Workflow Automation

Workflow automation improves productivity, efficiency, and customer experience.

workflow automation illustration


What's in this Guide

Workflow Automation Definition

Workflow Automation refers to the design, execution, and automation of processes based on workflow rules where human tasks, data, or files are routed between people or systems based on pre-defined business rules. Using enterprise workflow software, your business can save time and reduce errors with automation.



Why Companies Choose to Automate Their Workflow

By automating workflows, especially those processes that are primarily handled manually by employees, significant improvements can be made in:

  • Efficiency
  • Productivity
  • Accuracy
  • Audibility
  • Accountability
  • Job Satisfaction

How to Build an Automated Workflow Using Automation Software

Enterprise automation doesn't have to be complicated. Automated workflows can be designed visually to simulate or improve existing processes using a drag-and-drop interface to add and arrange tasks. In most cases, the process is illustrated in a static format and reviewed by all stakeholders for accuracy. Once the static design is finalized, work begins designing the automated process, including forms, tasks, recipients, alerts/notifications, etc. This is done using automation software that includes pre-built tasks that can be arranged and connected.

workflow automation example

Workflow software allows business users to design custom automated workflows. (Click for Larger)

 

Free Automation eBook

Download our complimentary eBook, "Automation for Company Processes 101."

get automation ebook


Business Workflow Automation Examples

Here are some examples of processes that can benefit from optimization using automation software:


IT/IS

IT Service Requests

Security Access Requests

New Account Setup

Change Requests

New Project Requests

Security Incidents

Software Asset Management

Finance

CapEx/AFE Requests

Expense Approvals

Salary/Wage Changes

AP Automation

Grant Management

Marketing

Campaign Approvals

Collateral Approvals

Brand Management

Facilities

Office Relocations

Resource Scheduling

Facility Access

Move Requests

Sales

Quote Approvals

Pricing Discounts

Proposal Approvals

Product Discounts

Legal

Legal Holds

Contract Reviews

Client Intake

HR

Benefits Changes

Timesheet Approvals

New Hire Management

Employee Onboarding

Employee Offboarding

Vacation Requests

Purchasing

Procurement Process

Capital Approvals

Vendor Management

Invoice Approvals

Product Pricing

Operations

Complaint Management

Maintenance Request

New Product Request


Simple or Complex, Your Workflows Can Be Automated

While there are usually human elements to any process, for instance, reviewing a document and providing approval, any workflow can be automated. Ultimately, every workflow is just a series of tasks that must be performed. 

Workflow Task Examples

  • Pulling data from a system and preparing it for use
  • Providing an answer (yes, no, data point, file attachment, etc.)
  • Notifying someone to take an action
  • Pushing data into a system (CRM, HRIS, ERP, etc.)
  • Assigning an action to someone
  • Importing data from a file like Excel
  • Completing a form either manually or through RPA

These systems provide administrative users an environment for creating and editing process execution schemes, usually through a visual/drag-and-drop interface. Shapes and connectors represent the people and tasks for any given request so that an automation scheme can be built based on real-world activities. This allows for rapid prototyping of workflows in an easily understood schema.

Rules and Notifications

Automating a given workflow process can involve a straightforward request/approval process or several workflow tasks and resources triggered by business rules. For instance, an employee may request the approval of capital expenditures by completing an online form.

This triggers rule-based automation that routes the employee's request to their supervisor for approval. If the supervisor approves, the request is then routed to a different area of finance based on the amount of the request (e.g., Under $25,000 is routed to a Finance Manager, while over $25,000 is routed directly to the CFO). Once the appropriate Finance approver approves the request, it may be routed to the relevant purchasing agent based on the type of request (IT purchase, Marketing purchase, Event purchase, etc.)

Audit and Tracking

All the steps and actions in the workflow process are tracked and reported in real time for long-term trend analysis. For instance, department managers can report on service levels and identify weak points or bottlenecks. In addition, requestors have visibility into request status for better planning. As needed, information regarding the request can be automatically transferred into ERP, CRM, and other business systems. Once deployed, administrators can use workflow analysis tools like reporting, dashboards, and KPIs to ensure processes are running as smoothly as possible.


Example: Automating Capital Expenditure Request Workflow


Benefits

Workflow automation provides several benefits over manual processes:

  • Policy compliance adherence
  • Reduced approval cycles
  • Reduced manual handling
  • Improved communication
  • Improved visibility
  • Improved employee satisfaction
  • Continual process improvement
  • Better workload management
  • Reduced errors

Who Are the Relevant Vendors

Along with Integrify, SaaS companies like Kissflow, Worktec, Flokzu, etc., provide simple workflow tools for small businesses, while Integrify provides robust tools for mid-size and enterprise companies. SMB and Enterprise workflow software differ in feature set, interoperability, scalability, and service/implementation component. Other tools like Lotus Workflow and Sharepoint Workflow are being sunset so their parent company can focus on other core features. There are several different categories of workflow automation software, and keep in mind some vendors include more than one type of automation listed below (for more vendor comparisons, visit our Best Workflow Management Guide":

These vendors' software solutions allow businesses to automate their workflows to save time and reduce errors. They typically offer pre-built templates that can be customized to fit the specific needs of a business, as well as a drag-and-drop interface that allows non-technical users to design and deploy workflows without coding.

