Process metrics are basically process integration technology that’s able to display information in real time as part of their runtime process integration mechanism. So, not only are you able to create meta-processes on top of existing enterprise processes, but you can externalize real-time information, even real time calculated points, at runtime. They don’t, however, usually provide true decision support capabilities, just rudimentary monitoring capabilities bound to a process.

Passive BAM, is typically what you see out there these days. This type of BAM allows you to externalize information from any number of systems, typically leveraging existing integration technology such as integration servers, and display that information in some way that is meaningful to the end user. This means changing pie and bar charts, dashboard type displays such as gages, etc., allowing a human being to observe the status of their business and make any changes needed (typically not using their BAM interface).

Active BAM is much more complex, but also more helpful. Using this type of technology you’re not only able to monitor points of information, either raw or calculated, but take automatic action using preprogrammed logic. For instance, using this type of technology you may establish a rule that will automatically reorder inventory when a certain item is nearing an out-of-stock status, and alert somebody through e-mail. Or, perhaps create more complex rules such as contacting a chief investment officer when the risk value becomes too high in a system that monitors a billion dollar portfolio. Thus Active BAM not only provides the monitoring capabilities, but the ability to take action without human intervention.