, from the user interface to process flow to data modeling. The IT department can seamlessly apply, fine-tune and prepare the models for implementation. Active IT / business alignment ensures that the “BPM+ by inubit” approach stands out from the traditional approach offered by many providers.
A major release always means new innovations. What state-of-the-art technology does inubit Suite 6 feature?
Sebastian Zabre: Our experience with cooperating with our customers shows that the inubit Suite is a very strong solution for fully automated processes, seamless integration, human-centric workflows and holistic process management. As regards the latest market developments, we are of course one of the market leaders when it comes to finding solutions to technical obstacles encountered by our customers. inubit Suite 6 therefore addresses themes such as semi-structured (ad-hoc) and unstructured (dynamic) processes, more efficient user interface development and document-centric workflows. We offer a wide range of services, which includes aspects such as data management in distributed environments, and allow data and processes to be combined, offering agile solutions, improving cooperation between the business and IT departments, and providing a platform for collaborative, web-based modeling.
The new architecture of inubit Suite 6 reflects these enhancements of course. For example, the inubit Enterprise Portal now includes two new applications in addition to the renowned Process Cockpit and its Process Viewer, Task List and Report Viewer portlet applications. These are the inubit WebModeler, a tool for collaborative, web-based modeling, and the inubit Solution Center, a process- and data-centric platform that enables key users to implement high-quality business solutions with no programming knowledge whatsoever. These innovations are based on the newly developed View Engine, which contains predefined
views, along with the WYSIWYG View Designer, which allows you to create and modify portal interfaces significantly more rapidly than before. Another integrated element is the Business Repository, a data pool that among other things ensures persistence directly from the data models, therefore also allowing you to create solutions quickly.
Dr. Frank Puhlmann, Dirk Slama, Sebastian Zabre
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