A look into the future of digital processes

Together with its organizing partners ProComp GmbH, Fraunhofer FIT, Microsoft, LivingLogic AC and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Upper Franconia, the University of Bayreuth hosted the Digital Process Day 2024 to discuss current trends and challenges in digital transformation. In her welcoming speech, Prof. Dr. Susanne Tittlbach, Vice President for Digitalization, Innovation and Sustainability at the University of Bayreuth, emphasized the central role of digitalization as a driver of innovation and sustainability. She focused in particular on the University of Bayreuth's diverse research activities in the field of artificial intelligence. Peter Wilfahrt, Chief Digital Officer of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Upper Franconia, also emphasized the importance of digitalization for the region and its companies in his welcoming address.

Prof. Dr. Maximilian Röglinger (Chair for Information Systems and Business Process Management at the University of Bayreuth and Fraunhofer FIT) introduced the topic. In his presentation “Towards a process-oriented company in the digital age”, he explained the high degree of networking and dynamism that processes are subject to in the digital age in view of the rapid progress of innovative technologies and the increasing challenges in the competitive environment. At the same time, he emphasized the need for process-oriented organizational design and good process management as the basis for success.

The highlight of the first half of the event was the keynote speech by Rudy Kuhn (Celonis SE) on the topic of “Autonomous Enterprise”. Kuhn impressively demonstrated how companies can generate value by combining data analysis with suitable decisions and measures. The focus was on intelligent decision-making through the use of artificial intelligence, from assisted decisions to autonomous systems. For many participants, this vision opened up new perspectives for the management and optimization of business processes.

The second half of the event offered practical insights into the concrete application of digital technologies. Rolf Brilla (ProComp GmbH) provided the introduction. The presentation by Michael Klose (Ingram Micro Distribution GmbH) initially focused on the use of AI-supported functions in Office applications such as Word and Excel in order to increase the efficiency of work processes. Examples such as the automation of job advertisements, applicant selection and survey evaluations made it clear how digital tools can make everyday work easier. Dr. Alois Kastner-Maresch (LivingLogic AG) also presented tailor-made solutions for process optimization in his presentation. From sales support to web solutions generated by artificial intelligence, he demonstrated how companies can increase their efficiency through the targeted use of digital technologies. Ismail Kaya (ProComp GmbH) rounded off the practical program with his presentation on the “1-Click-Workflow”. He showed how lean, end-to-end processes - from investment applications to invoice processing - can ensure maximum productivity.

The event concluded with a networking session, where participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas and make new contacts.