A workflow is defined as a series of steps needed to complete a business task. Often, employees perform these repetitive processes daily. Because they rely on human input, they are often subject to issues like missed deadlines, or data entry errors.
Workflow automation is a solution that makes the flow of tasks, information, and work-related processes perform based on a pre-determined set of rules and logic. With automation, you are shifting the steps involved from your employees to software-based solutions.
The process of automating workflows is pretty straightforward, Once you set it up, automation will improve productivity, reduce or eliminate human error, and help you grow your business!
Workflow Automation Step-by-Step
Step one when automating a workflow is to define and identify the tasks that make up the process. Once you have identified the steps, you next need to create logical rules governing how each task is currently accomplished. Then, using software, you create a program that follows those steps using your pre-determined rules and logic.
Automation rules typically use if/then statements as instructions telling the program what action to take and how to move through the process being automated, step-by-step. The software uses logic and your rules to perform the series of tasks of the workflow from start to finish, this means that humans are no longer needed to perform those tasks and can focus on critical business objectives.
Who Benefits From Workflow Automation?
Every business has some workflows that can benefit from automating repetitive permissions and other tasks. A 2021 survey by software maker Zapier found that 94% of workers said that they perform repetitive, time-consuming tasks daily. It also found that 90% of knowledge workers believe that automation improved their jobs, and 66% said automation made them more productive.
Every department can benefit from workflow automation including finance, marketing, HR, operations, and sales. The best tasks to automate are repetitive ones that do not require significant decision-making.
Automation can:
- Improve efficiency
- Reduce or eliminate human error
- Boost productivity
- Speed up business processes
Workflow automation can free your team to focus on mission-critical objectives by reducing repetitive low-value tasks. Automation will streamline business processes, reduce or eliminate data entry errors and increase productivity.
Are you ready to learn more? Call your UBS rep today and let us show you how implementing a workflow automation solution can help you to improve efficiency and grow your business!
About United Business Systems
United Business Systems specializes in simplifying the complexity and management of office technology solutions for over 7,800 organizations nationwide. Services include Managed Print, Document Management and IT Services. Products include MFPs, Copiers, Printers and Wide Format Printers. UBS’s headquarters is in Fairfield, NJ with branch offices in Moorestown, NJ, Manasquan, NJ and New York.
For the latest industry trends and technology insights visit UBS’ main Blog page.
