Published
Jul 1, 2024
Updated
Jul 1, 2024

Can AI Design Business Processes? An Inside Look

LLM4PM: A case study on using Large Language Models for Process Modeling in Enterprise Organizations
By
Clara Ziche|Giovanni Apruzzese

Summary

Imagine a world where designing complex business processes is as simple as chatting with an AI. That's the promise of LLM4PM, a groundbreaking research project exploring the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) to revolutionize process modeling in enterprise organizations. This isn't just theoretical; researchers put it to the test with a real-world case study at Hilti Group, a multinational company with over 33,000 employees. They developed PRODIGY, an LLM-powered chatbot designed to assist process modelers in their daily tasks. The challenge? Hilti has a vast and diverse documentation landscape, making it time-consuming for employees to find the information they need to model processes effectively. The solution? PRODIGY uses retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to access and utilize Hilti's internal documentation, providing tailored support to process modelers. A user study with Hilti employees revealed positive feedback, with many expressing interest in integrating PRODIGY into their workflows. This research highlights a critical shift in how businesses can approach process modeling. By leveraging the power of LLMs, companies like Hilti can streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and empower their employees. However, it also emphasizes the need for continuous improvement, regular evaluations, and ongoing collaboration between the AI and human users. The future of process modeling is here, and it's intelligent.
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Question & Answers

How does PRODIGY's retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) system work to improve process modeling?
PRODIGY's RAG system combines large language models with direct access to Hilti's internal documentation database. The system works through a three-step process: First, it retrieves relevant internal documents based on the user's query. Then, it processes and contextualizes this information using the LLM. Finally, it generates tailored responses that incorporate both general process modeling knowledge and company-specific details. For example, when a process modeler asks about creating a new customer onboarding workflow, PRODIGY can pull specific Hilti protocols and combine them with best practices to provide customized guidance.
What are the main benefits of using AI in business process modeling?
AI in business process modeling offers several key advantages for organizations. It significantly reduces the time needed to design and implement new processes by automating documentation searches and providing instant recommendations. The technology helps maintain consistency across different departments, reduces human error, and captures best practices automatically. For instance, a retail company could use AI to streamline their returns process across multiple stores, ensuring all locations follow the same efficient procedure. This leads to improved operational efficiency, better customer experience, and reduced training time for new employees.
Can AI technology help small businesses improve their workflows?
AI technology can significantly benefit small businesses by simplifying their workflow management. It helps automate routine tasks, identifies bottlenecks in existing processes, and suggests improvements based on data analysis. Small businesses can use AI tools to create standardized procedures for common tasks like customer service, inventory management, or employee onboarding. The technology adapts to specific business needs without requiring extensive technical expertise. For example, a local coffee shop could use AI to optimize their morning rush hour operations or streamline their supply ordering process.

PromptLayer Features

  1. RAG Testing & Evaluation
  2. PRODIGY's RAG implementation requires systematic testing and evaluation of retrieval accuracy and response quality against Hilti's internal documentation
Implementation Details
Set up automated testing pipelines to evaluate RAG responses against ground truth documentation, implement metrics for retrieval accuracy, and maintain version control of prompt-response pairs
Key Benefits
• Consistent quality assessment of retrieved information • Automated regression testing for RAG system updates • Traceable performance metrics over time
Potential Improvements
• Add semantic similarity scoring • Implement document chunk optimization • Develop custom evaluation metrics for business process modeling
Business Value
Efficiency Gains
Reduces manual testing time by 70% through automated evaluation pipelines
Cost Savings
Minimizes errors in process modeling by ensuring accurate information retrieval
Quality Improvement
Ensures consistent and reliable process documentation across the organization
  1. Workflow Management
  2. PRODIGY requires orchestration of multiple steps from documentation retrieval to process modeling assistance
Implementation Details
Create reusable workflow templates for common process modeling tasks, implement version tracking for prompts, and establish clear handoffs between system components
Key Benefits
• Standardized process modeling workflows • Traceable prompt evolution history • Reproducible modeling assistance
Potential Improvements
• Add collaborative workflow features • Implement conditional workflow branching • Create template libraries for common processes
Business Value
Efficiency Gains
Streamlines process modeling workflow by 40% through standardized templates
Cost Savings
Reduces training time for new process modelers by providing guided workflows
Quality Improvement
Ensures consistent modeling approaches across the organization

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