Camunda report warns of rising automation complexity risks

Camunda has released its 2025 State of Process Orchestration and Automation Report, revealing that 82% of organisations are concerned about "digital chaos" due to increasing complexity in automated business processes.

The report highlights that the complexity arises as organisations manage an average of 50 endpoints to execute tasks, marking a 19% increase over the last five years. This growing complexity has contributed to escalating business risks.

The data reveals that 82% of organisations have seen a rise in compliance risks due to a lack of control, and 77% report increased risks of core process failures. Additionally, the report warns that these risks, if left unchecked, could lead to "Automation Armageddon," a term describing potential widespread failures in automation.

Kurt Petersen, Senior Vice President, Customer Success at Camunda, commented, "End-to-end process orchestration and automation are critical to delivering business outcomes. However, today's digital infrastructures and processes are both complex and interdependent, making it a significant challenge. In a constantly evolving landscape, organisations often struggle with siloed tools and technologies, which hinder their ability to streamline operations or achieve full visibility."

"Without decisive action, automation programs risk overwhelming organisations with fragile solutions, lack of comprehensive governance, excessive total cost of ownership, and increasingly reduced agility to meet changing business needs. Ultimately, companies who can't get their automation under control will lose out to savvy competitors who have mastered process orchestration and automation."

Artificial intelligence poses additional challenges as organisations attempt to scale and operationalise AI solutions effectively. The report indicates that 85% of organisations face difficulties in implementing AI across their business operations. This is compounded by 84% citing a lack of transparency in AI application within business processes, leading to compliance issues.

The integration of AI into orchestrated processes is critical, with 93% believing this is necessary to maximise return on investment and enhance business value.

Petersen emphasised the importance of process orchestration in managing complexity, "If organisations are to successfully operationalise AI across their entire business, AI applications and services must be orchestrated like any other endpoint within automated business processes."

"This will ensure they remain compliant and maximise the return on investment from their AI investments. Process orchestration is the key to managing complexity, connecting legacy systems, and coordinating diverse endpoints. Without it, hyperautomation and the autonomous enterprise will remain out of reach for most organisations."

The report also highlights the need for improved management of automation systems, with 82% of businesses recognising the necessity for better tools to manage interconnecting processes. A significant 79% admitted that while they have implemented substantial automation measures, they lack means to effectively control, manage, and sustain these systems.

Further findings show that 86% view process orchestration as essential for achieving hyperautomation, while 81% believe that without it, the goal of an autonomous enterprise is unrealistic.

Camunda's report surveyed 800 respondents who are involved in process automation within their organisations, with respondents coming from the US, UK, Germany, and France. The survey was conducted online from September to October 2024.