corrad-bp/content/documentation/01-introduction-getting-started.md

Introduction & Getting Started

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Business Process Management?
3. Key Differences from Low-Code Platforms
4. Core Capabilities
5. Getting Started
6. System Access
7. First Steps

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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

🔄 BPM Platform (ProcessMaker)	🛠️ 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

📝 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

📊 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

🔗 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

💡 Purpose: This guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for mastering ProcessMaker's core BPM features to design, implement, and optimize business processes effectively.

🚀 Getting Started

ProcessMaker is a web-based platform - no installation required! Access everything through your browser.

🔐 System Access

Quick Login Process:

1. Open Browser → Use any modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
2. Navigate to URL → Go to your organization's ProcessMaker instance
3. Enter Credentials → Use your assigned username and password
4. Access Dashboard → Click "Login" to enter the main interface

🔒 Security Note: Contact your system administrator for login credentials and access permissions.

🗺️ Your First Tour

Start with these key areas:

📊 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

📝 Form Builder - Create Data Collection

• Design dynamic, intelligent forms
• Add conditional logic and validation
• Preview and test form functionality
• Manage form templates and versions

⚙️ Process Builder - Design Workflows

• Create visual business workflows
• Configure decision points and routing
• Integrate forms and external systems
• Test and publish process definitions

📈 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	Create your first form	30 min
3	Process Builder	Design your first workflow	45 min
4	Management	Monitor and optimize	20 min
5	Advanced Topics	Complex scenarios	As needed

✅ 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

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🎯 Next Step: Ready to build forms? Continue to Form Builder Guide →