Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies (BOAT)

Integrate and manage multiple automation technologies with one platform.

70%

of organizations struggle with fragmented automation tools.

BOAT technologies will make up a market worth of $25 billion by 2027.

30%

reduction in automation delays with BOAT.

Automation is everywhere — managing tasks, streamlining workflows, connecting systems, and enabling faster development. But too often, automation tools operate in isolation, leaving businesses with fragmented processes and rising operational complexity.

Business orchestration and automation technologies (BOAT) change the game by combining these disparate tools into a unified, intelligent platform.

What is BOAT?

Business orchestration and automation technologies (BOAT) is a concept coined by Gartner. It refers to a unified platform that integrates and manages multiple automation technologies. Think of it as the connective tissue that combines RPA, BPA, iPaaS, low-code platforms, and AI-driven tools into one seamless ecosystem.

BOAT is not just about automating tasks — it’s about orchestrating end-to-end processes. From document ingestion and task mining to predictive decision-making and cross-system integrations, BOAT ensures every element of your business runs like a well-oiled machine.

BOAT’s core capabilities

Process orchestration

Manage workflows across systems, teams, and geographies.

Flowable Engage feature_configurable user lifecycle_icon

Enterprise connectivity

Integrate legacy systems with modern applications effortlessly.

AI-driven automation

Optimize processes with intelligent decision-making and generative AI.

Why is BOAT relevant?

As enterprises face mounting pressure to streamline operations and scale automation, BOAT emerges as the solution to unify fragmented tools and tackle the growing complexity of modern workflows.

Automation fatigue is real

Organizations often juggle disconnected tools for different purposes. One application for robotic process automation (RPA), another for business process automation (BPA), and yet another for integrations is commonplace. This fragmentation creates maintenance nightmares, escalating costs, and bottlenecks when scaling automation efforts. BOAT consolidates these tools into a single source of truth, making automation simpler, smarter, and more scalable.

The complexity of modern workflows

The days of only needing to automate simple, repetitive tasks are long gone. Enterprises need tools that can handle dynamic workflows, adapt to changing business conditions, and scale across departments. BOAT’s modular architecture ensures that businesses can orchestrate even the most complex processes — from customer onboarding to compliance management and beyond.

Hyperautomation’s logical next step

Gartner’s concept of hyperautomation emphasizes integrating and scaling automation technologies across an organization. BOAT takes this further by embedding orchestration and intelligence at its core, enabling enterprises to achieve hyperautomation without piecemeal solutions.

The benefits of business orchestration and automation technologies (BOAT)

With its unified framework and intelligent capabilities, BOAT delivers measurable value, transforming how businesses manage processes, optimize data, and drive innovation.

End-to-end orchestration

Unlike standalone tools, business orchestration and automation technologies (BOAT) focus on the big picture — managing workflows from start to finish across systems, teams, and technologies. This completeness ensures seamless handoffs between automated tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy.

Intelligent decision-making

By embedding AI and machine learning, BOAT doesn’t just automate — it optimizes. Whether it’s fraud detection, sentiment analysis, or process mining, BOAT adds intelligence to every step of your workflow.

Unified data access

With BOAT, all your data is accessible from one place. This unity improves data quality, enhances reporting, and lays the groundwork for advanced analytics and AI-driven insights.

Reduced operational overhead

Simplifying automation and toolsets into a single platform minimizes disruptions and reduces the need for constant system integration and maintenance.

Scalable innovation

Low-code environments mean faster innovation cycles, enabling businesses to respond quickly to market changes and customer demands.

Adaptability for the future

BOAT is future-proof. Its cloud-native, modular design allows enterprises to scale automation efforts, integrate new technologies, and adapt workflows as business needs evolve.

Discover how Flowable aligns with BOAT

As an established provider of intelligent process automation and orchestration solutions, Flowable has been delivering a suite of capabilities that align perfectly with the principles of BOAT for many years. Navigate through the categories and discover how:

All
Case Management
Connectors & Integrations
Low-code
RPA
IDP

RPA

Flowable & BOAT: Driving end-to-end automation with Flowable’s new RPA connector

While integration with RPA tools through APIs has always been possible, Flowable's new RPA out-of-the-box connector highlights Flowable’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive automation and orchestration platform rooted in the principles of BOAT.

Connect your technology landscape for end-to-end orchestration

Connectors & Integrations

Discover Flowable's integration options

Flowable integrates with a wide range of systems, technologies and applications for streamlined automation. Connect your technology landscape for end-to-end orchestration.

Case Management

Flowable & BOAT: Case Management

In precision-driven industries, case management is vital for success, as companies manage thousands of complex, multi-touchpoint cases daily.

Low-code

Flowable & BOAT: Democratizing process orchestration with low-code

IT democratization enables a wide range of users, from developers to business users, to create workflows using low-code tools, reducing reliance on internal IT departments.

Case Management

Using CMMN to go beyond case management

CMMN was mainly designed with case management in mind to handle dynamic, human-driven processes. But in reality it can do much more. Here's why you need case management if you want a unified technology landscape.

IDP

Intelligent document processing with Flowable: Streamlining content automation

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses handle large volumes of documents daily—whether it’s invoices, contracts, or customer communications. IDP promises to make it easier.