Software AG has launched ARIS 10 SR27, a business process management (BPM) tool featuring a new AI Companion. This update promises to automate tedious modeling tasks for business process analysts, allowing them to focus on higher-value strategic work. While some experts see this as a positive evolution, the launch also sparks a critical conversation about job security and the future role of analysts in an industry increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
What’s New in the ARIS AI Companion?
The latest version of ARIS introduces several AI-powered features designed to streamline the work of business process analysts. The central innovation, AI Companion, is not just a minor update but a significant step towards automating complex and time-consuming activities.
The goal is to remove the friction from daily BPM tasks. According to Marc Vietor, chief product officer for ARIS, the concept began over 18 months ago, with the team exploring meaningful ways to integrate AI after the rise of tools like ChatGPT. The result is a tool that directly addresses common analyst pain points.
Key functionalities of the new ARIS platform include:
- Intuitive Data Queries: Analysts can now search for information within ARIS using natural language, without needing to know precise keywords. This makes finding data faster and more accessible.
- Automated Model Creation: The AI can translate plain text descriptions of a process directly into a structured BPM model, drastically reducing manual modeling time.
- Code and KPI Generation: Users can generate code snippets and key performance indicators (KPIs) without any coding knowledge, helping to quickly identify process deviations.
From Grunt Work to High-Value Strategy
Industry experts believe this shift could liberate analysts from the more monotonous aspects of their jobs. Vince Mirabelli of Info-Tech Research Group called the tool an opportunity to “alleviate much of the grunt work associated with constructing a process model.”
This automation allows analysts to pivot from being model builders to strategic thinkers. Instead of getting bogged down in details, they can concentrate on optimizing workflows and driving meaningful organizational change. The focus moves away from the “how” of modeling to the “why” of process improvement.
This table illustrates the potential shift in responsibilities:
| Traditional Analyst Tasks | AI-Enhanced Analyst Focus |
|---|---|
| Manual process mapping and modeling | Strategic process optimization and innovation |
| Data gathering and documentation | Analyzing AI-driven insights for decision-making |
| Repetitive updates to process flows | Change management and stakeholder collaboration |
Marc Vietor reinforces this idea, stating that the tool helps analysts concentrate on “the value creation part of the job.” The aim is not to replace them but to enhance their capabilities and improve the quality of their output dramatically.
An Industry Disruption with a ‘Long Tail’
While the benefits are clear, the transition may not be smooth for everyone. Gartner analyst Whit Andrews describes this development as part of AI’s “long tail” effect—where specialized AI tools create significant changes within niche industries.
This isn’t just about a new feature; it’s a fundamental shift that challenges traditional methods. For analysts who have built their careers on the meticulous, hands-on craft of process modeling, this automation can feel unsettling. Andrews warns that this change presents “meaningful financial disruption for individuals,” acting as a wake-up call for those in conventional BPM roles.
The concern is that as AI takes over more foundational tasks, the core skills that once defined a business process analyst may become less valuable. This forces a re-evaluation of what it means to be an expert in the field.
The Analyst’s Crossroads: Adapt or Be Replaced?
The introduction of tools like the ARIS AI Companion places analysts at a critical juncture. According to Whit Andrews, professionals in this field must now “approach employment in a new way.” The choice is between viewing AI as a threat that devalues their skills or as a partner that frees them up for more fulfilling work.
He advises analysts to start experimenting with these tools now to see how this new way of working aligns with their career goals. Some may find that automation removes the parts of the job they enjoyed, pushing them into a purely advisory role they are not comfortable with. Others will welcome the chance to focus on strategy and creative problem-solving.
Ultimately, the impact of ARIS 10 SR27 will depend on the individual’s willingness to adapt. For those ready to embrace change, this technology offers a path to becoming more strategic contributors. It provides an opportunity to move from managing operational details to shaping the future of business processes within their organizations.
