BPM and IoT – Managing Processes That Involve Connected Products

Thanks to business process management in WebRatio Platform, it is possible to create applications for managing and automating Business Processes (BPM), allowing users and companies to standardize and simplify work activities as well as connections with their network of customers and suppliers.

In this relationship between company data and users, IoT (Internet of Things), technologies enable connected products to play a role, enriching the scenario with new possibilities, many of which remain unexplored.

Online-connected products can send or receive data and commands in real-time. This capability makes it possible to leverage information and manage machine operations within business processes (both automated and non-automated).

The benefits of these solutions are numerous. Let's take a look at some of them:

Advanced Process Automation

Thanks to the data collected BPM systems can automate corrective actions, optimize workflows, and prevent potential issues.  

Improved Decision-Making

Through real-time analysis, IT managers and executives can identify processes' bottlenecks and intervene quickly to optimize them. This greater transparency allows for more informed decision-making, reducing inefficiencies and improving the company’s ability to adapt to market fluctuations. In an increasingly dynamic market, agility and the ability to respond quickly to change become key elements for success.  

Personalized Customer Experiences

The IoT devices' use is not limited to production but also extends to collecting data on how customers use products. This information can be integrated into BPM systems to develop targeted strategies for personalizing offerings and enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.  

For example, a consumer goods manufacturer can use IoT data to better understand how its products are used and develop tailored solutions for specific market needs. Furthermore, process automation based on this data can improve after-sales service and optimize marketing strategies.  

Enhanced Experience for Suppliers, Partners, and Collaborators

Not only customers but also the network of businesses and professionals contributing to value creation can benefit from the convergence of BPM and IoT.  

The adoption of a single application that centralizes information and process activities simplifies and speeds up operations, leading to greater efficiency and a better user experience.  

Optimized Supply Chain Management

Integrating IoT with BPM systems is particularly useful in supply chain management, where real-time monitoring of inventory, delivery times, and transportation conditions enables process optimization.  

An IT Manager can implement solutions that use IoT data to improve stock management, reducing the risk of overproduction or shortages of critical materials. Additionally, predictive analytics help anticipate potential delays and adopt strategies to minimize their impact on business operations, increasing the reliability of the entire supply chain.  

Greater Visibility and Control

IoT provides an unprecedented level of visibility into production processes and business operations. With real-time data from machinery and plants, it is possible to monitor operational performance, detect inefficiencies, and implement corrective actions in a timely manner.  

Integrating BPM transforms this information into intelligent workflows, automating decision-making processes and improving overall efficiency. This not only reduces operational costs but also enhances product quality and strengthens business competitiveness.

Efficient Product Usage

By incorporating the control of connected products into a business process, they can be managed directly through Business Process Management software interfaces (or automatically in the background). This simplifies operators' work and ensures that smart objects operate only when truly needed within a business process, following business rules (while also avoiding potential human errors in configuration and setup). 

Some Examples of Applications with WebRatio’s Low-Code

The possible applications of these technologies are endless. One example of a solution developed with WebRatio Platform involves connected multifunction printers, enabling automated processes for reordering consumables and managing service interventions.  

Another application relates to smart boilers, which can provide data for maintenance management, particularly in the after-sales context.  

Adopting IoT solutions integrated with BPM is not just a technological evolution but a strategic step toward more efficient, responsive, and innovative management. This transformation represents an opportunity to enhance business resilience and ensure sustainable long-term growth.  

Business Process Management and Low-Code >