Different approaches to process mining have been proposed which analyze predefined process model definitions to verify their correctness (Van Dongen et al. 2007) or analyze extracted transaction data to discover how actual processes are executed (Jansen-Vullers et al. 2006). Process mining is narrowly focused on process analysis, but is conceptually related in a broader context to Business (Process) Intelligence (BI) and Business Activity Monitoring (BAM), which view aggregated data from an external perspective. In contrast, process mining takes an internal perspective, investigating the detailed activities within the process, thus uncovering differences between envisioned processes and actual process execution (Song and van der Aalst 2008). Modeling existing business processes and modeling future ERP-based processes is a promising approach to anticipate longer-term impacts of ERP implementation decisions.
Change Management
Change management, a critical success factor for ERP implementations, builds on research in the organizational management and information systems disciplines. Organizational change management is a structured process to proactively manage individuals affected by the change, and recommends tactics including "readiness for change" assessments, training programs, job redesign, and organizational structures modifications. When IT is a major driver of the change, the IT literature further recommends technochange management, which pays particular attention to technology features and considers its effects in the change process (Markus 2004). A well designed and executed change management program is vital to addressing project risks in order to increase the potential for project success. ERP implementations have unique challenges beyond other information systems, including the simultaneous reengineering of business processes, investment in technology professionals, integrating external consultants and their application knowledge, risk of technological bottleneck in implementations, and recruiting and retaining personnel with technology and business knowledge (Grabski et al. 2001; Somers and Nelson 2001).