Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore Business Orchestration and Automation in 2025

Digital transformation isn't just a buzzword—it's the driving force behind how businesses grow, adapt, and stay competitive. But transformation isn't simple. Systems get tangled, workflows slow down, and teams become buried in repetitive tasks. That's where Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies (BOAT) come in.

Introduced at the Gartner Application Innovation and Business Solutions Summit 2024 in May in Las Vegas, this concept reflects the convergence of automation technologies and cutting-edge capabilities. Gartner emphasized that these advancements are foundational to modern platforms, shaping the future of how organizations streamline and optimize their operations.

BOAT doesn’t just automate tasks; it brings structure, clarity, and efficiency to complex workflows, ensuring every system and team operates in sync. The result? Fewer bottlenecks, better collaboration, and more time for strategic initiatives.

In this blog, we’ll explore the core principles of BOAT, its benefits, challenges, and emerging trends. Whether you're a CIO, IT leader, or someone driving digital change, you’ll find actionable insights to help integrate BOAT into your organization’s transformation strategy. 

What is BOAT?

BOAT, or Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies, represents the convergence of two powerful approaches: orchestration and automation. Together, they create a unified framework that streamlines workflows, eliminates inefficiencies, and ensures precise and speedy task execution. BOAT is not just a toolset but a strategic framework for achieving operational excellence across modern enterprises.

Research suggests that while 50 percent of work could be automated, only 31 percent of businesses have automated at least one function. The overlapping nature of existing automation technologies often fails to address the diverse, end-to-end automation requirements of enterprise application leaders, creating a significant gap.

The integration of these fragmented capabilities into a unified platform points to a future where automation will be:

Unified platforms that merge essential RPA, BPA, and iPaaS elements provide comprehensive solutions with features like low-code development, cloud-native architecture, cognitive capabilities, and intelligent document processing (IDP).

Leverage AI-driven autonomy to enable intelligent and autonomous task orchestration. By incorporating advanced technologies, they enhance automation tools with capabilities like intelligence, adaptability, and real-time decision-making, transforming process execution and management into a dynamic and self-optimizing system.

The challenges of disparate automation and orchestration technologies

Organizations often begin their automation journey with a specific goal—whether to streamline a single task, automate a single workflow, or optimize multiple workflows across departments. However, this can quickly result in adopting multiple overlapping technologies, each addressing a specific need but lacking cohesion. Without a strategic plan, this fragmented approach leads to significant challenges:

1. Increased overhead

Managing a patchwork of solutions means more complexity for IT teams. Every additional tool introduces new demands for:

• System Maintenance: Patching servers, managing security configurations, and updating integrations.

• Compliance Tracking: Ensuring compatibility across systems and adherence to regulatory requirements.

These complexities lead to higher maintenance costs and increased workloads, diverting resources from strategic IT initiatives.

2. More failure points

The more technologies in your IT ecosystem, the greater the risk of failure. A single malfunction—like an API breakdown—can ripple through the organization, disrupting critical operations.

• Example: If a CRM integration fails, sales and customer service teams may lose access to vital customer information, halting communications and impacting customer satisfaction.

3. Lack of integration across processes

Fragmented solutions often automate isolated tasks rather than end-to-end processes. Scalability is restricted, leading to potential bottlenecks, especially when workflows need to cross different departments or systems.

• Example: A business may implement intelligent document processing (IDP) for billing, but without holistic integration, this automation stops short of transforming related workflows like procurement or accounts payable.

4. Higher costs

Overlapping solutions quickly inflate IT budgets with mounting licensing fees, growing vendor contracts, and hidden costs like downtime or inefficiencies. Additional expenses include:

• Maintenance Costs: Increased labor hours for IT teams to manage multiple systems.

• Downtime Losses: Interruptions in one system can delay workflows across the organization.

• Regulatory Fines: Non-compliance risks rise with uncoordinated systems.

Even small inefficiencies, like users toggling between systems, can compound over time, eroding the benefits of automation and driving up overall costs.

