Digital Process Automation
Digital process automation describes a combination of human input and automated digital tasks. This approach shifts the burden of completing tedious and time-consuming tasks from employees to operational management systems for faster completion with higher levels of accuracy. Learn more about what DPA is and the advantages of implementing this technology in any field.
What Does Automating Digital Processes Mean?
Project managers can set up routine tasks such as document distribution, form-filling or submission for approval to take place automatically. Automating these processes conserves energy and time, even though DPA measures must be directly prompted by human input or scheduled as tasks.
The workflow demands of an enterprise will determine whether processes can take place on specified dates at set times independently of other conditions. It may be necessary to ensure that other stages of a workflow are complete before an automated process occurs. This approach to DPA digital process automation differs from similar methodologies such as intelligent process automation in that human users remain essential.
– Eliminate micromanagement
– Improve transparency and communication
Field service operations and other business workflows that require input from multiple users stand to benefit from automating specific digital processes. Automated tasks that are fully integrated into workflows are the most efficient way to go about distributing documents, checking forms for completion, collecting signatures or entering data.
What Is Digital Process Automation?
Automating a digital process typically involves setting up software to automatically perform tasks that would otherwise require prolonged user involvement. In terms of the management of a project or broader operations, automation can circumvent human error and breaks in productivity. Any of the following digital processes has the potential to be expedited or otherwise improved through automation:
- Collecting Signatures: Automation can ensure that the necessary parties receive the correct forms at the right time in addition to signature capture and storage.
- Entering Data: Errors often occur during manual data entry, making partial or full process automation helpful at this stage of a workflow.
- Seeking Approval: Submitting data or reports with analysis for approval is another opportunity for using automated solutions for more effective information distribution.
- Sharing Documents: Automating document sharing can ensure that all recipients are able to access the latest versions of important files anywhere at any time.
- Updating Records: Keeping records updated can help enterprises avoid productivity bottlenecks and problems due to the use of outdated data.
Automating certain aspects of a digital workflow can increase accuracy and efficiency from start to finish. In addition to the immediate operational benefits of minimizing tedious labor and maintaining high standards for data accuracy, completeness and security, automated workflows can also be tracked through an audit trail and analyzed to determine whether the implementation of DPA technology is reaching its full potential.
Why Should a Business Automate Digital Processes?
Rather than scheduling costly hours of employee labor for data entry, record migration or updates or similar tasks, project managers can count on digital process automation to complete these tasks. Automated processes can be executed by direct user command or take place automatically based on the completion of other tasks in a workflow.
Digital automation differs from intelligent automation in that the former gives human users access to powerful digital tools while the latter strives toward full autonomy through artificial intelligence. Direct user input is critical to the execution of digital processes, and employee oversight is ongoing throughout a workflow.
One of the best features of DPA is that systems continue working even when employees are clocked out for the day. Automating repeated procedures can be an effective way to avoid productivity bottlenecks and delays during document distribution, signature capture or at any other stage of a digital process. It is also possible to set up automatic backup or integration tasks to ensure records remain current across servers and software platforms.
How Can Automation Support Smooth Workflow?
Redundant or rote tasks can cause sensations of tedium or fatigue that can lead to errors. Automating routines can remove tasks from workflows and make it possible for employees to focus on problems that call for human ingenuity rather than repetitive measures for obtaining signatures or other input or standardization of field data.
The main advantage of DPA, when properly implemented, is a significant reduction in the risk of breaches, incorrect calculations or information loss. As digital systems use available data, the more automated and standardized a workflow becomes, the less likely errors or security exploits are to disrupt day-to-day operations.
Stakeholders in any enterprise should assess all of the potential advantages of pursuing digital process automation. Automating digital processes will require an integration or transition period during which adjustments to workflows, software platforms and field equipment may be necessary to reach a consistently high level of accuracy and efficiency. Learn more about the workflow automation solutions available from Fluix or request a free trial today.
