What is Business Process Automation?
Did you know some experts estimate 47 percent of jobs in the US could be automated within 20 years? While there is some debate about that, it’s an interesting statistic.
Business process automation is a great way to take your company to the next level and prepare it for the future.
First, what is it? Let’s explore more about business process automation and how it can help you.
BPA Explained
BPA can help your organization save time and money. In short, business process automation utilizes software to reduce human effort. The goal is for companies to identify repeatable, multi-step business functions that can be replaced by technology.
BPA solutions tend to be custom-built, because every organization is unique with its own way of operating and conducting business. A custom-built BPA solution is tailored to the specific needs of a company and integrates with existing IT systems.
Traditionally, business process automation is utilized by taking an already existing manual task and automating it. This approach is effective for controlling costs, increasing efficiencies, and limiting errors.
Modern business process automation takes things a step further as more and more companies are thinking about digital transformation and preparing for the future.
Modern BPA explores not only how processes are being executed and maintained, but how they could be improved upon and innovated. All areas of a business are now open to BPA review and consideration including completely new business opportunities and products.
What Tasks Can You Automate?
If you have any manual, administrative, paper-based, or spreadsheet-based processes, you have an opportunity to explore automation.
If you have a business workflow that crosses several departments and touches multiple IT systems, you might have an ever greater need for modern BPA.
What tasks can you really automate? There are more than you might think.
- Database entry and record-keeping
- Order entry, invoicing and fulfillment
- Data analysis and reporting
- Scheduling and project management
- Communications and business operations
- Employee satisfaction, learning, and development
- Financial services
- Human resource tasks
What Types of Automation Are There?
Task Automation
Task automation minimizes manual tasks. This can include things like sending emails or social media updates.
Workflow Automation
Workflow automation helps automate certain workflows. In some, it can be a combination of automation and human effort. However, there are workflows that can be fully automated.
Robotic Process Automation
Do you have processes that remain the same and require no decision-making? This can be something like moving a set of data from one system to another. This type of automation is described as robotic process automation.
Modern Business Process Automation
BPA software often tackles more complex goals and might include combinations of task, workflow, and RPA automation, as well as connecting to other systems’ APIs.
What are the benefits of business process automation?
Speed
Business process automation uses software, applications, and APIs to exponentially speed up complex processes.
Monitoring and reporting
BPA allows users to have transparent data and insights into their workflows which can be configured into dashboard charts and graphs.
Save money
Reducing manual errors that can be costly while speeding up redundant business tasks saves a company’s time and money.
More time
With many tasks being handled by BPA, teams can focus more time on strategy, innovation, creativity, and relationship-building.
Adapt to Changing Business Needs with Business Process Automation Software
Contact HSTK today and talk to one of our consultants about automation strategy.