Key components of BOAT

1. Core components: Merging RPA, BPA, LCAP and iPaaS into a unified platform

BOAT integrates the foundational elements of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Business Process Automation (BPA), and Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) into a single, cohesive solution.

• Robotic Process Automation (RPA):

  RPA automates repetitive, rule-based tasks such as clicking, typing, copying, pasting, and data extraction. These software bots interact seamlessly with digital systems, eliminating the need for human intervention. In BOAT, RPA goes beyond basic automation by embedding these tasks into larger business processes, enabling deeper integration and efficiency.

• Business Process Automation (BPA):

  BPA takes a broader, strategic approach by automating complex, end-to-end business processes across multiple departments. Organizations can design, execute, and continuously optimize processes using low-code or no-code tools. With real-time KPI monitoring and advanced analytics, BPA ensures workflows become more efficient, agile, and adaptable.

• Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAP): 

  LCAP enables the rapid development of applications with minimal coding, empowering business users and IT teams alike to create and deploy solutions faster. LCAP supports customizing workflows and applications while maintaining strong governance by integrating drag-and-drop tools and reusable components. Within BOAT, LCAP ensures:

• Accelerated application development.

• Collaboration between technical and non-technical teams.

• Enhanced scalability to meet evolving business needs.

• Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS):

  iPaaS is the backbone for connecting diverse systems, offering a cloud-based solution to unify data and processes. By bridging cloud and on-premises applications, iPaaS ensures seamless integration across endpoints, simplifying the management of complex workflows.

2. Integrated capabilities: Beyond automation

BOAT delivers advanced functionalities that elevate process management and operational intelligence:

• Process orchestration: Automates coordinating and managing complex workflows spanning multiple systems, applications, and resources. Powered by generative AI, these platforms optimize workflows in real-time, learn from data, and even generate new processes based on evolving business needs.

• Enterprise connectivity: Ensures seamless communication between cloud-based and on-premises systems, creating a unified technology ecosystem without compromising security or performance.

• Intelligent Document Processing (IDP): Uses AI technologies like Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to automate document-related tasks, including classification, data extraction, and validation.

• Process and task mining: This technique combines process mining (analyzing data from business systems to map workflows) with task mining (assessing user interactions with systems). Together, they uncover inefficiencies and opportunities for automation.

• Process design and optimization: Provides tools to visualize and improve workflows, enabling businesses to create efficient processes tailored to specific needs.

• Generative AI (Gen AI): Gen AI introduces autonomy into process management by enabling features like workflow design, content generation, and decision-making. It automates complex tasks such as document comprehension, sentiment analysis, and fraud detection while learning from data to continuously optimize workflows.

3. End-to-End automation: Complete process automation

BOAT supports the complete automation of business processes, covering every stage from data entry to final execution. Eliminating manual intervention ensures uninterrupted task execution. Key aspects include:

• Full Task Automation: Automating every step of a workflow, from initiation to completion.

• Seamless Integration: Connecting all systems and applications involved in the process.

• Uninterrupted Workflows: Ensuring continuous task execution without delays or interruptions.

4. Unified user experience: Intuitive and collaborative

BOAT platforms offer a consistent, user-friendly interface designed for users of all technical expertise levels. Features include:

• Role-Based customization: Tailored functionalities based on user roles and preferences.

• Collaboration tools: A shared workspace for business and IT teams to work together seamlessly.

5. Advanced architecture: Built for scalability and intelligence

BOAT leverages a robust technological foundation to deliver advanced capabilities:

• Low-Code/No-Code Development: Facilitates rapid application and workflow creation.

• Cloud-Native Design: Ensures scalability, flexibility, and resilience.

• Cognitive capabilities: Incorporates AI and ML for autonomous process orchestration and intelligent decision-making.

• Event-Based Monitoring: Detects and responds to market changes in real-time.

  Example: Automatically adjusting production schedules based on demand spikes detected through AI analysis.

Why do organizations need BOAT and its benefits for enterprises

Organizations face significant challenges in managing workflows, including inefficiencies, siloed processes, and scalability limitations. These issues hinder productivity, slow decision-making, and reduce adaptability in a competitive landscape. BOAT (Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies) addresses these pain points by combining orchestration and automation into a unified framework.

