Popularized by RPA entrepreneur and visionary Elon Musk, a recent theory sparking worldwide media attention suggests automation in production could lead to a future where people no longer need to work. While this vision seems abstract, the fact remains that today’s digital solutions supporting business management optimization and automation can significantly reduce costs and improve company efficiency.

The global market value for Business Process Management reaches EUR 1.6 billion (USD 1.8 billion). This value is expected to nearly double by 2021. Yet, implementing such solutions can be difficult due to internal company structures. What barriers do Polish entrepreneurs face in adopting BPM systems?

In today’s business environment, cost-cutting through constant budget cuts is clearly insufficient—and entrepreneurs are well aware of this. According to the Capgemini report, over half of companies (56%) prioritize investments that improve resource utilization and reduce operational costs. One effective way to achieve long-term savings is through BPM solutions.

As per the mentioned report, 96% of companies that implemented business process optimization systems achieved a return on investment, with 55% seeing returns of at least 200%. If the benefits are so obvious, why do many firms still hesitate to adopt such solutions?

Barriers to overcome

Barriers to BPM adoption

Business process optimization yields best results when it covers the broadest possible scope of company operations. Unfortunately, this requires a suitable organizational structure.

- The biggest barrier to adopting BPM systems is the so-called siloed organizational structure, wherein departments operate autonomously, even competing with one another. In such structures, establishing common business goals becomes extremely difficult, limiting processes that flow across the entire organization. This not only hinders the introduction of optimization solutions but also reduces overall company efficiency – explains Marcin Krasnodębski from LoVo S.A.

Another challenge in implementing BPM solutions is viewing them exclusively as IT projects, rather than business solutions. This perspective, combined with resistance from staff who fear diminished roles when solutions are managed by external parties, can effectively block BPM adoption. However, it’s important to note that even small businesses require and will continue to require ongoing IT support—for instance, during the implementation of new processes or as an in-house IT team acting as a “helpdesk.”

The final, yet equally important barrier is a simple lack of knowledge about BPM and reluctance to initiate organizational changes.

Undoubtedly, introducing BPM into a company involves a long “implementation” period, including adapting to new realities and systems. Combined with a lack of proactive business leadership, this leads to serious blockages in optimization and company stagnation.

Although the challenges—siloed structures, IT-centric perception, staff resistance, and lack of knowledge—seem difficult to overcome, they all share one common denominator: they threaten business growth. As it turns out, changing organizational management can yield dual benefits: enhanced operations and savings from implementing Business Process Management solutions. Fortunately, market forecasts suggest more companies will embrace such changes in the coming years.

Summary

The global Business Process Management market is worth EUR 1.6 billion (USD 1.8 billion) and is expected to nearly double by 2021. According to the Capgemini report, 56% of companies prioritize investments improving resource efficiency, and 96% of firms that implemented process optimization systems reported a return on investment—55% achieving at least 200%.

The biggest obstacle remains siloed organizational structures, as indicated by Marcin Krasnodębski from LoVo S.A. Other issues include treating BPM as a pure IT project and resistance from specialists fearing reduced roles within the company.