There are a number of distinct advantages to using a general BPM tool (like Ultimus) to automate your business processes rather than picking a pre-developed packaged application.
Built for everyone, not for youCustom applications tend to be built for generic processes - this means that you usually have to adapt the way you work to the way the application wants you to. With Ultimus you build the process exactly how you work - and you can use BPM simulation tools like Casewise or Ultimus Designer to model your process before you build it to find the most efficient way of doing things.
Islands of dataCustom applications generally have custom databases and are not designed to integrate with the rest of your business. Ultimus stores its data in standard databases (SQL and Oracle) and can easily integrate with any database where there's an ODBC connection available to the Ultimus server. Business Processes can talk to other systems via web services, COM/DCOM and XML integration so processes can control, and be controlled by, all manner of external systems and processes.
When you've more than one
As soon as you've got two custom applications you've all manner of problems.
| Technology | You've two systems to install, configure and support. |
| Security | You've now two security databases to maintain in addition to the main security database for your organisation. Ultimus uses your NT Domain, Active Directory or LDAP server for its user and security information. |
| Integration | Will they talk to each other? (doubtful) |
| Training | Each different application means your users need to learn another way of working. |
| Where's that task? | With workflow tasks appearing in multiple "inboxes", some are sure to be missed. Ultimus provides a single task inbox for all processes. |
