IBM FileNet P8: Evolving Traditional ECM Workflows with AI and Intelligent Automation

Abstract

Enterprise content management (ECM) platforms like IBM FileNet P8 are critical for managing unstructured content, but increasing workflow complexity strains traditional rule-based approaches. This article surveys strategies to evolve FileNet workflows using artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent automation. Common ECM workflow limitations are identified, including manual processing bottlenecks, the inability to handle dynamic content types, a lack of insights from unstructured data, rigid business rules, opaque processes, and disjointed hand-offs. Intelligent techniques are proposed to address these pain points:

Intelligent capture and natural language processing can automatically classify and extract information from documents to accelerate ingestion. Machine learning adapts to new document types and uncovers insights from text. Robotic process automation handles repetitive tasks. Knowledge graphs recommend next-best actions using relationships between content entities. Intelligent case management platforms apply dynamic rules. Process mining and digital twins provide transparency into workflows. Conversational interfaces, like chatbots, simplify interactions. Implementing AI with FileNet requires careful orchestration between humans and technology. A hybrid approach should be taken, focused on augmenting human capabilities versus full automation. Proper model governance, change management, and trust-building are critical for adoption. Architectures must be flexible to handle new integrations and use cases.

Practical examples illustrate the power of combining AI and ECM across domains like financial services, insurance, healthcare, government, and shared services. Intelligent techniques can boost efficiency, quality, compliance, and the customer experience. While challenges exist, thoughtfully integrating AI with legacy platforms like FileNet opens possibilities for the next generation of intelligent workflows. With emerging best practices and user-centric design, ECM can be evolved to amplify human potential and optimize productivity.