What is Workflow Automation?

Don't waste time on tasks you can automate. Workflow automation refers to the series of activities needed to complete a task, which can include sending emails, updating software, and managing customer data. Workflow automation efforts use software to handle business tasks that would normally be carried out manually, following defined business rules to carry out the steps involved in a task. There are countless workflow automation tools on the market, but some might suit a business better depending on its needs. Here, we will discuss the basics of workflow automation and its benefits.

Workflow automation generally requires four basic steps:

Identify the process: Identify the steps that comprise an activity.
Define goals: Define what you aim to achieve by including automation in the workflow and outline how it will help the business.
Map out workflow: Create governing rules and logic for how the workflow should be carried out.
Implement software: Choose and deploy workflow automation software that meets the business goals.

Using software to automate business processes provides various key benefits, including improving efficiency and accuracy in the workplace, freeing employees to focus on more important tasks, avoiding human errors, increasing visibility into processes, fostering communication among employees, and boosting productivity and cost savings. Workflow automation can be applied in any department across businesses and a variety of industries.

In human resources, workflow automation can facilitate time sheet approvals, personnel changes, and onboarding tasks, while in cyber security, it can speed up incident response. Many vendors market their workflow automation software as low-code solutions, which means they do not require an extensive understanding of programming and have drag-and-drop features that allow users to automate workflows with little or no need to involve IT professionals.

Keywords:

Workflow automation, Business tasks, Efficiency, Accuracy, Human errors, Cost savings, Low-code solutions

FAQ:

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