Advancing BPM (Business Process Management) with Blockchain

The trend in corporate operations is undoubtedly shifting away from manual, slow processes and toward increased automation and decentralization. Completing jobs faster, enhancing visibility, standardizing outputs, decreasing errors, and saving expenses are just a few of the advantages of automating your processes. Although automation has helped businesses become more efficient and productive, there is more change on the horizon. Blockchain app development for BPM systems, in particular, can aid firms that rely significantly on transactions and document-based procedures in their digital transformation.

Blockchain for BPM (Business Process Management)

Based on a peer-to-peer network, blockchain stores a copy of the ledger on each peer. It is a decentralized network that is not controlled by a single entity. This simple concept encourages creativity. Immutability, transparency, and security are among its main characteristics.

Blockchain has the potential to transform both inter-and intra-organizational BPM. Because of its trustworthiness, blockchain technology is a perfect network choice for running a BPM system that addresses peer trust issues. The consensus process developed by the blockchain network is used to verify all transactions carried out by the BPM solution. Consensus works well because it ensures that all nodes contribute to the network's success.

Also, Read | Data Privacy and Security with Hyperledger Fabric Blockchain

Blockchain Technology | Advantages

Transactions Security

The blockchain is dispersed across various systems and immutable, meaning that no single person can change it.

Improved Data Integrity 

Because the network verifies the data every ten minutes, blockchain networks are self-auditing. Changes are quickly communicated to all stakeholders, and they have access to the data history.

Enhanced Transparency and Accessibility

All blockchain records are shared and publicly accessible among all network nodes.

Improved Compliance

Regulators may readily use this audit trail to check compliance because records in the blockchain cannot be updated once stored.

Fraud Prevention

The blockchain's blocks are connected and secured by cryptography, making them nearly impossible to forge.

Reduced Transaction Costs

Using the blockchain to handle transactions eliminates the need for third-party middlemen, who charge a fee in the process.

Also, Read | Blockchain in Supply Chain | Use Cases, Advantages, and Features

BPM, Blockchain Technology, and Smart Contracts

The smart contract is a concept that connects business process management (BPM) and blockchain technology. A smart contract can be thought of as an automated lawyer or middleman that mediates a transaction between two parties.

A vending machine is a suitable analogy for a smart contract. The machine functions as a middleman, allowing you to buy a drink from a retailer or straight from the producer. It takes your money, double-checks that you've given the exact amount, and then gives you the beverage you've chosen.

Smart contracts, on the other hand, are software protocols that allow people to exchange money, property, or any other valuable asset. The terms of the contract are hard-coded into the computer, making smart contracts "self-executing." The contract can automatically release the object if the first party provides the funds that both parties have agreed upon.

Smart contracts and blockchain technology are inextricably linked: contracts can be accepted or refused depending on user credentials that are validated by the blockchain. Smart contracts can be used for a variety of applications, including crowdfunding and voting, in addition to facilitating economic and legal processes.

Also, Read | Blockchain Smart Contracts for Driving Business Innovation

Automating Business Processes and Decision-Making

Automation is one of the key advantages of blockchain systems. Smart contracts can make judgments in the absence of human decision-makers. DLT (distributed ledger technology) creates a new decision-making model that is independent of a company's governance. It can do so because it works with trusted data, does not require middlemen to verify authenticity, and can quickly check all required conditions before acting. It has no preferences, inclinations, uncertainty, or other human characteristics. There are benefits and drawbacks to this change in how corporate choices are made.

A payment reconciliation procedure, for example, might be directed by a manager and delivered by an accountant. This step can be eliminated by implementing a blockchain-based payment system. Reconciliation can be done instantly by any blockchain participant because DLT keeps track of all payment data.

But let's say you wish to put off buying a box for a few days while you wait for payment from the provider. The good news is that blockchain doesn't pause; you can't halt it if your purchasing requirements are met. So you go to work the next morning, the smart contract has been executed, the purchase has been paid for, and the delivery has been scheduled for the following day.

Also, Read | A Compact Smart Contract Development Guide for Non-Experts

Starting Blockchain-based Automation

Automation is a key component of blockchain technology, which will lead to more efficient operations over time. However, you must take precautions to safeguard your company.

First and foremost, selecting the appropriate blockchain procedure is critical. Consider a business process that is both iterative and transactional, such as procurement. It's critical to spread permissions across a large number of trusted participants once you've agreed on the best approach. The benefits of a distributed ledger as a reliable source are negligible if only one or two persons have access to authorize and alter data.

Opportunities and Obstacles

Adoption is one of the organization's most difficult problems. Traditional BPM solutions are currently deeply embedded in businesses, making them difficult to upgrade or replace. Aside from adoption, the blockchain itself is a challenge. Because blockchain is a new technology, incorporating it into an expanding process is a risky proposition.

The supply chain is one of the industries that would greatly benefit from the use of blockchain technology. It can help automate it, and it can also profit from a technology-driven connected BPM system.

The introduction of a peer-to-peer RPA system, which adds the capability of an intra-organizational RPA system, is the biggest opportunity. It allows numerous organizations to communicate data without having to worry about security, resilience, or immutability.

Starting with a small size test or pilot is recommended. You may progressively evolve the system by introducing more nodes (those with access to the blockchain system, either computer programs or authorized people) and smart contracts by starting small. This provides you control over the blockchain's development while also keeping your company's processes safe.

Also, Read | Driving Business Performance with Blockchain Smart Contracts

Conclusion

The automation of blockchain will expedite procedures, save you money, and make transactions more secure and dependable. But first, figure out how to build up your blockchain system such that it runs safely and reliably. And it's better if these crucial judgments are made solely by humans.

Connect with our blockchain development experts to know more about blockchain-based business process automation.