What is Process Mining?
Process mining ingests event data from IT systems to provide factual insights into how a process actually works based on that data.
At its core, process mining involves extracting data from IT systems, such as ticketing systems and logs, to provide factual insights into how a process is actually working. Uncovering patterns and process variants allows the end-user to improve existing processes and provides the metrics needed to show which processes are currently working as expected.
How Process Mining Works
Let's define a process as a series of executions or steps taken in a defined flow from an agreed-upon starting point to a desire end point. In order to mine the data contained in a given process, data extraction initiates the process. It is followed by thorough analysis that can include specialized algorithms. Then the correlated data is visualized and presented as insights. These insights can be represented as process maps for easier decision-making.
Related Resource: Applying Process Mining to Cyber
Example of Process Mining to Optimize Business
A subsidiary of a well-known bank expected their loan application processes to be fully automated and consistent. However, after applying process mining, it was learned that only 45% of the cases for loan applications were processed automatically. The manual steps added hours of hidden delays to each application.
The video below illustrates how process mining capabilities work by profiling an example of a simple three step vulnerability management process.
Read about more process mining examples specific to cyber in this book.
Benefits of Process Mining
Process mining offers a plethora of benefits, including enhanced efficiency, data-driven decision-making, compliance, and security improvements. It provides objective insights, identifies deviations, and facilitates continuous improvement.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its benefits, process mining presents challenges like data quality and governance, and tool selection. Addressing these challenges ensures effective implementation and maximizes the benefits of process mining.
Learn more
Read: Redefining Security Governance with Process Mining
Demo: How Process Views Streamline Team Collaboration
Webinar: How to Level up Your Security Governance with Process Mining
ebook: Process Mining: The Security Angle