Automating processes within a business’ workflows can contribute a lot of value – either by improving the accuracy of tasks, accelerating the process, or freeing up user time.
There is always a lot to do in a business. Often times, there are lots of time-consuming, or repetitive tasks which can assume workers time, without necessary adding a significant amount of value to the business (despite the fact that they are necessary, or even essential tasks). The solution for this type of work is to implement process automation. Many businesses, especially IT companies, are already relying on process automation. We spoke with one provider of small business IT support London based SMBs have used for over 12 years, and they said that process automation can be applied to many different areas of the business to make things quicker and easier.
Why is Process Automation Useful?
Process automation enables organisations to execute workflows more quickly, and with less input from human users. One managed IT services company spoke with us regarding process automation and its benefits. Below is a summary of its core value:
- It Saves Time – In enabling a variety of tasks to be conducted by software, those hours workers would usually spend on said tasks can be dedicated to other work. Automation tools also execute processes more quickly than when they are done manually.
- It Eliminates Human Error – A problem with manual work is the inevitable instances of human error which occur. Unlike humans, software rarely makes errors.
- It Improves Decision Making – When workers conduct tasks and processes, they are usually too occupied with the work to be able to draw insights like how efficient the process is, etc. Automation tools, on the other hand, can be used to collect to information on the processes they conduct – this can then be used to make changes to the way the business operates, for better efficiency.
5 Examples of Process Automation
There are lots of different examples of process automation that are in use by businesses right now. For example a company providing IT support Croydon businesses have used extensively told us that they used it extensively in their marketing functions. Below are some examples of process automation’s use in an organisation…
- Automate Lead Management– Managing leads in a business often involves lots of different processes,such as extracting information from signup forms, segmenting contacts lists, and calculating lead values. Many of these processes are purely designed to facilitate proceeding activities for the sales function, and no not generate any value in and of themselves – therefore, automating these processes can extradite workflows to the point where they begin to generate value for the business.
- Automated Email Marketing– Setting up automated email marketing can enable a business to reach large numbers of customers and prospects with very little effort. For instance, welcome emails can be automated, a specific follow-up email can be scheduled based on whether or not the recipient opened the welcome email.
- Monitor social media Automatically – Another great example of automation for digital marketing is its use in ‘social listening’. This is where a business monitors every instance of their company, brand, product or service being mentioned by social media users. This can provide businesses with excellent marketing research.
- Notifications – Most people will be familiar with one type of automation: Notifications. A notification the automated version of checking an application for information. Notifications is one type of automation that is used to improve the efficiency of processes that requirehuman intervention. For example, sales teams may usenotifications to monitor status changes that require actions.