What is Business Process Automation?

In today’s fast-paced business world, where time is money and efficiency is king, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. That’s why we thought we’d explore what business process automation is, how it benefits organisations, and where Flowingly fits in the BPA space. 

First things first: what is business process automation? At its core, business process automation (BPA) is all about streamlining and optimizing the way your company operates. By automating certain tasks and workflows, you can reduce the time and effort required to complete them, which frees up your team to focus on other, more strategic tasks. 

There are several ways that BPA can benefit your business. For one, it can help to increase efficiency and productivity. By automating previously manual tasks, you can cut down on errors and speed up the time it takes to complete them.  

This, in turn, can save your company both time and money in the long run, like in the case of SIT, where their finance team removed 1,200+ hours (150 working days a year) of wasted process admin time in just six months. 

Another key benefit of BPA is that it can help to improve the quality of your work. By automating your processes, you can ensure they are being done consistently and accurately every time. This can be particularly useful in industries where even minor errors can have serious consequences. 

But how does Business Process Management (BPM) differ from Business Process Automation (BPA)? 

Business Process Automation (BPA) is a specific aspect of Business Process Management (BPM) that focuses on using technology to automate organizational tasks and processes. While BPM looks at the overall management and improvement of business processes, BPA specifically aims to reduce manual work through automation. 

BPA involves using software and tools to streamline workflows, eliminate human errors, increase efficiency, and save time. It allows companies to optimize their processes by replacing manual steps with automated actions, freeing up employees to focus on more complex or value-added tasks. It can lead to cost savings, faster turnaround times, and improved accuracy in completing tasks.

So where does Flowingly fit in the BPA space?  

At Flowingly, we don’t consider ourselves just traditional BPA software.  

There are two key reasons for this. 

We’re all about rapid and scalable business process automation, and often, BPA or BPM tools rely on IT support and development. 

We’ve combined multiple vital elements of business process improvement in one tool – everything from process mapping (like tools like Promapp) to automation (like tools like Nintex or Power Automate). 

Since Flowingly is a cloud-based, no-code automation platform, it makes it easier to automate workflows and streamline your operations. With our no-code builder, you can design custom workflows that automate everything from simple tasks to complex, multi-step processes without any IT resources. 

Even if you don’t have a background in automation or coding, you can easily design and implement workflows to help your business run more smoothly.  

Our goal is to bridge the gap between business and IT teams, empowering leaders from across the organisation to contribute their expertise and automate the processes that they run day in and day out.  

Instead of spending months building processes, our tool emphasizes visual process mapping, allowing users to map and automate processes end-to-end in just a few days, rather than weeks or months. 

Our real-time process analytics and insights help users make data-driven decisions for process improvement and identify bottlenecks. The real benefit, though, is constantly being able to fix those process issues. Sometimes even in a couple of minutes. 

We also recognize the importance of collaboration and communication within teams. Users can comment, provide feedback, and collaborate directly within flows, enhancing teamwork and continuously improving the way they work. No more static process maps collecting dust in a filing cabinet. 

In conclusion, business process automation (BPA) is a valuable tool that can revolutionize how companies operate. By automating tasks and workflows, BPA increases efficiency, productivity, and the overall quality of work. It saves time and reduces errors, allowing teams to focus on more strategic activities.  

Flowingly, as a cloud-based, no-code automation platform, offers a unique solution in the BPA space. With our visual interface, customizable workflows, and integrated mapping, we want to empower business teams to map and automate their processes without relying on IT support or development. 

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.  

Business process automation has emerged as a powerful solution, enabling organizations to automate those time-consuming admin tasks (think emails and approvals) and optimize their workflows.  

Within the realm of business process automation, two popular approaches have gained traction: no-code and low-code development. 

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they both have very different use cases and methodologies.  

In this blog post, we will delve into the nuances of no-code and low-code business process automation, highlighting their differences and exploring the benefits they offer. 

No-Code Business Process Automation 

No-code business process automation focuses on empowering non-technical users to build and automate processes without needing any knowledge around code or rules.  

That doesn’t mean no-code isn’t for technical teams, though. With no-code, technical users are also able to build at a much faster rate than is possible with low-code solutions. 

It provides intuitive visual interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality that enables users to create automated processes using pre-built components or templates.  

With no-code tools, users can design and deploy applications, automate data collection and analysis, and integrate various software systems—all without writing a single line of code. 

No-code platforms often rely on pre-existing connectors and integrations to streamline the automation process, enabling users to connect different software applications seamlessly. 

Low-Code Business Process Automation 

Low-code business process automation takes a slightly different approach.  

