Business process automation as we know it involves the use of technology to automate routine tasks and business processes such as data entry and sharing information between business entities to streamline and optimise those processes as well as improve workflow.
Today’s automation platforms use innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to perform increasingly complicated tasks, such as capturing information directly from documents. Still, humans are the ones who drive change and innovation. Automation simply allows them to do more as they work to keep the world moving forward.
An example of process automation is Workflow automation. In a manual organisational business process, data or information is moved from one department to another either for manipulation, approval, or review. For instance, take document approval, this workflow might involve two or more senior management staff signing documents and moving it to the next stage. The time taken for the document to move from initiation to approval can take several hours or days to get completed. Sometimes records get lost or forgotten in the process. This is a common situation we all can relate.
With the introduction of workflow automation, things have changed significantly. Not only is the time taken to complete a workflow reduced, but it also maintains a seamless measure and control of the workflow from start to finish. Workflows become easily manageable, and business processes become easily streamlined and optimised. The installation of process automation software achieves this.
Microsoft SharePoint takes care of business process automation using its workflow features. So many internal processes that are being managed by mails going back and forth leaving long trails behind, can easily be replaced with workflows, making it easy and seamless to manage these processes, leaving behind arrays of manageable historical data and information.
Through the prevalence of automation software, Microsoft has taken things a step forward to a whole new level. Digital transformation has been made possible, beginning with the successful implementation of business process automation. Cloud computing sits at the base of digital transformation. With this in place, companies can initiate and manage their internal and external business processes in the cloud. Change comes when businesses can completely shift their entire operations to the cloud. All this can easily be managed in the absence of regional borders. Microsoft Azure is one of Microsoft’s business products that spearheads Digital transformation. With it, you are presented with an array of features and solutions that services as the best fit for your peculiar business needs. A shining example of digital transformation is Amazon. We may not need to begin listing out the ingredients of what makes Amazon so successful, but the mere mention of it will give you the best explanation of Digital transformation.
pcl. digital and technology consulting team are dedicated to helping organisations take advantage of numerous Microsoft tools to design, build and implement services that position them as a real digital enterprise. As a Microsoft certified partner, you can have us as a trusted advisor to help you navigate through the new normal.
Written by:
Ifeanyi Obinor
Consultant
