Starting with the analysis and definition of the current process (AS IS), through to the search for possibilities for improvement and redesign of the process (TO BE), automation can already be conceived in the minds of analysts in all these phases of the BPM cycle, and will also culminate in continuous improvement.
Therefore, despite automation being one of the last steps, the use of collaborative and easy to operate software with an intuitive interface, which uses an established and known notation, like BPMN 2.0 can be critical.
When doing systems integrations, define interfaces, create forms and proceed to the tests and validations, the construction of the optimized process has already been made with a view to its automation, the completion of these steps will be much more efficient and assertive, providing immediate results.
After the implementation of automation, monitor the process, seek new opportunities for improvement and restart the continuous cycle, again, pass through all the steps already automated workflow targeted by analysts.