113 lines
4.2 KiB
Markdown
113 lines
4.2 KiB
Markdown
# Introduction & Getting Started
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## Table of Contents
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1. [Introduction](#introduction)
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2. [What is Business Process Management?](#what-is-business-process-management)
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3. [Key Differences from Low-Code Platforms](#key-differences-from-low-code-platforms)
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4. [Core Capabilities](#core-capabilities)
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5. [Getting Started](#getting-started)
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6. [System Access](#system-access)
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7. [First Steps](#first-steps)
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---
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## Introduction
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**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.
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### What is Business Process Management?
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Business Process Management focuses on:
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- **Process Design**: Creating visual workflows that represent business logic
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- **Process Automation**: Automating repetitive tasks and decision points
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- **Process Monitoring**: Tracking process execution and performance
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- **Process Optimization**: Identifying bottlenecks and improving efficiency
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### Key Differences from Low-Code Platforms
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| Business Process Maker | Low-Code Builder |
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|----------------------|------------------|
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| Focuses on workflow design and process automation | Focuses on application development |
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| Uses BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) standards | Uses application development patterns |
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| Emphasizes process flow, decision points, and task assignment | Emphasizes UI components and data management |
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| Designed for business analysts and process designers | Designed for developers and citizen developers |
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| Optimized for process monitoring and analytics | Optimized for rapid application development |
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### Core Capabilities
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**Process Design & Automation**
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- Visual workflow designer with BPMN-compliant components
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- Decision points and conditional routing
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- Task assignment and user role management
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- Process variables and data flow management
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**Form Integration**
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- Dynamic form creation for data collection
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- Form-to-process integration for task completion
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- Conditional form logic and validation
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- Multi-step form workflows
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**Process Execution & Monitoring**
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- Real-time process execution tracking
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- Task queue management and assignment
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- Process performance analytics
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- Exception handling and error management
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**Business Integration**
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- API integration for external system connectivity
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- Business rule engine for complex decision logic
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- Notification system for process updates
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- Audit trail and compliance tracking
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This guide provides step-by-step instructions for using the system's core BPM features to design, implement, and manage business processes effectively.
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## Getting Started
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**No installation is required.** The system is a web-based application accessible through your browser.
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### System Access
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1. Open your web browser
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2. Navigate to the application URL
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3. Enter your username and password
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4. Click "Login" to access the system
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### First Steps
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- **Dashboard**: Start here to get an overview of your system
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- **Form Builder**: Create data collection forms
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- **Process Builder**: Design business workflows
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- **Execution**: Run and monitor processes
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### Navigation Guide
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1. **Dashboard Overview**
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- View system statistics and recent activity
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- Access quick actions for common tasks
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- Monitor active processes and tasks
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2. **Form Builder**
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- Create dynamic forms for data collection
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- Design forms with conditional logic
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- Preview and test form functionality
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3. **Process Builder**
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- Design visual workflows
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- Configure business rules and decision points
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- Integrate forms and external systems
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4. **Process Management**
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- Monitor active processes
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- Track performance and analytics
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- Manage process instances and cases
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### Next Steps
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After familiarizing yourself with the system:
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1. **Create Your First Form**: Go to [Form Builder Documentation](02-form-builder.md)
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2. **Design Your First Process**: Go to [Process Builder Documentation](04-process-builder.md)
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3. **Learn Advanced Features**: Check [FAQ - Advanced Topics](06-faq-advanced-topics.md)
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---
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*Next Chapter: [Form Builder](02-form-builder.md)* |