In 2026, companies can improve processes through structured use of AI, integrated process platforms, embedded governance, and continuous improvement practices.
The focus has moved toward real-time visibility, faster change cycles, and tighter control over execution. Also, process improvement now links operational data, automation, and decision ownership into a single system.
This article explains how companies can improve processes in 2026 and how to track the outcomes.
TL;DR:
- Companies can improve processes in 2026 through AI-driven optimisation, process mining, integrated BPM platforms, embedded compliance, and continuous improvement practices.
- Process improvement relies on real execution data, real-time visibility, and short feedback loops rather than periodic reviews.
- Embedded controls place compliance, approvals, and audit trails directly inside operational workflows.
- STX supports improvement with data engineering services that allow AI and automation to operate on clean and reliable pipelines.
- Think Beyond helps organisations implement process intelligence and visibility through tailored Salesforce integrations.
5 Ways Companies Can Improve Processes [2026]
If you’re looking to improve processes in 2026, treat it as a continuous operational function instead of a one-off project. Focus on making small, fast, data-driven changes that scale across teams and systems.
Below, we listed 5 practical ways you can improve processes today.
1. Use AI-driven process optimisation
One way you can improve processes is by using AI to automatically identify delays, inefficiencies, and rework.
Instead of reviewing static flowcharts, AI tools work with real execution data to highlight where processes break down and suggest specific changes.
You can apply AI to:
- Map workflows based on system data instead of assumptions
- Spot recurring bottlenecks across teams and tools
- Test changes in simulations before rolling them out
- Track performance shifts in real time after changes
To make this work, you need clean, reliable data. STX offers data engineering support through https://www.stxnext.com/services/data-engineering, helping you build the pipelines required for accurate, AI‑ready insights.
2. Apply process mining and process intelligence
Another way you can improve processes is through process mining. This method uses event data from your systems to reconstruct how processes actually run — not how they were designed. You’ll see where delays happen, how often steps repeat, and where teams deviate from standard workflows.
With process intelligence, you take this further. Systems not only show what’s happening but also predict where future issues may occur. You get early warnings and suggested actions before performance drops.
To get started:
- Connect your core systems (CRM, ERP, HR) to process mining tools
- Visualise real workflows and measure deviations
- Use predictive insights to act before problems grow
- Benchmark improvements over time
Top Salesforce partners in Poland like Think Beyond often support these implementations, especially when aligning process visibility with customer and sales operations.
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3. Standardise work around integrated BPM platforms
Standardising your process work on a single business process management (BPM) platform helps you improve processes more efficiently.
Instead of managing scattered tools and manual updates, a centralized BPM solution gives teams a shared, accurate view of current process flows, rules, and documentation.
You can:
- Build and update process models in one place
- Push approved designs directly into execution
- Monitor workflows without switching between systems
- Connect governance, automation, and data in one environment
Unified platforms reduce friction during change. You avoid misalignment between process owners, IT, and operations.
When BPM platforms support model-to-execution features, your teams spend less time translating ideas and more time delivering improvements.
4. Embed compliance and controls into process design
Embedding compliance directly into your workflows helps you improve processes without adding friction later. Instead of relying on periodic audits or manual checks, you can build approval steps, segregation of duties, and documentation requirements into each process from the start.
To apply this:
- Define compliance rules within the process model itself
- Use automation to trigger approvals and log actions
- Add role-based access controls to reduce risk
- Set up alerts for any non-standard activity in real time
This setup keeps audit trails complete and reduces compliance failures. You also make it easier for teams to follow the right steps without extra training or oversight.
Leading companies shift compliance from reactive to proactive using embedded controls that operate continuously in the background.
5. Build continuous improvement skills across teams
Improving processes long-term depends on building the right habits and skills across your organisation. Rather than handling everything at the leadership level, train frontline teams to identify inefficiencies and suggest changes backed by data.
You can:
- Set measurable goals tied to process KPIs
- Give teams access to dashboards that show live performance
- Train staff in Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma techniques
- Encourage small, testable changes and review results regularly
When continuous improvement becomes part of everyday work, teams solve problems faster and with more ownership.
Track Results And Keep Improvements Moving
Once you start making changes, tracking outcomes becomes essential. You need to know what worked, what didn’t, and how each change impacted performance.
Without clear measurement, improvements stall or quietly regress over time.
To stay on track:
- Monitor KPIs linked to each process change
- Use dashboards to compare before-and-after performance
- Review failed changes to understand root causes
- Schedule regular check-ins to assess progress and update plans
Tip: Treat every change as a short feedback loop. Measure, adjust, and repeat. When improvement becomes routine, momentum builds across teams.
Conclusion
In 2026, improving processes means moving beyond slow, isolated reviews. Companies now focus on real-time visibility, embedded compliance, and scalable automation.
You can apply AI, process mining, and BPM platforms to remove inefficiencies and respond faster to change. But tools alone don’t deliver results — skills, ownership, and consistent follow-through matter just as much.
Track what changes, measure the impact, and keep teams involved at every stage. With the right structure and habits in place, process improvement becomes continuous.
FAQs
What are the top 5 ways to improve processes in 2026?
Companies focus on AI optimization, process mining, integrated BPM platforms, embedded compliance, and continuous improvement culture. These prioritize real-time data over static, periodic reviews.
How does AI improve business processes?
AI analyzes operational data to automatically detect bottlenecks and inefficiencies. It allows teams to simulate changes and monitor performance shifts in real-time, shortening optimization cycles.
What is process mining?
It uses system event data to map how workflows actually run versus how they were designed. It reveals hidden delays, rework, and performance gaps based on facts, not assumptions.
Why use integrated BPM platforms?
They centralize design and execution, ensuring teams work from a single source of truth. This reduces tool fragmentation and allows for faster deployment of process updates.
How does embedded compliance help?
By building controls and approvals directly into workflows, compliance becomes automatic. This reduces manual audits and prevents risks without slowing down operations.
How is process improvement measured?
Success is tracked via live KPIs like cycle time, error rates, and cost. Dashboards compare “before and after” data to ensure changes deliver a measurable ROI.
