Process Mining Does NOT Replace BPM How the Two Work Together

Real Market Problem

With the rise of Process Mining tools, many organizations assume that data alone is sufficient to improve processes. Dashboards become sophisticated, but operational transformation stalls.

Common Mistake / Myth

The prevailing myth is:

“If we have Process Mining, we don’t need process mapping.”

Without a reference model, data exposes chaos but does not define direction.

Clear Technical Explanation

BPM defines how the process should work

Process Mining reveals how it actually works

BPM without data is theoretical. Mining without BPM is disorganized. Together, they form a closed-loop improvement system.

Practical Example

Process Mining identifies 30 variations of a single process. Without BPM, teams cannot distinguish acceptable variation from waste. BPM provides the standard; Mining measures deviation.

Impact on Cost, Time, or Risk

Combined use enables:

Accurate prioritization of improvements

Reduced operational risk

Evidence-based decision-making

Strategic Conclusion

Process Mining does not replace BPM—it amplifies mature BPM practices.

By Vladimir Oliveira Lima