Workflow automation is the process of designing, creating, deploying and automating business processes based on preset rules. Work tasks are automatically triggered and routed between people, technology and data to ensure that a company's needs are met in an efficient manner.
Workflow automation has been around for quite some time but it has only recently become more popular as RPA (Robotic
Process Automation) software gains traction.
Workflow Automation Definition
As mentioned above,
workflow automation is the process of designing, creating, deploying and automating business processes based on preset rules.
Workflow automation is an evolution of what used to be called "
workflow management.”
Workflow automation is a subset of this that focuses on the design, creation, deployment and management tasks as well as the automated process routing tasks.
Workflow Automation Design Process
The
workflow automation design process starts with defining business processes based on preset rules to ensure efficiency in meeting company needs. This is where the process needs to be mapped, rules created and tasks defined.
Workflow automation design is typically done by a service provider with specialized software for this type of work or it can also be undertaken in-house (using commercially available tools).
Why Workflow Automation Is Used
Workflow automation is used in organizations to automate processes, handle rules and govern how tasks are routed.
Workflow automation software allows the automatic routing of work based on pre-determined events that trigger the process or tasks involved.
Workflow automation also frees up time for employees so they can focus more on completing their own assigned duties rather than "managing" the workflow.
Workflow automation can also help to reduce errors and provide a clear audit trail of who did what, when it was completed and by whom.
Workflow Automation Benefits
The benefits of implementing
workflow automation include increased productivity due to less time spent managing
workflows, reduced risks for human error as tasks are automated which provides a clear audit trail, and improved employee morale as they are freed up to focus on their own workload.
Workflow automation has been around for quite some time but it has only recently become more popular due to the increased usage of RPA (Robotic
Process Automation) software in businesses.
How Workflow Automation Can Change Your Business
Workflow automation can help your business in many ways.
Workflow automation frees up time for employees, improves productivity and reduces human error risks. Automating
workflows reduces the time it takes to complete tasks. Furthermore, since
workflows are managed more efficiently, costs associated with this type of work can be reduced even more.
What to look for in a workflow automation software
Workflow automation software should be able to automate tasks based on pre-determined events that trigger the process or task. This software should offer increased productivity for employees and reduced risks of human error. Implementing good workflow software will also allow your business to run more efficiently which reduces costs associated with this type of work.
How to Build an Automated Workflow
Building an automated workflow is done by following this process:
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- Define business processes based on preset rules to meet company needs.
- Map out the process, create and define your rules, and develop tasks that need to be completed.
Workflow automation design can either be conducted in-house or outsourced to a service provider depending on what type of software is used.
In summary,
Workflow automation is when tasks are automated and routed between people, technology and data. Workload management used to be called
workflow management but the focus of that subset was on design, creation, deployment and routing while this new type focuses on those things as well as automation.
Workflow automation has many benefits for business including increased productivity, reduced risks for human error, and improved employee morale.
Workflow automation can also help your business in many ways by automating
workflows that reduce the time it takes to complete tasks and reducing costs associated with this type of work.
