First published: August 27, 2021 @ 6:00 pm
Automation is the act of using programs and digital tools to make processes run faster and more efficiently. This helps reduce errors and reduces costs.
In a lot of ways, creating efficient workflows can the way to the future, as it allows companies to become more efficient and gives them a competitive edge over their competition.
It’s also an effective way to maximize customer experience by providing your customers with quality customer service, which they expect from you. This article will focus on what workflow automation is, why it’s important, and how to start automating your workflow business processes.
What is Automation?
Automation refers to using software programs (usually computer programs) in order to run manual tasks or processes regularly without any human intervention.
The process is under the control of software that directs the operation and provides feedback on whether it has completed successfully the process. In this sense, we often refer automation to as computerization or computerization of workflows.
For example, think about a company that sends out millions of customer invoices every month by printing them out in bulk at a print shop.
This process would require manual inputting of information for each invoice, collating them into stacks of invoices by hand and then sending them off for processing at a printing plant.
The use of automation in this example is an inefficient and error-prone process, which would likely cost the company a lot of money and time. The company could, however, use automation to perform the entire process without human intervention.
This way, they can save money and have better control over their processes by using software to direct and monitor the entire process.
By using automation software such as spreadsheets or automated accounting software, companies can eliminate the need for repetitive tasks like collating invoices by hand and sending them off for processing at a printing plant.
Workflow automation platform also provides companies with an efficient means of processing invoices that is very similar to how a printer works.
The automated accounting software can print out an invoice in bulk, collate it into stacks of invoices by hand, then send it off for processing at a printing plant.
Why is Automation Important?
Automation has become increasingly important because there are many benefits of workflow automation. It allows companies to be more efficient with their workflows, saving them time and money while providing quality service to their customers.
For example, when someone places an order online at a website like Amazon or Best Buy, they sent off that order for processing at one of their warehouses. That warehouse has an automated system that takes the order and stores it in a storage bin.
The warehouse workers will then send the items to a warehouse manager, who will then assign them to a particular department for packing and shipping.
The warehouse manager will then send those items off for processing at another facility, which is typically where they will ship the item. As you can see, this process is very inefficient and time-consuming.
If a human processes an order, that person would have to enter all the information about the order into an Excel spreadsheet manually, collate it into stacks of invoices by hand, then print out and send off for processing at a printing plant.
This process would be time-consuming and error-prone. Automation eliminates these problems by performing all of these tasks on its own without any human intervention whatsoever.
How do I start with Workflow Automation?
The best way to start with workflow automation systems is to think about how you currently process orders in your business and how automation can replace some of those processes while also saving you money and time.
For example, if you’re currently sending out customer invoices via snail mail or emailing them out every month or so, you could start using automation software to process your invoices instead.
If you’re currently manually entering information into a spreadsheet, then you could start using an automated accounting software program to collate the information into stacks of invoices by hand and send them off for processing at a printing plant.
Here are several steps you can take to start with automation:
1. Identify Processes That You Can Automate
Before you can start automating any processes, you need to identify which processes you can automate. In order to do this, you’ll need to think about how the process works and how it would be best for your business if you automate it.
For example, if you’re currently sending out customer invoices via snail mail or emailing them out every month or so, you could start using automation software to process your invoices instead.
This way, you’ll be able to reduce the time and money that goes into sending out customer invoices every month.
2. Set Up Automation Software
After identifying which processes can be automated, the next step is setting up automation software. To do this, you’ll need to find a good software program that can automate your current workflow processes without any human intervention whatsoever.
The best software programs are usually ones that can be used on a regular basis and are designed to handle repetitive tasks.
For example, if you’re currently sending out customer invoices via snail mail or emailing them out every month or so, you could start using automation software to process your invoices instead.
This way, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of time and money that goes into sending out customer invoices every month.
3. Identify Automation Requirements
After setting up automation software, the next step is identifying what needs to be automated. The requirements for automating your workflow processes will vary depending on how the process works and what you want to accomplish with it.
In order to automate a process, you’ll need to find an automated accounting software program that can handle all the repetitive tasks involved in processing your invoices and then collate them into stacks of invoices by hand and send them off for processing at a printing plant.
4. Establish Processes for Automation
Once automation software has been set up, the next step is establishing processes for automating each part of your workflow processes.
To do this, you’ll need to identify each part of your workflow process (for example, the information that needs to be entered into the automation software) and then establish automated procedures for each part of the process.
For example, if you’re currently sending out customer invoices via snail mail or emailing them out every month or so, you could start using automation software to process your invoices instead.
This way, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of time and money that goes into sending out customer invoices every month.
5. Implement Automation
Once all the processes have been established for automating your workflow processes, you can implement automation by setting up automated procedures for each part of your workflow process. The next step is setting up automated procedures for each part of your workflow process.
For example, if you’re currently sending out customer invoices via snail mail or emailing them out every month or so, you could start using automation software to process your invoices instead.
This way, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of time and money that goes into sending out customer invoices every month.
WorkFlow by WorkDeputy is an effective an easy-to-use workflow automation tool that will help you with business process automation. You will be able to save more time, money, and energy to focus on developing your business.