While it also emphasizes ease of use and accelerated development, low-code platforms cater more to technical users.  

These platforms provide a visual development environment with a higher degree of customization and flexibility compared to no-code tools.  

Users can create workflows and applications using a combination of visual modeling and coding, allowing them to leverage pre-built components and templates while also incorporating custom logic and functionality.  

Low-code platforms typically offer a wider range of integration options, enabling users to connect with various data sources and APIs to build more complex and tailored solutions. 

Key Differences and Use Cases 

Technical Knowledge

No-code platforms don’t require technical knowledge or coding skills, making them accessible to most business users regardless of background, department or technical proficiency.  

Low-code platforms, on the other hand, offer more advanced customization options, typically necessitating some level of coding proficiency. 

Customization and Flexibility 

Low-code platforms provide a wider range of customization capabilities, allowing users to incorporate complex business rules and more advanced integrations.  

No-code doesn’t offer a wide range of customization, but instead offers many out-of-the-box setups, which make it easier to use and rapid to build in. 

It’s also much easier to build processes visually, focusing on seeing the process rather than the rules and code that drive it. 

Development Speed 

Speaking of speed, no-code takes the crown if you’re looking to be the Usain Bolt when it comes automation. It’s all about rapid development, allowing you to sprint ahead with your creations.  

Low-code, on the other hand, is more like a marathon runner – as long as you have the resource for it, it can strike a nice balance between speed and flexibility, giving you more time for heavy integrations and customization. 

Resourcing 

No-code platforms enable non-technical users to automate processes without extensive programming knowledge. 

For automation, this means being able to tackle an automation project with the team you currently have. You won’t need to set up a specialised development function, and your IT team will love having the freedom to hand off some automation development back to the business teams. 

In contrast, low-code platforms offer advanced integration options that may require a heavier balance between semi-technical and technical expertise, potentially benefiting from a team of developers or dedicated IT resources to leverage the platform’s capabilities effectively. 

No-code and low-code business process automation both offer valuable solutions for organizations seeking to streamline their operations and enhance efficiency.  

No-code platforms provide an accessible entry point, enabling non-technical users to automate workflows without coding knowledge. 

 On the other hand, low-code platforms offer a higher degree of integration and complexity, catering to a broader range of technical proficiency levels.  

The choice between these two approaches ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your business and processes. 

In many cases, it’s not an either-or, it’s both. We’re seeing a lot of organisations implementing both no-code and low-code BPA, enabling both rapid development and complex integrations. 

Implementing an automation toolbox, rather than a single tool, has proven to be successful with some of our most accomplished of Flowingly customers as it helps eliminate scope creep and clear up the process backlog seen in traditional IT teams. By enabling business teams to help deploy over 30+ apps/automations annually alongside IT, some organisations are automating 7x more apps than when just using tools like Power Automate. 

If you’re interested in checking out some examples of customers successfully automating processes in both Flowingly and in power apps, check out our case studies with rhipe and Todd Energy. 

By understanding the differences and nuances of no-code and low-code business process automation, organizations can make informed decisions to drive their digital transformation efforts forward. 

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, where every minute counts and efficiency is crucial, staying ahead of the curve is essential.  

Enter business process automation (BPA) – a game-changing solution that empowers healthcare organizations to streamline operations, enhance patient care, and drive sustainable success.  

In this blog post, we’ll explore why embracing automation is not just a smart move but a necessity for healthcare organizations in 2023 and beyond. So, let’s delve into the world of automation and discover the transformative power it holds for healthcare. 

1. Prioritising Efficiency 

In healthcare, every second counts. By automating routine and repetitive tasks, healthcare organizations can free up precious time for their staff to focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional patient care.  

Imagine a world where appointments are scheduled seamlessly, patient registration is a breeze, and paper forms are a thing of the past.  

With process automation, healthcare organizations can bid farewell to administrative headaches and focus on actively improving their customer and employee experiences. 

2. Safeguarding Patient Confidentiality 

In an era where data breaches send shivers down our spines, safeguarding patient information is non-negotiable.  

Process automation software works to fortify your defences and keep sensitive data under lock and key.  

With a meticulous attention to accuracy and strict security protocols, digital forms and confidential workflows can ensure that patient confidentiality remains unbreachable.  

Say goodbye to misspelled names and misplaced files, and hello to peace of mind. 

3. Streamlining Processes 

Picture this: a busy healthcare organization bustling with activity, doctors rushing from one patient to another, administrative staff buried under piles of paperwork, and files seemingly playing hide-and-seek. 

