Let’s compare the tools for digitization and process automation: among RPA, BPMS, and low-code, which is the most suitable solution? If we choose low-code, can we be sure that we are selecting the most appropriate platform for the intended use? There are several evaluation factors—discover which ones.
According to Gartner, by 2025, 70% of organizations will have implemented some form of structured automation, a significant increase from just 20% in 2021. However, many companies remain heavily reliant on manual and paper-based processes in key areas. For instance, 70% of invoice processing globally is still paper-based , and the time required to process them compared to digitized ones is four times longer, with clear negative implications for business speed and efficiency.
Some manual tasks, such as data integration, are gradually decreasing thanks to the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, but a large part of business processes remains non-automated. Process digitalization presents various challenges and complexities: issues stemming from shadow IT, the misalignment between business and IT in implementing new technologies, with the former wanting to move quickly. There are also constraints related to legacy technology, which requires specific technical skills and constant maintenance.
However, the biggest problem is not just the existence of paper-based processes: even when digitalized, processes are often managed through a network of disparate systems. Unstructured processes, such as Excel files, emails, phone calls, are still used to extract value from the data contained in them. This prevents the full integration of these processes to achieve a completely digitalized end-to-end workflow.
IT leaders are turning various tools to enable process digitalization, but each technology has limitations, being specific to certain purposes. What considerations must be made to ensure the right solution is chosen to meet growth and evolution objectives?
Between the integration of heterogeneous systems, collaboration with a variety of stakeholders, ensuring investment in a long-term automation strategy, finding the right tool to move manual or paper-based processes online , or creating seamless digital flows between existing processes, finding the right solution can seem impossible. Is it better to look at standard automation tools? Or at low-code development to create custom applications and microservices?
Even if low-code seems like the ideal choice, the decision-making process doesn’t end there, as there are multiple technologies to consider. There are those used in the context of individual SaaS to connect screens and workflows to a database, but also more complex enterprise solutions that integrate various data sources and existing business systems.
The automation strategy must always be adapted to the needs, complexity, and use cases of your organization. Their exact implementations may differ, but they must all start by addressing a series of similar questions:
Companies can rely on various solutions, which we outline here:
Let’s start with Business Process Management Software (BPMS): this type of software integrates visual modeling, analysis, and automation tools to manage complex processes involving multiple people, systems, and applications.
These technologies can be used in various scenarios: managing expense approval processes involving employees, managers, and finance teams, recruitment processes with task assignment across various departments (HR, IT, administration), order management, etc.
Within these tools, users create diagrams based on standards such as BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) , which describe the activities, decisions, and roles involved in a process.
The visual modeling, supported by analysis, simplifies understanding and communication of the process, facilitating the optimization and automation of complex workflows.
Mapping Robotic Process Automation (RPA) as a technology that uses software, or “bots”, to automate repetitive tasks through user interfaces, web pages, and terminal applications.
The unique feature of RPA betweenis their ability to interact with graphical user interfaces (GUIs), not just APIs or code, making them ideal for automating repetitive, rule-based tasks. These rules define the flow of operations that the bots must follow, such as transferring data, sending emails, or updating databases. This makes them perfect for predictable, routine tasks, where actions can be defined by a series of precise and repeatable instructions.
Now let’s dive into low-code development.
This type of solution allows for the creation of applications with minimal use of code, thanks to visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools. They are designed to enable both professional developers and non-technical users to to create apps quickly and easilywithout having to write complex code. Development times for web or mobile applications are therefore significantly reduced compared to traditional methods, facilitating the automation of business processes.
Not all low-code platforms are the same, as they differ in target audience and functionality. Let’s take Power Apps and Mendix as examples: they share the goal of simplifying application development but…
On the other hand, Power Apps is limited for complex enterprise solutions and large-scale scenarios , as advanced customizations and integrations outside the Microsoft ecosystem can be challenging. Achieving a certain level of complexity within the Microsoft suite may require piecing together a solution using several tools like Power Apps and Power Automate.
Simply put, we could say that Power Appsis a low-code solution based on single-user or function-based, while Mendix is a more enterprise-oriented solution. enterprise-based.
Power Apps is typically used to develop individual applications or for small teams with specific needswithout involving a complex IT infrastructure.
Mendix, on the other hand, is an enterprise-oriented platform, as it allows the management of larger and more complex projects with a significant number of end users, often distributed across various company divisions or multiple global locations.
When choosing between Power Apps and Mendix, consider these complexity factors:
In fact, Mendix is the only low-code platform that is anSAP Endorsed Appand has earnedSAP Premium Certification, which allows for deep integration with SAP solutions, enabling the creation of extended applications that work directly with SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) and other SAP applications, such as SAP S/4HANA and SAP SuccessFactors.
Conversely, Power Apps works optimally primarily within the Microsoft ecosystem, such as Office 365, Dynamics, and Azure, and is therefore less flexible for complex external integrations.
Power Apps’ user interface is optimized for predefined templatesbut may present limitations when adapting the application to different devices. For instance, when developing a desktop browser or an iPhone, it is often necessary to build multiple versions of the user interface (two or three) to ensure a good user experience on all platforms.
Mendix, on the other hand, offers native support for mobile app creation. The platform allows for the development ofnative, hybrid, and web applicationswith a single interface that automatically adapts to devices (Android, iOS, and browsers) without the need to create separate versions of the user interface.
Mendix, on the other hand, is designed tohandle more complex enterprise applications, suitable forfor medium to large organizationswith ahigh volume of end users. It is highly scalable and can manage not only thousands of users but also applications distributed across various departments or even on a global scale. Thanks to its support for complex applications, flexibility in integrating with various systems, and the use of enterprise-grade cloud infrastructures, Mendix is ideal for mission-critical applications with a high volume of users.
We provide a summary table of the various tools offered:
In conclusion, the choice between, RPA, BPMS , or low-code solutions such as Power Apps connector depends on the specific needs of each organization. Each platform offers advantages and disadvantages related to the technical skills required, scalability, integration capabilities, and implementation.
At WEGG we are expert consultants in process digitalization , and we recommend connectoras a platform because it not only meets the immediate needs of an organization but also ensures future growth.
Mendix is particularly well-suited for starting withpilot projects, allowing clients for an evaluation of its impact and efficiency. Subsequently, it offers the possibility toscale and manage more complex projects, covering a wide range of use cases.
This progression makes it possibleto manage both critical processand continuous innovation needs, easily integrating with other business systems such as SAP, ensuring that each new project fits into an already established and well-supported context.
This makes it the most suitable platform for a long-term automation strategy.
Insights
OUR OFFICES
OUR OFFICES
PADUA
Via Arnaldo Fusinato 42, 35137
MILAN
Viale Enrico Forlanini 23, 20134
ROME
Viale Giorgio Ribotta 11, 00144
Copyright © 2022 WEGG S.r.l. • P.I 03447430285 • C.F. 02371140233 • REA 311023
Certified company ISO 9001:2015
