CMU maintains global leadership in process mining for fourth straight year

Central Michigan University has secured its designation as a Celonis center of excellence in process mining for the 2024-25 academic year, marking the fourth consecutive year the university has earned this prestigious international recognition. 

The designation places CMU among just 15 universities worldwide selected from more than 500 academic alliance members annually. CMU is one of only 15 institutions in North America to receive this honor 

Recognition validates pioneering efforts

"This renewed recognition means continued excellence," said Vishal Shah, business information systems faculty member and associate director of the SAP University Next-Gen program. "We are doing something in this space that is of value to the community, to the industry, and to the company." 

Celonis, a German-based process analytics firm valued at $13 billion, awarded the recognition. The company is noted for innovation in science and technology and validates CMU’s leadership in process mining education and research. 

Understanding process mining: the 'X-ray for business'

Process mining enables organizations to analyze operational data to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. The technology examines transaction data with timestamps to reveal hidden patterns in business processes, helping companies eliminate waste and optimize performance. 

Shah explained, "Companies are always looking to improve operations. If you want to improve your chances of hiring, you have to have a mindset where you can help a company make their products and services more efficient." 

To learn more, you can explore Shah’s discussion on CMU’s The Search Bar podcast: What is Process Mining? 

Program evolution and student success

Since 2021, CMU’s process mining program has evolved from basic certifications to comprehensive curriculum integration at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Students compete in events, earn industry certifications, and collaborate on real-world projects with companies such as Dow Chemical. 

These projects offer valuable consulting experience, and some students have presented research papers at international conferences. The program’s strong foundation in SAP enterprise systems supports its success by providing the data essential to process mining analysis. 

Future outlook

As process mining advances toward process intelligence through integration with artificial intelligence and large language models, CMU remains at the forefront of this emerging field. The Celonis designation reinforces the university’s role as a hub for innovation and industry collaboration. 

This recognition supports CMU’s mission as an opportunity university by equipping students with cutting-edge skills that enhance career readiness and competitive advantage in the global marketplace.