What do you get from automating workflow or business processes? Many important benefits! In this day and age, not making use of technology to automate processes or workflow can already be considered a fault, especially if you are operating a business that involve many repetitive processes.
The following are seven of the most compelling reasons why you should consider automating workflow or business processes:
1. Reduced Errors
One of the major benefits of automation is the dramatic reduction of errors especially in completing repetitive tasks. It takes away the occasional mistakes committed by humans and ensures that requirements are objectively and strictly complied with. Automation takes away errors brought about by stress, monotony, and fatigue in human workers.
2. Faster Completion of Tasks
Certainly, automated tasks are completed more speedily compared to those that are being done manually. Forms and documents, for example, can be more thoroughly examined and processed at a significantly faster pace with the help of machine precision and the absence of subjectiveness. Everything in automation is governed by rules that a process is only completed at the soonest possible time. If something is preventing the system from proceeding, an error is raised so the appropriate action can be undertaken.
3. Reduced Wastage
Additionally, automation cuts wastage down. If properly done, automation ensures the optimal use of resources as it ensures that things work according to how they should work. Likewise, automating systems eliminates the need for most paperwork without necessarily taking away audit source materials or documents that will be needed when doing evaluations or process inspections. Just like how automation significantly cuts down waste in coal mining, automating business processes removes inefficiencies and unnecessary processes that take time and resources.
3. Increased Productivity
Obviously, if tasks have fewer errors (or none) and are completed within a shorter duration, workflow is expedited or processes move much faster. Moreover, by automating processes that don’t require human decision making or intervention, you can transfer manpower to more important tasks or or even reduce labor requirements. This leads to higher output with less operating costs. Investments in the automation software and hardware will be needed but in the long run, all the costs are bound to be lower compared to having more human workers who cannot be expected to be error-free and faster than an automated system.
4. Predictability and Visibility
With automation in place, the strict flow of tasks or actions becomes a must. There are processes that cannot be started when a certain task is not completed yet or when earlier requirements are yet to be fulfilled. A clear and precise sequence of tasks is established and may include notifications or alerts to inform everyone involved about what’s to happen and what should be done in case human intervention is required. This means that some aspects of operations become predictable, something that is considered an advantage when running a business. As such, excuses like “nobody told me so” or “the other department failed to send the document to us” become unacceptable. Everybody working in a system and everything that is going on in a system can be easily monitored with automation in place.
5. Employee Empowerment
Some may say that automation takes jobs away from people but it should be emphasized that it shouldn’t be the way to perceive things. Automation represents an advancement in technology. It is something inevitable in improving business operations. Besides, why should people be relegated to boring or monotonous repetitive tasks? Business process automation allows employees to work on tasks that are more suitable for their intellectual capability. Automation empowers employees by taking charge of menial processes. Automation should encourage workers to develop skills that cannot be taken over by machines.
6. Faster Response and Error Tracking
Automation enables faster response to sales leads, customer relations issues, or internal problems. An automated system can quickly process data and output meaningful reports so it becomes easier to grab opportunities or respond to problems. Also, since automation makes most if not all parts of a system predictable and visible, it’s not difficult to trace the source of problems and implement solutions.
7. Better Output Quality
Ultimately, if you have a system that ensures efficient processes with fewer errors, you will be able to create better products or offer better services. By taking people out of repetitive tasks, they can be assigned to do more creative endeavors. People can be given more time and opportunities to think and innovate.
It’s important to emphasize these advantages can only be achieved if you get the right system or software to use. There’s no doubt that automation creates advantages but you need to carefully evaluate if the solution you are considering is suitable for your setup. A fully automated comprehensive system may not be necessary depending on the size and complexity of your business.
You may achieve great enough results with a workflow management system without having to invest in a full-fledged business process automation system. Workflow Max already has excellent tools for efficient client and job management, time tracking, lead management, costing, invoicing, and document management. Also, you may already have other workflow automation software like Salesforce (for CRM and sales force automation) so you can just have them integrated instead of investing in an entirely new automation system for your business.
