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When we talk about small businesses, process automation can optimize workflow, providing much greater productivity and efficiency.
Smaller companies often tend to have centralized management and control. Similarly, it is common for all activities to be carried “manually” out by people.
But is that necessary? Even in small businesses, there are several tasks that could be automated.
Investing in technology to improve processes is a practical way to execute these activities with quality and productivity.
Often, when a human being performs repetitive tasks, there is an increase in error rates and rework.
Likewise, it is not uncommon to find small business managers who do not know how to implement or why they should invest in process automation.
Why should my business consider process automation?
Although small businesses are somewhat resistant to invest in process automation, technology can be a great ally to them, especially when it comes to boosting their competitiveness.
Those who think that improving processes is something only for large businesses are mistaken.
When a small company decides to implement process automation, the success rates are even higher.
The advantage of being a smaller company is that it is easier to monitor and control improvements. It is also easier to find new opportunities to apply automation.
Furthermore, this provides more time for professionals to focus on strategic issues, which is a step towards greater competitiveness.
Another common concern is that small business managers are hesitant to make investments. After all, the budget is usually quite tight.
However, a process automation tool brings data-driven management and efficiently tracks ROI, which is crucial for those with a limited budget.
Moreover, the cost of human error is too high to bear. How much of your process is affected, and how much is lost when an error or failure occurs?
With process automation, activities are always performed in the same way, eliminating errors and rework. In other words, it contributes to increased productivity.
Undoubtedly, process automation ensures that all decisions are based on real data.
This is especially true when it comes to BPM (Business Process Management) for small businesses, where the use of an efficient application generates reports that synthesize a wealth of data and turn it into useful information.
Processes that can be automated in small businesses
There are various scenarios, departments, and activities where process automation can be applied in small businesses. Internally, small businesses can benefit from process automation by using it for:
- Inventory management;
- Customer relationship and satisfaction;
- Control of invoices and other fiscal obligations;
- Email automation;
- Database information retrieval;
- Obtaining reports on processes and operations.
How to implement process automation in small businesses?
The sequence for implementing process automation does not vary whether a company is large or small. In fact, regardless of size or complexity, the steps remain the same:
1. Identify process automation opportunities
Implementing process automation begins with assessing all existing processes. To do this, it will be necessary to observe and question involved people about the difficulties and bottlenecks they face on their daily work routines.
By gathering data about the processes, it will be easier to decide which tasks to automate. Initially, consider the simplest workflow, especially repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
As the business sees the benefits of process automation, it will be possible to gain a better understanding of how this tool works and gradually expand it to cover more complex processes.
Just be careful not to try to automate activities that require creative or strategic thinking.
2. Choose the automation tool
Once the processes to be automated have been identified and listed, it’s time to find the ideal tool to meet your needs. In this regard, the tool’s general mission is to simplify critical processes.
A good practice in this case is to invest in BPM for small businesses and search for potential vendors. Take advantage of this opportunity to schedule presentations or conduct tests, if possible.
Also, make a list of everything the small business requires and compare platforms using a checklist.
With the appropriate process automation tool, it will be possible to redesign activities for greater operational efficiency and productivity.
3. Define goals to achieve with automation
Whenever a business invests in a new tool, it seeks to gain advantages. Therefore, define the goals and objectives that must be achieved.
With these clear goals, it will be possible to evaluate the success of the applications. This will also contribute to continuous process improvement.
Thus, the goals should be measurable to validate the positive impact of BPM for small businesses.
Process automation enables faster task execution, allowing employees to be redirected to more strategic areas focused on innovation and core business.
4. Analyze and monitor the results
Process automation is an ongoing application. Therefore, automation software needs to provide useful and in-depth reports for analysis.
Internal processes are subject to change due to internal policies, innovation, new products, changes in government regulations, and various other factors.
In this sense, periodic, frequent reviews are important to refine and improve our processes. This helps multiply task execution, reducing costs and contributing to profitability.
Implement continuous improvement. The more opportunities for improvement are found, the greater the possible results and return on investment will be.
Choosing the process automation platform for small businesses
The ideal process automation tool is the one that does everything the small business requires. Therefore, list all the needs and demands, or everything you would like the software to do.
Considering small businesses, tight budgets are common. Therefore, calculating ROI is the most effective way to be sure you acquire the best tool within your budget.
Scalability is another point to consider. This way, the software will be constantly updated and developed to meet the future demands of the small business.
A good automation platform should have integration with other technologies that the business already uses.
And, since it’s a small business, low-code platforms are easier to handle, especially considering that the IT department is limited in a small company.
Fusion Platform is a tool that can be applied to companies of different sizes, regardless of their industry or process complexity.
With the goal of creating more concise workflows and greater benefits, Fusion is the ideal tool for the digital transformation of small businesses.
Take advantage of the opportunity to try Fusion for free for 15 days directly in your business.
Or, if you have any questions, let us know here in the comments!