Key challenges BOAT solves

• Inefficiencies: Manual processes and repetitive tasks consume time and resources.

• Silos: Disconnected systems and teams lead to poor collaboration and limited visibility.

• Scalability Issues: Traditional workflows struggle to adapt to growth or market changes.

How BOAT overcomes these challenges

Improve operational efficiency

• Automating and optimizing processes reduces errors, eliminates redundancies, and streamlines operations, leading to faster task completion and more efficient resource utilization.

Increase business agility

• BOAT enables organizations to adapt quickly to changing market demands and operational challenges by providing flexible and scalable solutions.

Maximize profitability

• Automation reduces operating costs by eliminating manual interventions, while improved efficiency further enhances profitability.

Optimize the decision-making process

• Access to real-time data and advanced analytics allows management teams to make informed, data-driven decisions, improving outcomes and reducing risks.

Improve customer experience

• Efficient and personalized workflows create a seamless customer journey, increasing satisfaction and retention.

Use cases of BOAT across industries

Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies (BOAT) are transforming industries by streamlining operations, reducing inefficiencies, and enabling smarter decision-making. Here are real-world examples of how BOAT is driving value across sectors:

Challenges of adopting BOAT

While the benefits of Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies (BOAT) are undeniable, implementing these systems comes with its own set of challenges. Addressing these hurdles requires careful planning, robust strategies, and ongoing commitment. Here are the key challenges organizations face when adopting BOAT:

1. Implementation complexity

Introducing BOAT into an organization can be a complex process. Companies must take a strategic approach to avoid disruptions, which includes:

• Mapping out current processes to identify automation opportunities.
• Ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.
• Designing a detailed implementation plan to mitigate risks.

A well-thought-out strategy can streamline the transition and minimize operational hiccups.

2. Security concerns

New technologies often bring new vulnerabilities, making security a critical concern. Organizations must implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data and workflows.

• Regular security assessments and updates are essential to address emerging threats.
• Building a secure interface between legacy systems and new automation platforms is vital to ensure data protection.

3. Change management

Adopting BOAT involves significant changes in workflows and processes,  facing resistance from employees. To overcome this:

• Comprehensive training programs are essential to help employees understand and adapt to automated workflows.
• Clear communication about the benefits of automation can reduce resistance and foster acceptance.

Investing in training ensures employees are well-equipped to navigate new systems, minimizing disruptions during the transition.

4. Maintenance and upkeep

Advanced automation systems require continuous monitoring, updates, and maintenance to stay effective. This includes:

• Regular software updates to enhance functionality and address technical issues.
• Streamlining processes to ensure the system adapts to evolving business requirements.
• Proactive maintenance to avoid downtime and ensure peak performance.

Selecting the right Business Orchestration and Automation Technology (BOAT) platform is critical to achieving success in process automation and orchestration. With overlapping technologies like RPA and BPA in the market, focusing on a comprehensive, general-purpose platform that prioritizes orchestration, connectivity, and AI is essential. Use this checklist to guide your evaluation process and choose the best BOAT solution for your organization:

Selecting the right BOAT platform

1. Deliver on core needs

Ensure the platform addresses at least 80 percent of your automation use cases. By covering the majority of your requirements, the platform can deliver immediate value and support your organization's operational goals.

2. Build vs. Buy vs. Blend

Decide whether to build a custom solution, purchase an off-the-shelf platform, or blend multiple solutions based on your organization’s resources and capabilities. Consider factors like:

• Cost: How does each option fit within your budget?

• Time: What are the time-to-deployment requirements?

• Expertise: Do you have in-house technical skills to support a custom build?

3. Composability

Opt for a platform that supports composability to avoid vendor lock-in and retain flexibility. The platform should:

• Seamlessly integrate with your existing systems.
• Adapt to evolving technologies and future business needs.

4. Case management capabilities

Choose a platform with robust case management features to handle complex, dynamic tasks that require human judgment. Such capabilities are particularly valuable for managing intricate customer interactions and exception-handling scenarios.

