Business Process Management (BPM) and workflow automation are related but operate at different levels. BPM is a broader discipline focused on analyzing, designing, managing, and continuously improving end-to-end business processes across an organization. Workflow automation, on the other hand, is the execution layer that automates specific tasks such as document routing, approvals, notifications, and process handoffs.
In simple terms, BPM defines and optimizes how a process should work, while workflow automation ensures the process runs automatically with minimal manual intervention. For example, BPM may redesign an invoice approval process, while workflow automation automatically routes invoices to the right approvers, sends reminders, and maintains an audit trail.
To learn how automated workflows improve efficiency, compliance, and document control, read our guide on workflow automation.
