Business process automation (BPA) can optimize your workflow, make it more efficient, and lead to higher profits. BPA manages information, data and processes, with the ultimate goal of reducing costs, resources and investment. It increases productivity by automating key business processes through technology.
Of course, the initial cost of automating your processes can be a considerable investment; however, the long-term benefits make it worthwhile. Here are some of the many benefits of automating your business processes.
1. Increased Productivity
Workflow and business process automation reduces the amount of time needed to complete a task. This can result in higher productivity rates for routine tasks, with the side benefit of freeing up employees’ time to concentrate on more complex and revenue-generating activities and better customer service.
2. Streamlined Communication
Conversations, emails, and phone calls between employees who are trying to pass on information can result in many details getting lost in translation. An automated system provides a visual and organized platform where all employees have a centralized view. Updates and documentation is recorded and managed so that all information is current. Controls are in place to prevent overlaying information and for access permissions.
3. Reduced Time and Costs
Performing tasks manually requires a lot more time than if they were automated. This frees up your time to work on items that add genuine value to the business, allowing you to be more innovative and increasing your employees’ levels of motivation.
Expensive manual errors and inefficiencies occur where humans are involved. Automation can greatly reduce the costs associated with errors such as, late or no payments, delayed approvals and the like. It can also save administrative labor costs.
4. Improved Quality
An automated process ensures that all actions are performed identically with no room for error. Each product is produced and each service is performed consistently, without deviations. This results in higher quality products and customer service that is more reliable. The improved consistency also encourages the development of more feature-filled products with little or no increase in production time and costs.
5. Greater Visibility
Business process automation systems include dashboards where you can view and monitor the process and see where things are at any given time. This is useful in managing deadlines and for capacity planning purposes.
6. More Efficient Task Management
The various departments involved in any process can have access and visibility into the automated workflow with just a few clicks. No more emails or phone calls to other departments requesting status. You can set up regular monitoring and reminders within the automated system so that nothing in the process slips through the cracks.
7. Improved Operational Stability
Business process automation systems have rigid guidelines regarding the control document and process actions. This eliminates situations where processing steps might be missed or documents misplaced. Employees need not worry about verifying accuracy of information and tasks; it’s all built in to the system. This greatly increases the dependability and reliability of the process.
8. Greater Customer Satisfaction
Because they will receive more accurate and consistent products and services, your customers will be more satisfied. They’ll know that they can depend on you to get the job done right. Also, your customer service will be easier and more efficient. If a customer calls, you can quickly pull up all their related information without shuffling through a bunch of papers. Customers will appreciate the speed and quality of service, which will increase their trust and loyalty.
The above benefits are powerful arguments for adopting a business process automation solution. However, achieving these benefits requires discipline to overcome the obstacles. As long as you understand, anticipate, and balance these obstacles against the potential benefits of automation, they should not interrupt your plans.
E3 Consulting Knows Business Process Automation
E3 Consulting can guide and help you establish and implement a BPA systems that’s right for you and your business.
Contact E3 Consulting now to find out how our business process management and automation solutions can make your company out-perform itself (and your competitors) through the power of process.