Process automation software can bring order to this chaos by streamlining those key workflows and documents.  

From patient onboarding to appointment scheduling and inventory management, automation sweeps through the corridors of healthcare organizations, ensuring seamless processes and minimizing delays caused by human error. 

4. Putting Care at the Forefront 

The patient experience lies at the heart of every healthcare organization.  

Automation can play a pivotal role in enhancing this experience by automating various touchpoints along the patient journey.  

From personalized appointment reminders and follow-up communications to seamless information sharing between departments, BPA ensures that patients receive timely, accurate, and coordinated care, leading to higher patient satisfaction levels. 

5. Cost Savings 

In today’s healthcare landscape, optimizing costs is a pressing challenge.  

No-code process automation offers a tangible solution for organisations, by reducing operational expenses and optimizing resource allocation.  

By automating tasks that would otherwise be super manual, healthcare organizations can minimize staffing needs, decrease the likelihood of errors and rework, and allocate their valuable resources more efficiently, leading to significant cost savings in the long run. 

6. Scalability and Adaptability 

Healthcare is an ever-evolving industry, with new technologies, regulations, and patient demands constantly shaping the landscape.  

Process automation provides healthcare organizations with the agility to adapt to these changes swiftly and seamlessly.  

Whether it’s incorporating new processes, or accommodating evolving compliance standards, automation ensures that healthcare organizations can keep pace with the dynamic nature of the industry. 

7. Informed Decision-Making 

Data-driven decision-making is the bedrock of success in healthcare.  

Automation can help you harness the power of data analytics, providing valuable insights into operations, patient trends, and financial performance.  

By automating data collection, analysis, and reporting, automation can help your team empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, drive continuous improvement, and achieve better patient and employee outcomes. 

In an industry where every second counts and patient well-being is paramount, healthcare organizations cannot afford to overlook the transformative potential of business process automation.  

By embracing process automation, these organizations can unlock a new era of efficiency, data security, enhanced patient experiences, cost savings, and adaptability.  

Embracing automation allows healthcare organizations to elevate their operations, deliver exceptional care, and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.  

Flexibility  

You don’t want a solution that ties you down to a rigid process.   

We’ve seen our fair share of horror stories about teams spending thousands of dollars getting processes automated just for those processes to change. Again and again.  

True continuous process improvement comes from identifying ways we can improve a process, not just automating it and never touching it again because it’s too expensive.  

Look for software that can adapt to changes in your business or industry, preferably a tool that allows you to make changes on the fly.  

Scalability   

You don’t want a solution that crumbles like a house of cards when you start to grow. With a lot of process automation tools, big ambitions can mean high costs and extensive resources.  

Don’t just think about your current needs, but also think about where you want your business to be in the next few years.  

Say you’re only able to automate one process a year. In that case, you likely won’t seeany real process improvement momentum and struggle to justify the investment.  

Look for software that allows you to scale your automation efforts – this could be the difference between automating 30 processes in a year or 2.  

Visibility 

Visibility is crucial when choosing a workflow automation solution.  

Just because your processes are mapped that doesn’t mean they’re being followed. 

You need to be able to see where you are in a process, who’s responsible for the next step, and when it’s due.  

Look for a solution that will provide you with a clear and intuitive view of your workflows, allowing you to easily track progress, identify bottlenecks, and adjust as needed. 

So, there you have it! Choosing the best process automation solution for your business is a big decision. However, if you consider these six factors, you should be able to find a solution that makes your life easier and helps you work smarter, not harder.  

When evaluating different solutions, remember to prioritize ease of use, flexibility, compatibility, scalability, analytics and reporting, and customer support. And don’t forget to think about your unique business needs and processes when making your final decision.  

With the right process automation solution in place, you can say goodbye to tedious tasks and hello to more time to focus on what really matters – growing your business and creating incredible customer and employee experiences. 

It’s easy to miss the signs that your business is suffering from process issues. 

Most of the time, you don’t know you have a problem until someone points it out.  

Maybe they’ve been waiting on an approval for weeks or can’t find an important email lost in hundreds of threads in their inbox.  

Maybe they can’t see what stage a task is at, delaying projects across multiple departments. 

Or maybe they skip a step in a crucial process, requiring a start from scratch. 

Businesses will often brush off these issues as ‘one-offs’ and not worth fixing (especially if it requires IT resource). But the truth is, a poorly designed process is a breeding ground for future problems, especially as businesses scale. 

So how do you know when your business might be in need of some help in the process department? 

Luckily for you, we’ve identified some key warning signs you should be looking out for. 

