Manual data entry is one of the most time-consuming and unproductive tasks. It is not only tedious but also wastes valuable time and company resources. Fortunately, there are technologies available that can automate these mindless processes, removing human error and allowing focus on the critical work. We call it workflow automation.
Workflow Automation involves designing, implementing, and automating workflow-based procedures in which human activities, data, or files are routed between people or systems based on predefined standard operating procedures. Automation can help your organization save time and reduce errors using enterprise workflow software.
From Administration to Finance and IT to Marketing, workflow automation can alleviate the strain of manual operations for all departments. Workflow is the sequence of smaller tasks required to execute a larger task. Workflow automation transfers the execution of these tasks from humans to software.
Automating workflows, particularly in those procedures where human interaction is heavily required, can reap considerable benefits in areas such as efficiency, productivity, accuracy, accountability, job satisfaction, and many more.
Whether it’s automation in software development teams or automation in sales, there is no fundamentally non-automatable workflow. Automating a given workflow process can consist of a single request/approval process or several workflow activities and resources triggered by predetermined business rules. For example, an employee can request the approval of capital expenditures by filling out an online form.
Cisco Systems streamlined its CRM process from Emerald, eliminating 75,000 client calls per month and reducing nearly $270 million in yearly operational expenses.
Meaningful work is one of the most influential factors in employee retention, according to Deloitte Insights. Over forty per cent of job-seekers indicated that their current position did not adequately utilize their skills. The lack of difficulty in their professions was highlighted by 27% of respondents.
When you automate repetitive processes, you free up more time for people to perform exciting and mentally demanding work. Instead of spending time on message scheduling, they can create strategic projects and research the most current industry best practices. They are more likely to remain if the work they are doing is stimulating.
Example of Workflow Automation in Marketing:
Workflow automation can assist virtually any business function, but automating your marketing has the most significant impact on your bottom line.
Workflow automation allows you to meet today’s customers’ expectations for personalized service. According to Dynamic Yield research, customers in North America are more inclined to interact with an email that is tailored to their preferences. Personalizing client encounters is preferred by 80% of consumers.
The laborious process involved makes it difficult to achieve effective customization. Checking the email list to see if there are any new subscribers and sending out welcome messages needs to be someone’s responsibility. You must track down any consumers who’ve fallen off your radar and send them a promotional message saying, “We miss you.”
These chores can be automated so that you can focus on strategy, analysis, and planning instead. You don’t have to spend all of your time implementing campaigns when you can focus on improving the audience’s experience and identifying the most effective messages.
Tools for Workflow Automation:
Software as a service (SaaS) is the most common method of distributing workflow automation software. For small and medium-sized businesses, SaaS programs often provide simple workflow tools.
Here’s a list of companies that offer technology: Catalytic, Flokzu, IBM, Integrify, Kissflow, Nintex, Pipefy, SmartSuite, etc.
These have some pros and cons; some are no-code, some are less-code, some have cloud support, and others have more API support. As well as the difference in service, there is also a difference in their price. Before purchasing the service, the buyer should choose the service that best suits their requirements.
As you can see, these processes require a lot of concentration, and like any other computer procedure, they aren’t exceptionally forgiving if you add an extra space or leave off a slash mark. It’s worth the bother of initial setup if you’re automating processes routinely used by your team. Automated workflows like this allow us to focus on more strategic and creative duties once they operate at total capacity.