Integrify - (That's us) We've been around for over twenty years and have focused on ease of use, flexibility, and scalability. That means any business user can build simple or complex automated workflows to handle almost any use case from HR to Finance to Operations and beyond. Check out our features and videos.

Kissflow - Kissflow is a cloud-based workflow automation software that allows businesses to automate their workflows without coding. It offers pre-built templates that can be customized to fit the specific needs of a business.

Nintex - Nintex is a workflow automation software that allows businesses to automate their workflows using a drag-and-drop interface. It offers various integrations with other software, such as Salesforce, SharePoint, and Office 365.

ProcessMaker - ProcessMaker is an open-source workflow automation software that allows businesses to automate their workflows using a drag-and-drop interface. It offers pre-built templates that can be customized to fit the specific needs of a business.

FlowForma - FlowForma is a workflow automation software that allows businesses to automate their workflows using a drag-and-drop interface. It offers pre-built templates that can be customized to fit the specific needs of a business.

Appian - Appian is a low-code platform that allows businesses to build custom workflow automation solutions using a drag-and-drop interface. It offers various integrations with other software, such as Salesforce, SharePoint, and Office 365.


Integration Workflow Vendors

These vendors offer software that lets businesses automate workflows to save time and reduce errors. For example, with Zapier, users can create workflows, or "Zaps," that automate tasks between different apps, such as automatically creating a new lead in a CRM when a new contact is added to a Google Sheets spreadsheet. Similarly, with IFTTT, users can create applets to automate tasks between different devices and services, such as automatically turning on the lights when a user arrives home.

IFTTT - If This Then That (IFTTT) is a free web-based automation platform that allows users to create applets, which are small, automated workflows between different services and devices.

Microsoft Power Automate - Formerly known as Microsoft Flow, Power Automate is a cloud-based service that allows users to create automated workflows between different apps and services.

Automate.io - Automate.io is a cloud-based integration platform that allows users to create automated workflows between different apps and services, including CRMs, marketing automation tools, and social media platforms.

Workato - Workato is an enterprise automation platform that allows users to create automated workflows between different apps and services, including CRMs, marketing automation tools, and social media platforms.

Tray.io - Tray.io is a cloud-based automation platform that allows users to create automated workflows between different apps and services, including CRMs, marketing automation tools, and social media platforms.

Robotic Process Automation Vendors

These vendors' software solutions use bots to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, which can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and free up employees to focus on higher-value tasks. For example, an RPA bot could be programmed to log into a system, retrieve data, copy and paste it into a spreadsheet, and send an email notification, all without human intervention. Businesses can improve accuracy, speed up processes, and reduce errors by automating these tasks.

UiPath - UiPath is a leading RPA software vendor that provides a platform for automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks. UiPath's software uses software robots to mimic human actions, such as logging into applications, copying and pasting data, and performing calculations.

Automation Anywhere - Automation Anywhere is another leading RPA software vendor with a platform for automating repetitive tasks. Automation Anywhere's software uses bots to automate tasks, such as data entry, invoice processing, and customer service.

Blue Prism - Blue Prism is an RPA software vendor that provides a platform for automating repetitive business processes. Blue Prism's software uses robots to automate tasks like data entry, order processing, and customer service.

WorkFusion - WorkFusion is an RPA and AI software vendor that provides a platform for automating complex business processes. WorkFusion's software uses bots to automate tasks, such as data entry, document processing, and customer service.


Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a developer to use workflow automation?

No. These tools are designed for business users with drag-and-drop methods for creating forms and processes. Developers can use additional tools to extend the system if desired.

What is the cost of workflow automation systems?

Pricing approaches vary among vendors; however, most cloud-based systems use a per-user subscription method where your cost is based on the number of users accessing the system.

What are workflow automation tools?

Workflow automation tools are used to standardize and automate forms and processes and pass data between systems—more on workflow tools here.

What is data workflow automation?

Data workflow automation refers to the structured movement of data between systems. This often involves using APIs to correctly and securely move data between unrelated applications or databases.

What is workflow automation in CRM?

Most CRM tools have some level of workflow automation built-in. It usually involves triggering a workflow related to a data update, integration, timed action, etc. These tools are specific to the CRM system, requiring users to have CRM licenses. When you use workflow automation, your CRM can be even more effective.


Interested in Automating Your Workflow?

We have a library of resources to help you on your journey to an automated workplace.

demo video

Automate Any Business Workflow

Get a trial or demo to see how quickly you can begin automating your business processes.

Watch Integrify


Users love Integrify on G2

 

 

 

Integrify Inc BBB Business Review