What is Business Process Automation? Definition, Examples and Benefits

2. Purchase Orders

Purchase order requests are recurring processes in most organizations. The requesting team fills out a form and sends it to the purchasing team. The approving authority then examines the request and rejects the request in case information is inadequate or if there are budgetary constraints. It is then sent back to the requesting team. If approved, a purchase order is created and copies are sent to the supplier as well as the inventory team.

Without automation, the following issues could crop up:

• Delayed PO approval
• Impacted productivity
• Incomplete records
• Errors in the PO
• Errors while taking delivery of the supplies

A Business process automation platform can help improve accountability, transparency, and enable accurate data recording, which can be accessed by relevant stakeholders when necessary. It will also retain all process-related communication within the workflow to make execution easier and faster.

Why Should You Automate Business Processes?

Here are some compelling reasons to automate your business processes.

1. Stepping Stone to Digital Transformation

Digital transformation can seem like a lofty overwhelming goal to organizations that aren’t on that path. Business process automation can be a stepping-stone to adopting that culture of continuous transformation. You can start with a few processes that are clearly in need of course correction and gradually work your way up.

2. Get More Clarity

Automating business processes demands a certain amount of clarity about the process right at the designing stage. If you don’t know the tasks involved and the people responsible for running the process, you can’t design and automate the workflow effectively.

Further, process mapping can provide clarity to all employees and serve as a training resource as well. The insights you gain from analyzing an automated process can clearly show you the gap between your business process as is and as it should ideally be.

3. Streamline Processes

One of the great outcomes of a process automation system is streamlined processes. Clear accountability, customizable notifications, valuable insights, and faster turnaround times make it easier to eliminate wasteful activities and focus on enhancing tasks that add value.

4. Get Compliance Records

With business process automation, every detail of a particular business process is recorded. This information can be presented to demonstrate compliance during audits.

5. Standardize Operations

When you automate a business process, you can expect a consistent standard of outcomes every time. Standardization helps position your organization as reliable, which in turn can help increase your customer base.

6. Increase Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is a key differentiator in any industry. Focusing on process and operational excellence helps you exceed customer expectations with ease. When you consistently meet promised standards, customers are more likely to develop a preference for your company.