{"id":73080,"date":"2023-01-08T13:38:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-08T13:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/?p=73080"},"modified":"2023-03-07T19:27:45","modified_gmt":"2023-03-07T19:27:45","slug":"business-process-automation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/business-strategies\/business-process-automation\/","title":{"rendered":"BUSINESS PROCESS AUTOMATION: Definition and Top Software Tools","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Business process automation is the use of advanced technology to get business tasks done with as little human help as possible. Of course every busiess owner knows the importance of BPA. It speeds up work by routing information to the right person at the right time using user-defined rules and actions. As part of a digital transformation strategy, organizations often use BPA to streamline workflows and make their operations run more smoothly. Check out this article for more details on business process automation, and top software tools with examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The goal of business process automation is not just to replace paper with PDFs; it also aims to make processes more cost-effective, streamlined, error-proof, and clear. By automating processes to improve overall operational efficiency, organizations save time and make sure that best practices are used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Almost any business process can be improved in some way by automation. When evaluating candidates for process automation, consider the following key characteristics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organizations can use business process automation software tools to partially or completely automate their business processes. RPA software and BPA software are similar. In fact, they have similar objectives. The only difference is that the latter software works more like humans: it manipulates software using machine vision and screen scraping. BPA software, on the other hand, automates an organization’s business processes before integrating them into the software being automated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’ve ever worked in an organization, you know that onboarding is a highly structured process. (Email person A, complete documents B, C, and D, and so on.) Instead of starting from scratch, you can let the business process automation software guide you through the entire process. As long as a business process involves a series of predictable steps and repetition, chances are it can be automated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Business process automation is transforming organizational operations, enabling organizations to do more with less while scaling in tandem with business growth. Here are the top ten business process automation tools for increasing resiliency and propelling your company to new heights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asana is a project management<\/a> tool with features for both managers and workers. Its straightforward user interface simplifies project management while encouraging usage and interaction. As far as security is concerned, Asana provides SSO, 2FA, and advanced granular permissions. Asana lets you manage and plan by using pre-made templates, a shared team calendar, a task scheduler, task prioritization, and automation of repetitive tasks. It also has report dashboards for project insights, file sharing through drag-and-drop or manually, and comment sections under each task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ProcessMaker is an intelligent low-code BPM and business process automation platform for organizations that require scalability. You can quickly create customizable charts and reports using its filtered search feature. You can also assign specific end-users to your charts and reports. ProcessMaker includes a scripting engine that supports JavaScript, Java, C#, and other languages. It provides BPMN syntax checking and process error validation to check syntax. As a result, you can improve the overall visibility and orchestration of end-to-end automated processes. End users can also design and re-design as many automated processes as they want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ActiveBatch is a no-code platform for orchestrating automated workflows. Its event-driven architecture allows it to support message queues, tweets, FTP file events, email, and other features. Task scheduling can also be adjusted based on the business day and time. To manage automated tickets, it provides bidirectional integrations with System Center Service Manager and ServiceNow. APIs can also be used to connect to any service, application, or server. It also includes features like modeling and in-depth monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kissflow provides a simple approach to business process automation. It’s a group of more than 50 apps for managing things like payments to vendors, purchase orders, onboarding new employees, and even mileage reimbursements. These apps can also be customized by end users. Kissflow also provides data capture forms, activity reports, and system sequences. It offers Zapier-supported SaaS integration as a collaboration suite. You can also attach files from Dropbox and Google Docs<\/a> that are multilingual. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on how many applications a user can create.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hootsuite is a well-known social media management automation tool on the market today. With over 150 apps in the Hootsuite App Discovery store, it has the most comprehensive list of social network integrations. It also has an easy-to-use interface for quick onboarding. You can quickly connect multiple accounts, including YouTube. Hootsuite is an effective social media management tool for businesses that communicate across multiple social networks. You can also use the Hootsuite API to tailor your integrations and improve interoperability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basecamp is an online collaboration tool used by businesses. It is adaptable because it allows for a wide range of integrations. The prominent features of Basecamp include deadline, file, task, announcement, and discussion tracking. Consider creating a virtual hub for company teams, which can be useful in a remote working environment. Basecamp is the most adaptable and robust workplace hub. While it can emphasize project management, it was not intended to make projects easier. It does, however, excel at discussion management, which can help speed up projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Comindware Tracker is a SaaS platform that automates issue tracking, communications, project management, workflow management, HR management<\/a>, resource utilization, and other processes. Every feature can also be customized. Comindware Tracker, for example, includes a Graphical Workflow Builder that allows you to design and customize workflows using a drag-and-drop interface. You can follow up on critical alerts about customers, vendors, and partners for issue tracking. Comindware Tracker also includes a Human Resources Management (HRM) system for managing hiring, vacations, employee transfers, warnings, and termination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LaserFiche is a platform for automated content management that works to sort through digital clutter. It gives you a simple, easy-to-use interface for routing and tracking digital documents every day. AI-driven workflows and analytics let end users scan and organize documents digitally across the organization. It also includes tools like forms, reports, and task management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quu is a tool for automating content research and marketing. However, it is not a HootSuite clone. Researching relevant content for targeted audiences is invariably time-consuming. Quu automates the tedious process by sending daily alerts of high-quality content in your preferred niche. The notifications contain links to podcasts, articles, videos, and blog posts, among other things. For content, there are three options: hand-curated, discovery, and Pods by Quu. Once you’ve received your daily content, you can schedule it using a tool like HootSuite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TrackVia is a well-designed, low-code development platform for workflow management. It provides end-users with UI-based drag-and-drop functionality for building applications and automating processes. Mobile workflows with Zapier integration and responsive dashboards are the primary focus. However, customization is limited due to default layouts. TrackVia could also benefit from more third-party app integrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BPA automated an entire business process from start to finish, while RPA delegated individual tasks to software robots to streamline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some compelling examples of how Business process automation software tools have been put to use in the business world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employee recruitment is a slow and laborious process. This is because there is a great deal of paperwork involved in the hiring process, including legal documentation, opening bank accounts, organizing training and orientation, and completing various forms. This hiring process becomes inconsistent, informal, and disjointed without BPA software, which can even lead to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n This hiring process becomes inconsistent, informal, and disjointed without Business process automation software examples, which can even lead to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n By automating the employee onboarding process, you can ensure a smooth transition from one task to the next. It is possible to keep your prospective employees up to date on the hiring process thanks to BPA software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Purchase orders are a recurring, day-to-day task in most organizations that necessitates a significant amount of paperwork. Employees complete a form and submit it to the purchasing team. A purchase order is created and a copy is sent to the supplier as well as the inventory team after it has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate authority. If the request is denied, for example, due to budgetary constraints or insufficient information, the purchase order is returned to the requesting team. Several issues could arise if this business process is not automated, including (but not limited to):<\/p>\n\n\n\n Business process automation software examples facilitate and accelerate workflow execution and also improve data accuracy, transparency, and accountability in an organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Process automation’s primary objective is to improve a company’s workflow. it can reduce costs, time, and waste while increasing productivity, reducing errors, and controlling all business processes in real time with automation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many positive outcomes that can result from automating processes, including enhanced customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every year, organizations lose at least 30% of their revenue due to inefficient business processes. In other words, manual business processes frequently result in significant resource waste. The transition from manual to automated business processes allows for the reduction of errors. Organizations can significantly increase profit margins<\/a> and lower operational costs through the business automation process examples. Because waste is eliminated and resources are optimally utilized, you have more room to renegotiate favorable terms and manage contracts efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintaining data and documents manually can be a nightmare time consuming, it’s and the chances of making mistakes are increased. When you automate document management processes, you reduce the time it takes to review and approve documents, making it more convenient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With BPA software, you can track and monitor multiple processes while they are running and establish key performance indicators (KPIs). This level of transparency provides insights into areas of your organization that require critical improvement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider having to call and follow up with an employee. Then, via email, engage in a back-and-forth to clarify certain details. Manually, such a process can take up to a week or more to route information to the right person at the right time. BPA software reduces document and information processing time to a few hours. Automation also allows you to track document progress and status, with full traceability of documents sent, opened, and signed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Noncompliance with relevant industry and legal regulations is an expensive move for businesses everywhere. The good news is that business process automation software tools assist businesses in remaining compliant. This data is useful because it is traceable and under control, resulting