The future of OPEX: Why process mining matters
Michelle Fremuth discusses the impact of process mining, offers advice for beginners and reflects on her experience at OPEX Week 2025
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Michelle Fremuth is a seasoned expert in operational excellence (OPEX) and continuous improvement, with a strong background in Lean Six Sigma, business agility and change management. Having recently launched her own consulting business, Fremuth helps organizations enhance efficiency, optimize processes and drive meaningful change.
She will be speaking at All Access: Process Intelligence and Process Mining, PEX Network’s upcoming webinar series, sharing her insights on how process mining can revolutionize operational processes.
In this interview, Fremuth discusses the impact of process mining, offers advice for beginners and reflects on her experience at OPEX Week 2025.
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PEX Network: How do you see process mining reshaping traditional operational processes? What key benefits do you expect to see?
Michelle Fremuth: Process mining is a powerful tool, but it needs to be applied in the right context and aligned with business strategy. One of its greatest advantages is that it provides a true representation of a process, rather than relying on assumptions or perceptions. It identifies bottlenecks, inefficiencies and improvement opportunities that traditional process mapping might struggle to uncover.
By utilizing process mining, organizations can discover areas where processes can be eliminated, optimized or automated. While the core principles of process improvement remain, process mining enhances decision-making by offering a more data-driven and precise approach to identifying next steps.
PEX Network: For those who haven’t started their process mining journey yet, what advice would you give?
MF: First and foremost, ensure that process mining is truly the right solution for your needs. There are many effective, traditional methodologies that don’t require as much data or technology investment. Sometimes, organizations get excited about artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and other cutting-edge tools, but a simpler, more cost-effective approach may be just as effective — especially if process mining requires significant IT integration!
Once you’ve determined that process mining is the right path, carefully select the right tool for your specific goals. There are many process mining tools available, each with unique capabilities. Some focus on providing easily accessible dashboards for employees to use in their daily operations, while others allow for deep data analysis. Your choice should align with your business strategy.
When getting started, pick the right processes. Start small — perhaps with just one process — ensuring it has high-quality data and a clear problem that needs solving. A thoughtful, strategic approach will set the foundation for success.
Register for All Access: Process Intelligence and Process Mining
PEX Network: Why do you personally think it’s important to attend events like OPEX Week? What has been the most valuable part for you?
MF: This is my first time attending OPEX Week and it has been an incredibly valuable experience. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but the event has covered a diverse range of topics related to operational excelence (OPEX). The sessions provide deep dives into change management, Lean principles and real-world case studies, which have been insightful and practical. Beyond the sessions, the networking opportunities have been outstanding — I’ve had so many valuable conversations with professionals who are tackling similar challenges.
PEX Network: How would you describe OPEX week to someone who’s never attended before?
MF: It is this soup of knowledge all in one place. You can drink as much as you want from it. Maybe you’re already full and only need a little taste, but the more you engage with it, the more you get out of it! I’ve certainly enjoyed myself. I look forward to coming back next year!
To watch Fremuth talk more on this topic, click here to register for All Access: Process Intelligence and Process Mining.
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