The Benefits of Workflow Automation

11/3/2010 at 4:52 pm by The Sage ERP Team

Workflow is a catch-all word used to define all of the various business processes and procedures that go into running a successful corporation. Essentially, workflow is a series of connected steps – from the first number entry to the final product. All workflow begins somewhere and ends somewhere, and in between involves a lot of complicated (and sometimes not-so-complicated) steps.

Workflow automation is a way in which these steps can be condensed into one smooth process. For example, in a publishing setting, a story must be routed from writer to editor and from editor to publisher. Workflow automation ensures that the completed story is sent to the editor and that the proofread story is then forwarded on to the publisher. In some settings, the human components may even be filtered out entirely.

So what are the benefits of workflow automation? There are many.

Workflow automation results in fewer administrative errors
For one thing, workflow automation helps take some of the human element out of business. While the ideas and innovations of people are without a doubt central to business, some mundane tasks are better left to computers. After all, “to err is human,” right? Using workflow automation software is one way that businesses can ensure processes are undertaken with the steps in the right order and that the correct people and departments are receiving all of the right information.

While administrative errors are rare, they can definitely slow down a business. Whether data is lost, stored in the wrong place or sent to the wrong person, errors like these can cost a business precious time – and don’t forget, time is money.

Workflow automation contributes to improved business efficiency
Much like ERP systems, workflow automation software is designed to eliminate unnecessary or repetitive business processes. Workflow automation can help your business streamline its processes and find the shortest distance between process A and result B.Workflow automation is designed to help your business become the most efficient it can be, but inefficiencies that exist at the most basic levels will persist even throughout the workflow automation process. For this reason, it is important to spend time analyzing your business processes and finding the inefficiencies that you’d like workflow automation to address. The better you understand your business, the more workflow automation can help you.
Workflow automation results in better communication
Workflow automation helps the various departments of business stay in touch with one another by simplifying the channels through which these entities communicate. Finding the right person to contact becomes easier and both verbal and electronic communications become more efficient, simpler and faster.

These are just a few of the ways in which workflow automation can help your business. If you have experience with workflow automation, how else has it been helpful to your enterprise? Tell us about it!