In most industries and markets worldwide, efforts are being put in place to maximize efficiency while minimizing operating costs. Many businesses seek to achieve automation and Business Process Management (BPM). It is now possible for businesses to automate routine and automated processes thanks to technological advances and artificial intelligence. Automating allows businesses to stand out from their competitors while allowing them to focus on the core functions of their business.
When Should Companies Consider Automation?
While there’s no single automation solution that can work across every business, some elements can apply to many business types. We take a look at seven important processes organizations can automate.
1. Basic customer support and email response
Automated mailing management can be regarded as one of the main breakthroughs of business process automation. Many businesses have employees who are full-time and whose main role it is to email customers in a format that can be easily understood.
There are still some companies that use email correspondence, but this is becoming obsolete. Chatbots slowly replacing the manual approach.
2. Filtering and sorting through leads
It’s now possible for businesses to automate receiving and sorting through potential leads. Automating this process replaces traditional cold calling and manual gauging of potential leads by your marketing team. Bots can now be set up to track how customers use the product online. Automation can be used to engage potential customers.
Cold-calling is still very popular today in many industries. When an organization expands or ventures into more markets, however, the traditional cold-calling method may pose scaling problems. More cold-calling employees would be needed to meet demand.
3. After-sales customer follow-up
When a business performs an after-sale follow-up with its customers, it helps to create loyal relationships. This automated follow-up can be as simple as sending customers a thank you email or promotion tailored to suit their buying preferences.
4. Customer reminders
Besides giving customers the option to fill a virtual basket or make a wish list, businesses can now see when a customer clicks on or views their product. The information helps businesses identify potential leads and customers. Once a new lead has been identified, company’s can use this information to engage and remind the customer about the products they were interested in buying.
It’s important to note that this form of targeted marketing should not be mistaken for bombarding customers with product adverts.
5. Social media marketing
Social media has become an integral and hugely beneficial marketing platform, which, when used effectively, has been shown to boost brand engagement and sales exponentially. If a company decides to automate their social media marketing strategy it will be able to quickly reach new markets and reach an even wider audience.
6. Report generation
Report processing and data analysis require qualified and experienced employees to produce and analyze accurate findings. If you have a BPM platform in place, RPA integration makes it possible for a company to improve existing report generation processes by automating elements needed to both generate and evaluate these reports.
7. Payment and invoicing
The financial aspect of a company’s payment and invoicing processes is a susceptible area that is often subject to human error. These processes can be automated to ensure that organizations have accurate, secure, and detailed financial operations.
What is the purpose of automating business processes in an enterprise?
For companies to have an edge over their competitors, automation has become almost a requirement. These are just a few of the reasons that top companies make investments in automated processes.
Efficient Workflow
In well-thought-out workplace automation, a business can enjoy a more streamlined workflow. It is possible to forecast outcomes, then take the appropriate decisions. This improves efficiency.
Streamlining the workflow of the enterprise will help with the company’s overall productivity and efficiency.
Reduced Operational Costs
While some may argue that automation takes away employment opportunities, automation is one of the most efficient ways to achieve business objectives. Automation can be used to move people into client-facing positions rather than putting them in monotonous tasks.
Improved Data Collection on Processes
Automations take on different forms and are subject to the environment they’ve been set up to operate. Automated data collection improvements mean that sensors or algorithms can detect and track metrics related to decision making in business processes.
Customer and Employee Satisfaction
When employees are relieved from fulfilling repetitive and monotonous tasks, they can focus on more creative and fulfilling tasks. The human factor is essential to all aspects of business.
Effective Time and Resource Use
Saving time is a vital resource and should therefore be treated with high regard whenever a company wants to reach its maximum potential. Automation allows more time for other business goals and areas.
Enterprise Podcast Network – EPN published 7 processes every enterprise should automate.