Business Process Automation for 2021
Businesses that have embraced operational agility have fared better over the last year—coming up with flexible solutions to unique challenges while growing their bottom lines. A vital component of their skill is business process automation and identifying where processes would benefit from more efficient systems.
As business process automation solutions become more sophisticated, companies with a growth mindset embrace tools to optimize their workflows.
What is Business Process Automation?
Business process automation uses technology to automate certain operations that a company must otherwise do manually. For example, automation software can replace paper-based accounting to give employees company-wide access to relevant accounts and invoice processing. In this case, it makes invoicing more efficient and more fool-proof, reducing human error and the potential for costly mistakes.
An automated business process can simplify tasks that have become cumbersome and overly complex. It can also improve customer service interactions, boost operational agility and cut costs thanks to efficiency gains. Automation is also a key component in reducing compliance issues at an organization. Automating your business process sets the stage for digital transformation and helps your company compete in a changing marketplace.
Business Automation Trends in 2021
Business process automation is undoubtedly here to stay, but several key areas will receive more attention in the coming year.
Communication & Collaboration
As many companies embrace remote work or hybrid models, they will continue looking for ways to improve communication and collaboration virtually.
Companies have also invested in automated anonymous reporting of employee questions and concerns where an email may not be appropriate. Improving communication methods at a company improves overall employee satisfaction, reducing turnover at an organization and time-consuming onboarding processes.
Document Management
Digital signatures are already an essential tool at large companies looking to improve the ease of finalizing contracts. They are secure, efficient and reduce the time it takes to set up an in-person signature on a document.
Companies will continue looking for other ways automation software can reduce the need for paper-based tasks and manual data entry.
Customer Engagement
Over the last year, companies that have thrived have kept customer satisfaction at the top of their priority lists. Automation allows a business to follow up with customers throughout every interaction with a company if needed.
Through an automated business process, there is an opportunity to address customer concerns as they arise. You can also collect data from customer interactions, complaints, and positive feedback to improve customer satisfaction.
Customized Solutions
Business process automation works best when it customizes solutions to a company’s unique needs. For example, a hybrid workplace may focus on software solutions that give employees access to vital information remotely. Companies working with numerous vendors may use automation software to oversee onboarding and compliance with company-wide protocols.
Improving the workflow business process begins with identifying where the need is at a company.
How to Implement an Automated Business Process
Optimizing your business process is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Automated solutions that work for some companies may not work at another.
Businesses looking into workflow automation should follow a few steps ahead of implementing an automated business process:
- Identify Trouble Spots: A company should look at manual or repetitive tasks that take up time and need improvement.
- Outline Short- and Long-Term Goals: A company should run on a goal-based mindset. With trouble spots in mind, could automation improve processes to meet those goals more efficiently and effectively?
- Find the Right Tools: Automation software chosen by a company should match what that company is looking to achieve. Consider tools that complement what is already working at a company and any possibilities for integration.
- Promote Buy-In: Employees should feel that they are a part of the future of a company. Promote training around new tools and define new roles as necessary. Improved processes at a company should allow for more time for innovation and collaboration.
- Collect Data and Adjust: After automation tools are in place, note any adjustments that need to be made. As technology improves and changes, so should a company’s automation tools.
Growth Mindset Solutions to Improve Your Processes
Trinity’s business app development provides customized BPA software for businesses looking to identify growth obstacles. Our custom Quickbase applications allow your business to compete in the future of work.
Contact us today to learn more about how automation software and optimized business processes can help your company grow.