The BI Trap – A Tripping Risk on the Way to the Successful Use of Process Mining

Process mining (PM) is one recent technology trend with considerable potential for process optimization. We have noticed that the PM application in literature seems to be further along than the actual implementation in practice. In theory, the optimal process mining application encompasses the entire spectrum, from process discovery to action-oriented process mining. In practice, however, full utilization is rarely observed. To investigate this further, we conducted a qualitative study and interviewed 27 users in various positions from 16 different companies. We found that companies often stagnate in the early stages of application development and are therefore unable to generate sustainable value with PM. Actual process optimizations are carried out manually or not implemented at all. Based on this, we conceptualize the “BI trap” that companies may fall into when implementing and using PM, and have developed recommendations to avoid this scenario and ensure the successful and full utilization of PM.