The Rise of WCA and Why CCM Is Dead

by Jim Lundy

Workflow and Content Automation (WCA) is a vital asset to the digital transformation of any business, especially those that want to maintain a competitive edge within their market. WCA is taking over Customer Communications Management (CCM), a term that Toby Bell and I coined while at Gartner. Prior to this, it was known as database publishing.

Now in 2018, simply generating documents just isn’t good enough. Today, it is all about putting content in motion, which is exactly what Workflow and Content Automation is all about. This blog overviews the reasons why you need to leave CCM behind and embrace WCA.

Automating Content Is Essential

WCA is a new category for automating document processes and transactions. Unlike CCM, WCA platforms can automate workflows and produce intelligent documents with valuable process analytics that enhance business productivity and intelligence.

The solutions offered by WCA accelerate the rate at which information flows between enterprises, people, and important business systems. This, in turn, expedites process cycle times and increases accuracy.

WCA, in its most basic form, is a document creation process. Usually, humans provide document input, but in some cases, the same process can be attained via a software application (forms). Now, through WCA, people can fill out documents through a question-and-answer process generated by built-in interview capabilities.

A Catalyst for Document Automation 

The rise of modern platforms that have emerged as a consolidation of older IT stacks is a prominent trend. This trend coincides with a larger opportunity to create processes that are either partially or fully automated.

WCA is a consolidation of forms software, workflow software, document generation, and Customer Communication Management (CCM). This solution is why Aragon believes that WCA is in a position to be a primary catalyst for document automation, and represents a key component of a digital continuum.

Why Is CCM Dead?

CCM is a dead category because the market for content automation is changing.  Content needs to be a part of a digital business process, which often means that workflow needs to be part of the conversation. While many CCM providers are evolving to meet this need, the new WCA providers are already there.

It isn’t just about generating documents anymore; documents need to be part of a digital process.

Continue the Conversation on March 22nd: Free Webinar 

On March 22nd, 2018, I will be hosting a webinar with Nintex that dives into Workflow and Content Automation. This free webinar will go in depth into migrating away from paper-based systems and how WCA is impacting digital transformation.

If you’re looking to start automating your document processes and putting your content in motion, you should attend this session, and be sure to bring your questions!