Process Automation and Its Benefits

In the current landscape of social organizations, there is an urgent need to reconsider traditional practices of manually performing internal tasks. Despite the structuring of operational areas to meet objectives, the rapid evolution of contemporary trends demands a more agile adaptation. This call for transformation revolves around abandoning tasks that consume valuable resources and embracing process automation as an essential tool to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

Even in the midst of the 21st century, a surprising 69% of global organizations have yet to embrace digital transformation. This reluctance can be attributed to various reasons, from a lack of understanding of automation’s benefits to a fear of disruptive innovation. However, organizations that choose not to automate their operations allocate significant resources and time to tasks that could be more effectively handled with technological support. Automation emerges not merely as a form of modernization, but as a guiding light toward resource optimization and the unleashing of creative potential, driving the transformative impact achievable by social organizations.

Process automation refers to the utilization of technology to execute recurring tasks or workflows. This practice seeks to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and streamline procedures that are constantly becoming more complex. Digital transformation is closely intertwined with automation, as it involves optimizing operations through emerging technologies. Automated processes enhance efficiency, establish beneficial standards, and ultimately enable organizations to save time, money, and resources. These systems are also capable of managing repetitive tasks, which are particularly amenable to mechanization, resulting in increased internal savings.

According to McKinsey Digital, approximately 20% of teams’ time is spent on tasks that could be automated, such as data analysis and report review. This is why leaders have recognized task automation as an imminent trend and are actively working on its gradual implementation.

Automated processes are woven into our daily routines, often going unnoticed. From electronic notifications upon credit card purchases to mobile app-generated invoices from stores, automation quietly permeates the mundane. When considering the timing and transition toward digital transformation through process automation, various factors come into play.

At first glance, opting for technological solutions to routine and repetitive tasks may seem logical. However, the suitability of automation varies according to the specific needs of each organization to enhance and optimize their procedures.

While the variety of process automation examples is quite extensive, here are some of the most common ones to acquaint you with their significance within an organization:

Managing an organization’s capital requires caution and responsibility. Meticulously controlling monetary transactions is essential to prevent cash flow issues and safeguard profits.

Process automation in the financial domain covers all aspects and consolidates economic projections. This encompasses everything from sales expenses to cash flow management, including income and other matters related to institutional finances.

Automating financial tasks helps avoid dilemmas related to tax payments, salaries, and suppliers. This automation is crucial for achieving accounting precision, comprehending sector-specific expenditures, and preventing complications arising from outstanding debts.

By employing specialized control and automation systems, a transparent view of the financial situation is obtained, and automatic alerts are received to remind about payment commitments.

Automating this process frees financial department collaborators from repetitive tasks, enabling them to focus on more complex and strategic responsibilities.

One of the most significant examples of process automation lies in document and contract management. Inadequate management of these elements can lead to productivity losses and give rise to legal issues such as fines or litigation. Harmful situations can arise due to missed deadlines or even document loss caused by organizational problems.

Various control and automation systems are available to achieve effective document management. Moreover, cloud platforms have been developed to digitize, securely store, and easily access these valuable documents.

In recent years, technology has made notable strides, allowing for its application in automating certain aspects of customer service, leading to a drastic reduction in wait times.

When the aim is to enhance service quality, it’s the subtle nuances that make the difference. In this context, process automation in customer service plays a significant role without requiring an overhaul of the entire process. For instance, airlines now offer online check-in options to minimize queues at airports. In this scenario, automating a simple process becomes a detail that saves time for all involved.

A Unit4 report unveiled that office employees spend 69 days a year on administrative tasks, translating to an annual cost of $5 trillion for organizations. Process automation emerges as a

route to cut costs and boost performance, albeit its implementation requires a well-defined strategy. One of the most challenging stages involves selecting which processes to automate to enhance service quality.

Below is a set of factors indicating the need for process automation. This list can serve as a guide to identify areas ripe for optimization:

· Repetitive and routine processes that consume valuable resources and time.

· Recurring errors in task execution.

· Lack of integration and communication among systems and departments.

· Delays in product or service delivery.

· Challenges in swiftly and accurately obtaining and analyzing data.

Process automation offers an array of benefits not only for team members but also for the organization and its beneficiaries. Below, we present seven notable advantages of process automation:

Optimizing team productivity without extending work hours or investing in more resources is a core goal for leaders. Through automation, tasks that require unnecessary efforts can be streamlined, enhancing productivity. According to McKinsey Digital, in business processes, 60% of organizational areas could save 30% of their time through automation. This resulting increase in time allows for a more focused approach toward achieving objectives.

Despite its apparent complexity, digital transformation becomes more attainable through process automation. It’s a pivotal step in embracing a culture of constant change, reducing time spent on administrative tasks, and freeing space for other endeavors. By starting with automating manual processes that require significant resources and evident change, the path is paved for the gradual automation of more tasks, optimizing team time.

Automation demands in-depth understanding and knowledge of each organizational process. Process mapping brings clarity to team members and can serve as a training resource. Analyzing automated processes reveals the gap between current implementation and the ideal model, enabling meaningful improvements.

A key outcome of automation is simplification. Accountability, result analysis, customizable notifications, valuable insights, and shorter timelines converge to eliminate low-value activities and enhance those that provide added value.

Customer satisfaction is a pivotal differentiator in any industry. Focusing on processes and operational excellence easily surpasses beneficiary expectations. Consistency in promised standards generates trust and loyalty, while a poor experience can have adverse effects.