Methodology for business process automation in SMEs: from requirements analysis to practical demonstration

Moreira, Sílvia; São Mamede, Henrique; Santos, Arnaldo

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.2/20736

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Authors

Moreira, Sílvia

São Mamede, Henrique

Santos, Arnaldo

Abstract(s)

This study aims to develop a methodology to assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in effectively adopting Business Process Automation (BPA). Despite its growing importance in streamlining routine tasks and enabling employees to focus on more creative activities, numerous organizations face challenges in implementing BPA due to unclear procedures, insufficient knowledge of eligible processes, and uncertainty regarding the necessary technology. In response to these challenges, we introduce the Methodology for Business Process Automation (M4BPA), an artifact designed to guide SMEs through a structured BPA implementation process. The research follows the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM). The requirements for the artifact came from the results of a previous Systematic Literature Review (SLR). M4BPA was demonstrated within real SME environments, providing solid evidence of its efficacy. The findings suggest that M4BPA significantly enhances SMEs' ability to implement BPA efficiently, offering a practical toolkit that facilitates the process. The novelty of this work lies in the development of a BPA methodology specifically tailored for SMEs, addressing existing gaps in current frameworks and providing a best-practice model for similar organizations. This research contributes to the intermediate results of a doctoral project, offering valuable insights for both practitioners and researchers in the field of BPA.