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The automation of processes in small businesses is capable of optimizing the flow of activities, providing greater productivity and efficiency.
Small businesses generally tend to have centralized management and control. Likewise, it is common for all activities to be performed by people.
But, is this necessary? Even in small businesses, there are a number of tasks that could be performed in an automated manner.
Investing in technology to improve processes is a real way to execute the flow of activity with quality and productivity.
Often, when a human being performs tasks repetitively, it is common for there to be an increase in the rate of errors and rework.
Likewise, it is not uncommon to find managers of small businesses who do not know how to implement or why they should invest in process automation.
Why should my business consider process automation?
Although there is some resistance from small businesses to investing in process automation, technology is a great partnership, especially for competitiveness.
Anyone who thinks that thinking about improving processes is something that only fits big business is wrong.
When a small business decides to apply process automation, the sucess rates are even higher.
It turns out that due to the small size, it is easier to monitor and control improvements. As well as, finding new opportunities to apply automation.
In addition, providing more time for professionals to dedicate to strategic issues is a step towards greater competitiveness.
Another common issue is that the manager of a small business is afraid to make investments. After all, the budget is quite tight.
However, a process automation tool allows management to be data-driven and efficiently track ROI, a key factor for those with a restricted budget
Moreover, the price of human error is too high to pay. How much of your process is not impaired, 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 also contributes to increased productivity.
Arguably, process automation makes all decisions based on real data.
Especially when we talk about small business BPM, where the use of and efficient application generates reports that synthesize a series of data and transform them into useful information.
Processes that can be automated in small businesses
There are several environments, departments, and activities that process automation can act in. Internally, small businesses can benefit from process automation by using for example, to:
- Inventory management;
- Customer relationship and satisfaction;
- Issuance of bank slips;
- Issuance and control of invoices and other tax obligations;
- Chatbots;
- Sending emails;
- Search for information in the database;
- Get reports on processes and operations.
How to implement process automation in small businesses?
The sequence for implementing process automation does not vary depending on whether a company is large or small. In reality, regardless of size or complexity, the steps follow with:
1. Identify the process automation opportunity
Implementing process automation starts with checking all existing processes. For this, it will be necessary to observe and question the people involved about the existing difficulties and bottlenecks.
By collecting data about the processes, it will be easier to choose which tasks you want to automate. At first, consider that simpler flow of activity, especially repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
As the business gains the benefits of process automation, it will be possible to better understand how this tool works. Consequently, it evolves 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
When identifying and listing the processes that will be automated, it’s time to look for the ideal tool to meet your needs. In this sense, this tool, is general, has the mission of simplifying critical processes.
A good practice in this case is to invest in bpm small businesses, conducting a search for possible suppliers. So, take advantage of the moment to shedule presentations or take tests, when possible.
Also make a list if everything that the small business demands and compare the platforms using a checklist.
With the right process automation tool, it will be possible to remodel activities so that they are performed with greater operational efficiency and productivity.
3. Set the goals to achieve with automation
Whenever a business invests in a new tool, it seeks to obtain advantages. Therefore, define what are the goals and objectives that must be achieved.
With these delimitations, it will later be possible to evaluate the success of the applications. In the same way that it contributes to the processes being improved more and more
Thus, goals must be measurable to validate the positive impact of bpm small businesses.
Process automation allows activities to be done faster. That is, redirect employees to more strategic, innovative areas with focus on the core business.
4. Analyze and track results
Process automation is and application that never ends. Therefore, it is necessary for automation software to provide reports for useful and in-depth analysis.
Internal processes are changeable according to internal policies, innovation, new products, changes in government laws, and various other factors.
In this sense, revision is always important so that processes are refined and improved. Providing multiply the execution of tasks, which reduces costs and contributes to profitability.
In this way, implement continuos improvement. The more opportunities for improvement are found, the greater the possible results. And, the greater the return on investment.
Choosing the Process Automation Platform for Small Business
The ideal process automation tool is the one that does or accomplishes everything that the small business requires. Therefore, list all the needs and demands, or everything you would like software to do.
Considering small business, it is normal for the budget to be tight. Thus, making and ROI calculation is the most effective way to acquire the best tool within your budget.
Another issue is to consider the expansion of process automation. That is, platforms where it is possible to start with a basic plan and expand when necessary.
Scalability is another point that must be taken into account. In this way, the software will be constantly updated and developed to meet the future demands of the small business.
A good automation platform must be integrated with other technologies that the business already uses.
And, because it is a small business, low-code platforms are simpler to handle. Especially considering that the technology department in a small company is reduced.
The Fusion Platform is a tool that can be applied to companies of different sizes, regardless of thier field of activity, or complexity of the processes.
Aiming to create more concise workflows with greater benefits, Fusion is the ideal tool for the digital transformation of small businesses.
Take the opportunity to try Fusion for free for 15 days directly in your business.
Or, if in doubt, write to us here in the comments.