Maybe Jen didn’t correctly fill out the form with the right info. Or maybe she didn’t attach the PDF to her email. Maybe her manager has 1,000 other emails to check before getting to hers.  

Meanwhile, there is no actual system pushing the workflow forward, just a whole bunch of people you hope will follow the process and do their part. 

In the smaller scheme of things this isn’t a big issue. A few delayed approvals here and there. But as your organisation grows and employee expectations increase, paper and email-based processes can start to crumble.  

2. Processes are documented but tasks  are still being skipped  

You’ve spent a bunch of time creating the best process map of all time.  

Now you have the ultimate work of business process art. And nobody follows it.

If people are skipping steps in a process or completely ignoring a process altogether, you’ve got a process issue. 

We love process mapping, in fact, it’s a big part of our platform. However, just because a process is mapped doesn’t mean the process is being followed. 

Automation can help you identify the underlying issues and bottlenecks in your processes. What if the process is too complicated? What if a step is being skipped because the process involves someone or something completely irrelevant?  

Automating the process helps you see exactly where your processes are going wrong – allowing you to rapidly iterate and improve both your workflows and your employee experiences. 

Could you report on compliance without spending days collating stacks of paper or sifting through email threads? Would you be able to identify where a CAPEX request is at without following up with a bunch of different people?  

Add a remote working element to it and many businesses are essentially running around with their eyes closed. 

If the only person across a process is the person currently dealing with it – you’ll benefit from a workflow automation solution. 

4. Your team are spending way too much time on manual tasks

I know what you might be thinking – if we automate manual tasks, we’ll be taking jobs away from our people.

Or we’ll be replacing our people with robots! Not exactly. 

For many businesses automation is the difference between your people doing more and doing less, not doing something and doing nothing. 

If a customer sends in a refund request, automation could be the difference between getting a refund in a few hours vs. a few weeks. 

With paper and email-based processes your team could be spending hours and hours searching email threads, matching up data and delivering paper approvals to their managers.  

Not a great experience for customers. And all that admin drives your employees up the wall. 

With automation you can free up your employees to work on the things that matter. 

This allows them to give back to the business, focusing their time on improvements rather than BAU. 

So, if you’re waiting on approvals, skipping steps in processes or unsure where they’re sitting, or if your team are just bogged down day in and day out with unnecessary manual tasks, you’ll benefit from process automation. 

The power of process automation allows you to fix all these problems (and identify other process issues you didn’t even know you had), but it can also be a costly and IT-intensive undertaking. 

With Flowingly, you can accomplish this without the need for developers, empowering your non-technical teams to automate their very own processes, which they know inside out and run every day. 

Don’t just take our word for it either. 

At Todd Energy, they have automated 13 processes in just 6 months, turning processes like onboarding, which were run out of Excel spreadsheets, into streamlined digital experiences. 

Glenelg Shire Council are saving 80+ weeks of admin every year, with some processes dropping from an hour to 10 minutes’ worth of admin. 

Flowingly gives your employees the tools they need to improve the way they work and create real, significant change within the organisation. 

Before Steph, Digital Improvement Lead at Todd Energy, automated their staff and contractor onboarding process, it would take 6+ hours to complete.

Now, it only takes 2, no longer relying on spreadsheets, back & forth emails and individuals’ memory.

See how Steph this and what the feedback has been like in the organisation in the snippet below.

Transcript

I guess a great example of that is the staffing contractor onboarding flow.

And you have touched on that already a little bit, Sean.

But prior to us automating this process it would take upwards of six hours on and off for us to onboard a new staff or contractor, and I guess it was run out of an Excel workbook.

If I’m completely honest with you, It had some templated emails in it, but there was lots of backwards and force and a huge reliance on individuals to remember what was going on and to keep that process ticking.

Honestly it took me about 20 hours to build that process. It’s quite a meaty one.

And it was probably our first more high complex process that we built.

We had some pretty amazing engagement and ownership with the lovely ladies that run that process.

And I asked them post go-live, ‘just gut feel how much time is this saving you now?’ And they estimate between three and four hours.

So three and four hours per new start is a pretty decent saving I think.

And the feedback from them was along the lines of ‘I don’t need to remember where the process is at and the system just keeps it on track and I get the notifications when I need to do something’, which I guess in turn allows them to provide more value add to the business.

So yeah, each team has got a bit of a mix of simple and complex processes that I guess keeps us working in the trees.

We’ve spoken about working in the weeds a little bit.

But I guess continuing to push and improve once those processes are in and rolled out to, and tying back to that first statement, making a plan and a roadmap, socializing it and holding yourselves to account, that’s really key.