Process automation as a driver of digitization

Digitalization as a key challenge of our time

There is general consensus that digitization is one of the most important current challenges. Digitalization affects all areas of our lives: leisure, education, public authorities, mobility and even the economy. Much has been reported about the rapid progress of digitization recently and the majority of the population also sees it as a significant step forward and ensures our prosperity.

Digital transformation in companies: More than just software

Digitalization can be promoted relatively easily in the private sector through the use of smart homes, e-mobility or online services, for example. In the business sector, on the other hand, many more factors must be considered: The switch to a CRM or ERP system alone is by no means a digital transformation of a company.

Automation as a lever for efficiency and growth

The automation of processes is the linchpin for digitization in companies. This is the only way companies can streamline all areas, reduce costs and promote growth. That is why, according to Camunda's study on the state of process automation, almost all IT managers (97%) agree that process automation is the key factor for digitization. They also see process automation as a driver for new innovations.

What is process automation? Definition & delimitation

But what does process automation actually mean? If you look at business process automation, you would actually have to talk about workflow automation. It consists of the integration of applications, the restructuring of work resources and the use of software applications across the company and is intended to automate tasks previously performed manually.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Automated Workflows with Software Bots

An important component of process automation is so-called RPA, or robotic process automation. It describes the automated processing of structured business processes using digital software robots or scripts. The advantages and disadvantages of RPA will be discussed later in this article. First, it will be about the general benefits of automated business processes.

Benefits of process automation in companies

The biggest advantage is almost obvious: Automating recurring, structured processes saves time and ultimately money. Employees who previously completed tasks manually can concentrate on other tasks thanks to automation. This increases work efficiency and employee satisfaction. However, the fact that automated processes are less susceptible to errors seems much more important.

There is no need for incorrect data entry, the accidental sending of a document or an incorrect linking of data, and therefore the extra time required to correct these errors. Conversely, productivity and efficiency in a company increase.

Strengthen compliance, data protection & customer satisfaction through automation

What few people initially think of when it comes to process automation: Compliance and data protection are ensured. E-mail archiving, storage of personal data or compliance with company guidelines can be ensured to a very high degree thanks to reproducible processes.

However, process automation does not only have an impact on work in the company. Customers also benefit from it. Offers or applications can be processed more quickly and, above all, correctly. Thanks to intelligent chatbots, customer service can also be relieved by automatically answering common inquiries. This in turn leads to higher customer satisfaction and stronger customer loyalty.

Areas of application of automation in companies

As already mentioned, process automation not only affects individual areas in a company. In principle, all areas can be optimized by automating work processes. The biggest benefit is certainly in the areas of sales, accounting and logistics. However, customer service, marketing or administration can also benefit from automation. Companies should therefore also pursue a holistic strategy when implementing them.

Before automation is implemented, for example through the use of an ERP system, all parties involved should ask themselves in advance which processes are mapped in a company and which of them can be automated. Entrepreneurs should also be aware that the use of RPA is not free of side effects.

Challenges when introducing process automation

The challenges of process automation relate primarily to two areas. On the one hand, the implementation and on the other hand the use of RPA. When implementing an automation strategy, most IT managers see the biggest challenges in changing priorities, the existence of inhomogeneous systems and the duration of the project.

Although the use of RPA brings significant benefits, it also poses problems on the other hand. For example, RPA scripts must be maintained, compliance must be maintained and the various systems must be orchestrated. Scripts are often set up at short notice that provide a solution but do not fix the basic problem. The more scripts are used, the more confusing it becomes and the more difficult it is to keep track of things. These are all challenges that you should be aware of.

Conclusion: Process automation is the key to successful digitization

Digitalization is happening, that's a fact. Companies therefore only have to ask themselves how digitization can benefit them. The automation of processes plays an essential role in these considerations. According to the Camunda study, 84% of all companies are therefore planning to invest more in process automation.

However, the processes are complex and automation comprises many components and technologies. The success of such a transformation therefore ultimately requires a high level of transparency and solid evaluation options. Measuring success and monitoring measures ultimately ensure the success of a transition to process automation.

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