Have you ever heard this saying: Work smart, not hard?
Some might find it puzzling (after all why would anyone choose to not work hard?) but what this truly means is that you should actively adopt methods that make your job faster, and work efficiency, improved. Working smart simply means finding ways to reduce mistakes, and optimize efforts. It is a high-priority skill needed in every aspect of life.
In the business world, working smart involves integrating technology into daily operations. Process automation is one of the game changers that has helped many globally known businesses. This article will explain what, how, and why. Read on!
WHAT IS PROCESS AUTOMATION?
As mentioned earlier, process automation involves the use of technological systems or software to perform operational tasks that would otherwise require manual effort. Usually, process automation is reserved for repetitive tasks like sending and replying to emails, managing inventory, auditing, or processing invoices.
Take, for example, an online store that sells tech gadgets and receives orders daily from all over the globe. Members of staff would have to be assigned to enter every order into a system, take inventory, print and cut out the shipping/tracking labels, and send confirmation emails per order. However, with process automation, all these steps can happen simultaneously, with little manual involvement. This way, business operations run smoother and employees can focus on other more productive tasks.
WHY EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS PROCESS AUTOMATION!
The case study above shows clearly the downsides to manual operation: slower delivery time, more errors, and longer processing, amongst others. This is why efficiency and cost savings are one of the major benefits of process automation.
- Efficiency covers the time, accuracy, and consistency factors. According to a McKinsey report, process automation increases productivity for your business by up to 30%. Tasks that used to take hours can now be completed in mere minutes and are free of errors caused by distractions, inconsistency, and miscalculations.
- As for cost savings, surveys prove that businesses that automate certain processes in their operations often cut down on labor costs and waste. Still using our case study, imagine if the company that imports tech gadgets begins to use software that can spot trends in their customer behavior. This would keep them from stocking certain products that may tie down their profits.
- Process automation also frees up people to be more productive. When your employees do not have to waste time on boring and repetitive tasks, you will find out that they can contribute more creatively and strategically. This reduces employee burnout and makes them feel fulfilled and satisfied with their job.
HOW MAJOR BRANDS SUCCESSFULLY STREAMLINE THEIR OPERATIONS THROUGH PROCESS AUTOMATION
- E-commerce brands:
Large brands like Jumia, Temu, Aliexpress, and Amazon successfully use automated operational processes such as AI systems for inventory tracking, and chatbots for customer service. Amazon, for instance, uses robots in its warehouses to move and sort packages to help the company meet its promise of fast delivery.
- Banks and financial institutions:
In the banking industry, chatbots handle thousands of customer queries every day, reducing wait times and improving service. They also help in detecting fraudulent activities across client’s accounts.
- Educational institutions:
Results upload, fee payment, applications, and class schedules are now automated in different educational institutions
- Healthcare:
In the healthcare sector, AI-powered software can help with appointment scheduling and patient data management (instead of having nurses manually open files), diagnostics, and billing procedures.
WHAT PROCESS AUTOMATION LOOKS LIKE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
For small businesses, robots might not be necessary, but there are certain areas in which automation can still work to save time, and improve overall customer experience. Note that some of these software are paid for. Examples include:
- Payroll
- Invoices
- Chatbots
- Social media
- Sponsored ads
Looking ahead, process automation will become even more commonly used. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotics are taking automation to new heights, allowing systems to learn, adapt, and even make decisions. This means future operations will not only be faster and cheaper, but also smarter.
At Biz Vital Signs, we help your business adopt technologies that will increase their business revenue and efficiency. Our goal is to help you build an efficient and competitive workplace in which streamlining operations through process automation is a necessity.
Watch out for more updates from us!