A 2017 McKinsey Global Institute report, a future that works: automation, employment, and productivity, states that the deployment of automation technologies could bring a range of performance benefits for companies… They include, but are not limited to, greater throughput, higher quality, improved safety, reduced variability, a reduction of waste, and higher customer satisfaction.
At CCR Technologies, we believe that Workflow Automation is the first step in an organization’s journey to gain these benefits. The current landscape of the workplace is quite paradoxical – on the one hand, advanced automation technologies such as robotics are gaining acceptance, while on the other, inefficient manual processes and workflows are still around. Replacing such manual workflows with automated ones is the need of the hour. So let’s take a look at what Workflow Automation entails and why it’s essential.
Workflows are the series of activities required to complete organizational tasks and involve specific information, roles and sequences. Technology can be applied very effectively to automate these and ensure that pre-defined business rules are followed.
Workflow Automation is the creation of technology based systems that automate the flow of data and replace manual work with rule-based logic.
A Deloitte study estimates that workflow automation can reduce general business process costs by 30 percent! Automation can help to transform simple as well as complex workflows, triggered by different business rules. A range of powerful technologies, such as web applications, mobility, RFID and data analytics, can be leveraged to create automated workflows that best match your organizational processes and business objectives.
The steps to creating a Workflow Automation system are:
- Review current processes and identify repetitive ones
- Design the system, applying the most appropriate technologies
- Build and execute the system
- Train the stakeholders
- Measure the impact
When designing a Workflow Automation system, what features are essential? Here are the Top 7 Features Your Workflow Management System Must Have which will help you to define them.
What does Workflow Automation Software Do? In the article ‘What is Workflow Management Software? Analysis of Features, Types, Benefits and Pricing’ on FinancesOnline.com, the following functions are listed:
- Enables individuals to streamline repetitive processes
- Allows creating and assigning tasks
- Provides an infrastructure where tasks can be defined and executed
- Defines the tasks involved in each step of the process
- Automatically follows up on unfinished tasks in the process
- Synchronizes tasks in every stage of the process chain
- Sets up, executes and monitor workflows, and adapts to changes along the way
- Coordinates the operation of individual components that constitute the workflow
- Provides overall visibility of the workflow along with performance metrics
- Combines a number of tools into one easy to use platform
- Helps users keep up and keep tab of sequences in operation
- Provides individuals the needed information to perform tasks effectively wherever they may be
- Provides tailored solutions to fit your business process
- Allows operation staff to adjust and update process model to follow changes in an evolving business process
- Allows custom email notifications regarding workflow status to concerned individuals
- Allows integration of other systems into the process model to reduce errors from manually copying information
Click here for more information about our workflow automation services.
A review of current processes usually reveal that inefficiencies exist across all functions such as production, supply chain, HR, sales and support. Implementing workflow automation can unlock business value at every stage of these processes.
