# Introduction & Getting Started ## Table of Contents 1. [Introduction](#introduction) 2. [What is Business Process Management?](#what-is-business-process-management) 3. [Key Differences from Low-Code Platforms](#key-differences-from-low-code-platforms) 4. [Core Capabilities](#core-capabilities) 5. [Getting Started](#getting-started) 6. [System Access](#system-access) 7. [First Steps](#first-steps) --- ## Introduction **Corrad ProcessMaker is a Business Process Management (BPM) platform designed for creating, automating, and managing complex business workflows.** This is NOT a low-code application builder - it's a specialized tool for designing and executing business processes with visual workflow design, form integration, and process automation capabilities. ### What is Business Process Management? Business Process Management focuses on: - **Process Design**: Creating visual workflows that represent business logic - **Process Automation**: Automating repetitive tasks and decision points - **Process Monitoring**: Tracking process execution and performance - **Process Optimization**: Identifying bottlenecks and improving efficiency ### Key Differences from Low-Code Platforms | πŸ”„ **BPM Platform (ProcessMaker)** | πŸ› οΈ **Low-Code Builder** | |----------------------------------|------------------------| | **Focus**: Workflow design and process automation | **Focus**: Application development and UI creation | | **Standards**: BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) | **Standards**: Custom application development patterns | | **Core Elements**: Process flow, decision points, task routing | **Core Elements**: UI components, data models, screens | | **Target Users**: Business analysts, process designers | **Target Users**: Developers, citizen developers | | **Optimization**: Process monitoring, analytics, efficiency | **Optimization**: Rapid application development, deployment | | **Output**: Automated business workflows | **Output**: Custom applications and systems | ### Core Capabilities #### 🎨 **Process Design & Automation** - **Visual Workflow Designer**: BPMN-compliant drag-and-drop interface - **Smart Decision Points**: Conditional routing and business logic - **Role-Based Task Assignment**: User and group management - **Data Flow Management**: Process variables and data mapping #### πŸ“ **Dynamic Form Integration** - **Intelligent Form Builder**: Create adaptive data collection forms - **Seamless Process Integration**: Forms embedded directly in workflows - **Conditional Logic**: Show/hide fields based on user input - **Multi-Step Workflows**: Complex form sequences with validation #### πŸ“Š **Real-Time Execution & Monitoring** - **Live Process Tracking**: Monitor workflows as they execute - **Task Queue Management**: Automated assignment and routing - **Performance Analytics**: Detailed metrics and reporting - **Exception Handling**: Error management and recovery processes #### πŸ”— **Enterprise Integration** - **API Connectivity**: Connect to external systems and databases - **Business Rules Engine**: Complex decision-making capabilities - **Smart Notifications**: Multi-channel communication system - **Compliance & Audit**: Complete trail for regulatory requirements > **πŸ’‘ Purpose**: This guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for mastering ProcessMaker's core BPM features to design, implement, and optimize business processes effectively. ## πŸš€ Getting Started ProcessMaker is a **web-based platform** - no installation required! Access everything through your browser. ### πŸ” System Access **Quick Login Process:** 1. **Open Browser** β†’ Use any modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) 2. **Navigate to URL** β†’ Go to your organization's ProcessMaker instance 3. **Enter Credentials** β†’ Use your assigned username and password 4. **Access Dashboard** β†’ Click "Login" to enter the main interface > **πŸ”’ Security Note**: Contact your system administrator for login credentials and access permissions. ### πŸ—ΊοΈ Your First Tour **Start with these key areas:** #### πŸ“Š **Dashboard** - *Your Control Center* - View system statistics and recent activity - Access quick actions for common tasks - Monitor active processes and pending tasks - Get an overview of your work queue #### πŸ“ **Form Builder** - *Create Data Collection* - Design dynamic, intelligent forms - Add conditional logic and validation - Preview and test form functionality - Manage form templates and versions #### βš™οΈ **Process Builder** - *Design Workflows* - Create visual business workflows - Configure decision points and routing - Integrate forms and external systems - Test and publish process definitions #### πŸ“ˆ **Process Management** - *Monitor & Optimize* - Track active process instances - Analyze performance metrics - Manage cases and task assignments - Generate reports and insights ### 🎯 Recommended Learning Path **Follow this sequence for optimal learning:** | Step | Chapter | Focus | Time | |------|---------|-------|------| | **1** | Current Chapter | BPM concepts & platform overview | 15 min | | **2** | [Form Builder](02-form-builder.md) | Create your first form | 30 min | | **3** | [Process Builder](04-process-builder.md) | Design your first workflow | 45 min | | **4** | [Management](05-process-management.md) | Monitor and optimize | 20 min | | **5** | [Advanced Topics](06-faq-advanced-topics.md) | Complex scenarios | As needed | ### βœ… Quick Wins - First 30 Minutes **New User Checklist:** - [ ] Log in and explore the dashboard - [ ] Browse existing forms and processes (if available) - [ ] Try the Form Builder with a simple contact form - [ ] Create a basic approval workflow in Process Builder - [ ] Review the help documentation and tooltips --- **🎯 Next Step**: Ready to build forms? Continue to [**Form Builder Guide β†’**](02-form-builder.md)