Business Process Automation
Business Process Automation Is About More Than Just Efficiency
Definition of Business Process Automation (BPA)
Business Process Automation uses business rules and automated tasks to perform processes that accomplish a business goal. The goal could be as simple as allowing an employee to request vacation time or as complex as developing a new product. All activities around these processes are tracked and analyzed for efficiency.
Why Is It Used?
By automating business processes, especially those that are traditionally handled manually, significant benefits can be realized:
- Greater Productivity
- Improved Job Satisfaction
- Increased Efficiency
- Full Audibility and Tracking
- Improved Accuracy
How to Build an Automated Process
Using a drag and drop interface, automated processes are designed to follow existing processes or improve on them. In most cases, the process is documented using a process modeling tool and then reviewed by all stakeholders for accuracy. Once the static design is approved, work begins by designing the actual process including forms, tasks, recipients, alerts/notifications, etc. This is done using workflow automation software that includes pre-built tasks (complete form, submit approval, hand-off to another person, etc.) that can be arranged sequentially or in parallel.
Rolling Out the Process
Once processes are built and tested it's time to roll them out to the relevant users. In some cases this could be the entire employee population, in other cases, it could be a single department, outside vendors or customers. Access to processes is provided through a Web portal where users can submit requests, check statuses or complete tasks depending on their role. This self-service portal houses all processes and forms but many employees will also interact through email alerts.
For instance, a manager may receive an email alert indicating approval is needed for a new hire. The manager simply clicks "Approve" in the email and the process automation system updates the task and moves forward with the next step.
Process Automation Examples
Here are some examples of processes that can benefit from business process automation solutions:
| IT/IS
Security Incidents Security Access Requests New Project Requests New Account Setup IS Service Requests Change Requests Finance Expense Approvals Salary/Wage Changes Marketing Campaign Approvals Brand Management |
Facilities
Resource Scheduling Office Relocations Move Requests Facility Access Sales Quote Approvals Proposal Approvals Product Discounts Legal Legal Holds |
HR
Benefits Changes Timesheets Employee Onboarding Employee Offboarding Vacation Requests Purchasing General Procurement Capital Approvals Invoice Approvals Product Pricing |
Video: Business Process Automation from Integrify
Why Automated vs. Manual Processing?
- Reduced manual handling
- Reduced errors
- Reduced approval cycles
- Policy compliance adherence
- Improved visibility
- Improved employee satisfaction
- Continual process improvement
- Better workload management
Looking for the ROI on Technology-Enabled Automation?
We've produced a number of materials that show the return on investment you'll gain when switching from manual to automated processes across the enterprise. Check out our ROI Calculator and download our Workflow ROI Guide.
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