5. Future alignment

Align the platform with your organization's future enterprise application architecture to ensure scalability and integration. By selecting a solution for long-term growth, you can support evolving business demands while maintaining efficiency and consistency.

Future trends in business orchestration and automation technologies

Rapid advancements in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing drive the evolution of Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies (BOAT). Here are the key trends shaping its future:

1. AI-Driven orchestration

Orchestration technologies are increasingly integrating AI to enable smarter decision-making and real-time workflow optimization, enhancing the adaptability and efficiency of automated processes.

2. Hyperautomation

Hyperautomation combines multiple automation technologies, including RPA, AI, and machine learning, to automate as many business processes as possible, delivering unmatched efficiency and scalability.

3. Low-Code/No-Code platforms

Low-code and no-code platforms empower non-technical users to design and manage workflows with drag-and-drop interfaces, reducing reliance on IT and democratizing access to automation.

4. Cloud-Based orchestration

As more operations migrate to the cloud, cloud-based orchestration tools are becoming essential for managing distributed resources, improving scalability, and enhancing disaster recovery capabilities.

5. Intelligent Document Processing (IDP)

Businesses are adopting AI-powered technologies to automate document workflows, addressing the increasing need to process large volumes of unstructured data efficiently and accurately.

Kissflow and BOAT

As a leading provider of low-code and no-code solutions, Kissflow has been empowering businesses to orchestrate and automate their workflows effectively, perfectly embodying the principles of Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies (BOAT). Here’s how Kissflow aligns with the BOAT framework:

1. Unified process orchestration

Kissflow enables organizations to design, automate, and manage complex workflows across departments, ensuring seamless coordination between systems, teams, and processes. By integrating both human tasks and automated workflows, Kissflow ensures end-to-end process orchestration that is at the heart of BOAT.

2. Scalability and adaptability

Kissflow's cloud-native platform scales as businesses grow, handling increasing workloads and evolving requirements without compromising performance. Its adaptable architecture ensures that organizations can respond quickly to new challenges and opportunities.

3. Intelligent automation

With integrated AI capabilities, Kissflow enhances decision-making and improves workflows through predictive analytics and machine learning. This intelligence allows businesses to optimize processes dynamically, meeting the innovation and efficiency demands central to BOAT.

4. Comprehensive automation suite

Kissflow provides a unified platform combining process management, case management, and workflow automation. With robust integrations for technologies like RPA and AI, Kissflow enables seamless orchestration of complex business processes, eliminating the need for multiple overlapping tools.

5. Low-Code/No-Code development

Kissflow’s low-code and no-code capabilities empower business users and IT teams alike to create and deploy applications rapidly. Its intuitive interface democratizes automation, reducing reliance on IT resources and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.

Kissflow’s comprehensive platform exemplifies the principles of BOAT by delivering unified orchestration, intelligent automation, and scalable solutions—all while remaining accessible to both technical and non-technical users. With Kissflow, businesses can achieve streamlined operations, enhanced productivity, and future-ready workflows.

FAQs

1. What is BOAT (Business Orchestration and Automation Technology), and why is it essential for enterprises?
   BOAT combines workflow orchestration and task automation into a unified framework, enabling businesses to streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies, and scale operations effectively.

2. How does BOAT differ from traditional automation technologies like RPA and BPA?
   Unlike standalone RPA or BPA tools, BOAT integrates multiple automation technologies, such as AI-driven orchestration and iPaaS, to support end-to-end process automation and real-time decision-making.

3. What are the top benefits of implementing BOAT in an organization?
   BOAT enhances operational efficiency, reduces costs, improves agility, provides better decision-making through real-time analytics, and ensures seamless customer experiences.

4. What are some common use cases of BOAT across industries?
   BOAT is used for automating loan approvals in banking, optimizing inventory management in retail, managing supply chains in manufacturing, and streamlining claims processing in insurance.

5. How can businesses choose the right BOAT platform?
   Key considerations include the platform’s ability to cover 80%+ of automation needs, its scalability, low-code/no-code capabilities, integration with existing systems, and alignment with long-term business goals.