Automation is fundamentally reshaping the world as we know it, redefining how industries operate, and changing how people interact with technology.
Seventy percent of organizations will implement infrastructure automation within the next three years, according to a 2022 Gartner survey. Likewise, a 2022 McKinsey global survey found that automated systems will make up 25% of capital spending between 2022 and 2027.
Many businesses already leverage automation to deploy applications and end-user devices, reduce employee workload, and streamline processes. Ninety percent of these businesses report that automation provides value.
Business process automation (BPA) plays a key role in this global trend, with a market that is expected to grow from $9.8 billion in 2020 to $19.6 billion by 2026.
In this article, we’ll explain how BPA is changing organizations, liberating human resources for more strategic and creative endeavors. We’ll also define BPA, explain why it’s a smart investment for businesses large and small, then list the top benefits.
What Is Business Process Automation?
Business process automation (also known as digital process automation) is a system in which companies use technology to handle tasks and processes automatically. Instead of people doing the same tasks over and over, BPA uses computer programs, robots, and other tools to handle these jobs. Similar to having a digital assistant, BPA allows people to concentrate on more creative and complex work.
BPA is applicable to any processes that are time-consuming, overly complicated, or time-sensitive. Some of BPA’s many use cases include:
- Inventory management
- Customer communication
- Employee onboarding
- IT support
- Purchase order requests
- Marketing automation
- Data-driven decision-making
The method leverages technology to manage repetitive and rule-based tasks, allowing companies to save time, minimize errors, and streamline operations. BPA is especially helpful in the digital age when businesses must keep up with rapid changes while also ensuring accuracy and a positive customer experience.
How BPA Can Transform Your Business
A single business process typically requires five different steps or components, including connected devices, applications, website portals, APIs, and more. These complex systems can lead to inefficiencies and loss of revenue for small businesses while also complicating the path to total digital transformation.
McKinsey survey respondents said they face many bottlenecks to digital transformation, such as high costs, lack of knowledge on how to implement systems, and lack of technology readiness.
Business process automation can be the ideal stepping stone along this path, easing the transition from manual to completely automated processes. In fact, 97% of IT decision-makers say process automation is imperative to digital transformation. BPA is cited as the main driver of innovation and key to achieving business goals, including growth and increased efficiency.
Top 4 Benefits of Business Process Automation
Digital process automation offers a host of benefits for small businesses. More than two-thirds of business executives agree that the strategy is vital to achieving business objectives, such as increasing profits and revenue, reducing costs, and improving efficiency and customer experiences.
Let’s look at the top four benefits of business process automation.
Increased Efficiency
Workflow automation can reduce time spent on repetitive tasks by 60-95% and speed up approval processes by 34%. Automating time-consuming tasks reduces the need for manual intervention and increases efficiency. This shift allows operations managers to focus on more strategic aspects of their role and allocate resources more effectively.
Enhanced Productivity
BPA has the potential to increase global productivity by 0.8-1.4% every year, according to a McKinsey Global Institute report. When automation handles routine tasks, employees have more time for mission-critical activities, such as analyzing data, optimizing processes, and implementing improvements.
Scalability
BPA software enables businesses to handle larger volumes of work without a proportional increase in staffing, which has helped 70% of business owners scale operations. As companies grow, processes can be easily scaled up to accommodate the increased workload.
Enhanced Customer Experience
By helping an organization increase efficiency and accuracy, BPA can positively impact the customer experience. Faster response times, better order processing, and reduced errors all contribute to improved customer satisfaction.
Increase Efficiency and Productivity with BPA
Business process automation allows businesses to automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and increase productivity without increasing headcount. This newfound efficiency allows employees to focus on more important tasks, think creatively, and stay agile in a world of constant change.
If you’re ready to digitize and automate your business, Vasion can help. For more than a decade, Vasion has helped organizations across many industries transform mission-critical workflow. Request a demo today and discover how our platform integrates Capture, eSignature, Workflow, and Content Management in a single SaaS solution.
FAQs
How does business process automation software work?
Business process automation (BPA) software automatically orchestrates and executes tasks within a company. The solution identifies repetitive tasks, then designs and automates workflows using tools like software applications and robots. This software streamlines processes, reducing the need for manual intervention and allowing businesses to achieve more with less effort.
What are the benefits of business process automation software?
BPA software helps streamline operations, reduce manual work, and enhance efficiency. Many automation tools are scalable, allowing small businesses to start with basic processes and expand as they grow. If it fits within the budget, the right business automation software is a valuable investment that allows a small business to improve productivity and stay competitive. Business process automation software can be beneficial for both small businesses and enterprise organizations.
How can business process automation software improve efficiency?
BPA software can significantly enhance efficiency by automating time-consuming and repetitive tasks. By replacing manual steps with automated workflows, it can quickly and effectively complete tasks like data entry, email communication, and document processing. BPA software also streamlines processes by ensuring that tasks move smoothly from one step to the next, which reduces bottlenecks and delays.
What are the key features to look for in business process automation software?
The best business process automation software should have an intuitive user interface that allows for seamless setup and management of automated workflows. It should have robust integration capabilities, making it easy to connect with existing tools and systems. The ideal software should also have advanced reporting capabilities, providing insights that allow for performance optimization over time.