in better compliance with relevant regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To find out what’s going on with your business processes, contact a supervisor or team leader. Even then, miscommunication is likely, which can lead to costly errors. Business process automation software aids in the streamlining of such internal communications. It can even aid in the simplification of customer-facing processes such as sales and customer service. Process automation also keeps all process-related communication within the workflow, making process execution easier and faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a recent study, office workers spend nearly two and a half hours per day on destructive tasks such as document processing, paperwork approval, and information search. Business process automation software can quickly complete repetitive tasks. Automation saves money because it requires fewer manual interventions. It also saves time, which is the primary benefit of all BPA software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because BPA software can effectively handle all mundane recurring tasks in an organization, you can reduce meetings in order to improve workforce allocation. This also allows you to redirect your employees’ attention to tasks that engage their brains more in developing strategies and performing more important functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Process automation improves the consistency of workflow, especially in large organizations with many employees and stakeholders. And this is where things can get a little tangled: everyone has multiple tasks to complete, different filing methods, different habits, and so on. A BPA software with steps that follow each other systematically is a clever shortcut for improving workflow and making the business process more effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Error is human, no matter how capable your employees are. Mistakes will always occur. They are, in fact, unavoidable. However, automating business processes allows you to detect and correct common workplace errors such as constant delays, inefficiency points, manual errors, and many more. By eliminating the risk of these errors (by automating processes), your business processes will run more smoothly. It assists you in avoiding redundant business operations. BPA software can also assist you in preventing recurring errors in your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are four different types of business automation, their functions, and when they should be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marketing is an important part of running a business, but it can be time-consuming and expensive, which makes it a good candidate for automation. Companies can generate highly qualified leads ready for sales engagement using marketing automation tools. These tools also provide a framework for teams to target, build, execute, and measure the success of marketing campaigns<\/a>, simplifying lead qualification and conversion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Companies can save significant time on accounts receivable (AR), accounts payable (AP), billing, collections, credit card applications, data backup, and other financial processes that must be managed on a daily or weekly basis by automating their accounting and bookkeeping functions. They can also automate core processes such as bookkeeping, general ledger (GL) management, and bank account management. Automation simplifies a complex process by removing manual elements from the accounting team<\/a>‘s work and handling the number-crunching and transactional work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Business process automation (BPA) extends beyond basic automation by incorporating application integration to help businesses improve value and efficiency. Robotic process automation (RPA), a subset of BPA, focuses on automating routine tasks, whereas BPA helps businesses get more out of their automation investments. BPA accomplishes this by aggregating data from multiple sources to create analyses that would be difficult to achieve manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Companies use BPA for a variety of purposes, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n#2. ProcessMaker<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#3. ActiveBatch<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#4. KissFlow<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#5. Hootsuite<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#6. Basecamp<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#7. Tracker Comindware<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#8. Laserfiche<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#9. Quu<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#10. TrackVia<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Is The Difference Between Business Process Automation (BPA) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Business Process Automation Software Tools Uses and Examples<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#1. Employee Onboarding<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#2. Purchase Orders<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Objectives of Business Process Automation?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Benefits of Business Process Automation?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#1. It Saves Money<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#2. Accelerates Document Review and Approval<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#3. Enhances Transparency<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#4. Aids in Document Progress Monitoring<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#5. Upholds Company Policies<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#6. Facilitates Communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#7. Reduces Reliance on Manual Processes<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#8. Cuts Down on Meetings<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#9. Enhances Workflows<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#10. Lessen Human Error<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Types of Process Automation<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#1. Automation Marketing<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#2. Accounting and Bookkeeping Automation<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#3. Process Automation<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#4. Human Resources Automation<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n