Automation has a widespread use across widespread industries. From the industrial automation to robotics automation, it has been able to change the entire outlook of the different industries. Similarly the use of automation in IT businesses has been a key factor, especially regarding IT service management. These involve different aspects of IT service management such as Business Process Automation, Operations Automation, Service Provider Automation, Monitoring Automation and Tools Automation.
Business process automation (BPA) is a process or workflow which describes automation of business, helps them in reducing the costs. This helps business in integrating applications along with containing labor resources using different software applications. Automation performs a large number of actions with ever increasing usage; it comes with different variations in the time and time again.
BPA is required in business for implementing automated workflows by which there is absolutely no need of human intervention. As a well-known fact, automation will save time and will contain costs. The use of automation will assist users in the transaction and reduce human errors.
The implementation of business process automation is vast but still, it’s far better to decide whether the automation is useful or not in some processes, first. As it has turned out in some scenarios, business process are best suited and handled by humans only. So it’s also important to decide which process requires automation and which doesn’t.
Digging in Deep for Better Understanding of BPA
Businesses are in the dire need for implementing strategic and operational software, and their drivers in order to enhance the process capabilities in their organizations. For many organizations which are finding hard to keep up pace for putting up their product in the market at the same time performing the required marketing for the given product, there is a desperate need to economize their operations. It is majorly convenient to improve margins with the help of automation rather than increasing prices of products. With global market pressure, companies need to start automating their business process for sure.
The processes which become more time consuming and resource-oriented, are prone to human errors, with the use of BPA, companies can fast-track these processes ultimately improving product quality. This is followed by advantages such as improvements in product to market, revenue capture and reduction in operating costs.
Business process automation focuses on business outcomes rather than amplifying the use of technology. For business process automation to be successful, it becomes important that each automated fragment of processes is integrated for end-to-end business processes. Each of these fragments are first decided and then automated. So business process automation is about refining business processes rather than just automating it.
There are three major ways of implementing business process automation, these are as follows:
BPA Software
Business process automation related software helps business in order to contain ‘the cost in time’ and cost required for implementing usual functions. For this particular scenario, business can substitute human intervention by software. With the help of this software, companies can mix different systems so that they can implement end to end business process. Business which already possesses automated process inside of them can also increase their functionality. This helps in customizing a perfect environment in the company.
BPA Tools
Business process automation tool-kit is probably the latest trend in the global market. A number of industries are digging in their hands into BPA for providing newly created customer-base with the shortest path to automation. This can be achieved by manipulating UI layer. These tool-kits will also speed up the process of deployment; even further, making it possible for a non-technical employee to perform these tasks.
With the latest advancement in the market such as Process Driven Messaging Service, that helps in optimizing data exchange layer and ultimately helping the implementation of automation in business.
BPA Extensions
It is far easier and at the same time important to relate BPA to BPM. For making it possible, business needs to write application code or use the tailored BPA tools. This BPA extension comes along with advantages and disadvantages which are linked with each other. As BPM implementation gives away the structured approach for all the processes which are to be plotted delaying the automation in the procedure. This causes loss of the functionality for the given process.
Zones of Interest for BPA to harvest GREAT RESULTS
Repeatable Tasks
The sole aim of BPA is to reduce the manual work in business processes, thus vividly reducing the chances of human error. Focusing on the business processes that are repetitive and predictable, some of the crucial rote and repetitive tasks include assembly work on the manufacturing floor, automated project management task. Also, in addition to this, services such as status software updates, auto security monitoring and lockdowns of facilities can also be automated. Customer related services and tasks such as time tracking, and automated process flows for order filling, inventory management, shipping, purchasing, billing and many more are considered.
Making Decision Making Process, Machine Addressable
Citing an example of day to day bank processes consisting of the requisites for availing a bank loan or procuring a credit card, information flow and financial analysis and decision making plays an important role. So, with BPA and automated decision making, human interference is minimized, thus the company saves money, reduces the risk of an employee making wrong decisions, and fulfills the customer requirements right away.
Sensor-Based Tracking and Alerts
With the propulsion from IoT technology industry, extensive use of sensors and networks has encouraged automation. The ultimate aim of companies is to achieve end-to-end visibility of vibrant business processes that occur beyond the enterprise walls. Application of this technology includes tracking of cargo container movements with seal break alert function, and assessment of humidity and temperature conditions for medicines and perishable commodities.
Self-Service Employee Portals
Self-service employee portals enable employees to make and track changes in their investment options and also take online career enhancement courses to boost their career development. The system is equipped with a facility to register these changes and track future progress without the involvement of a trainer or an HR person to facilitate the process.
