Digital transformation is more than just a trending word. Companies are actually cutting back on not just paper, but also spreadsheets and e-mails.
Steps forward have already been made, now companies need to understand what IT process automation tools can do for them.
Remember that process management aims for continuous improvement, that is: doing more with less, delivering high quality to the final customer, with productive efficiency and while also achieving the strategic objectives of the organization.
For this, it follows a cycle that contemplates several activities which include, initially, the analysis of the current process; the modeling of an improved new process; documentation to assist in the implementation of the new procedures; the automation of tasks and the creation of KPIs and, finally, the analysis of the results; with the objective of redesigning this process, optimizing it and thus promoting the cycle of continuous improvement and assisting in the management of innovation in organizations, through the creation of innovative processes.
In this context, we will present 4 characteristics that good IT process automation tools should provide a company.
Know more: Continuous business process improvement: Increase business performance
4 key features of IT process automation tools
The automation of business processes has several advantages for companies, such as the elimination of waste; the consistent application of business rules; the definition of precise metrics; access to real time performance reports; assistance in making decisions quickly and standardizing operations.
The sum of these and other advantages leads to more efficiency and profitability for the organization. But for this to work properly, IT process automation tools need to have some basic features, which we’ve listed below.
1- Remote cloud access
Ease and practicality are the watchwords in business and IT process automation tools.
Therefore, remote cloud access is a must-have, allowing teams to work collaboratively and simultaneously.
This type of facility makes it possible for home office work. It helps with the integration of teams allocated to different cities and even countries, and to make better use of their time, such as during business trips. All of this with the help of mobile devices such as laptops, tablets and even smartphones.
2- Intuitive Modeling: Low Code BPM
Cloud-based IT process automation tools that use intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, for example called Low Code BPM, provide the advantage of being able to include in process modeling and improvement professionals who have little knowledge of programming.
Often, these members of the company can have valuable insights in terms of optimization and improvement. This is especially the case when they work on the front line or are the owners of the process.
In addition, workflow automation software with this feature, coupled with remote cloud access, makes it much easier to present and approve new processes, either internally, to directors, or even process consulting.
See more details: Low BPM Code: 10 Questions to Find the Best Option for You
3- Automatic process documentation
By adopting a business process automation solution, it’s very important that you can generate the process documentation with the same tool.
In addition to the ease of using the Low Code interface for this, IT process automation tools generate reports with organized and intuitive layouts. You also gain the time to implement the improvements, train operators and help managers supervise the correct application of documented procedures.
4- Automate processes in the same tool
Many people believe that business process automation is restricted to automating tasks, replacing human activities with automated ones, but in fact there are many other advantages:
- Indicator creation and monitoring
- Improved task control
- Standardization of operations
- Agile and transparent information flow
- Integration between different information systems
And many more.
Thus, IT process automation tools that have the four characteristics we mentioned above will introduce much more effective results into your organization. This is because they’re complete, allowing you to optimize, model, document and, mainly, automate your processes.
Some people who already use such tools, like HEFLO, have been very satisfied with the results, see this testimony from Larissa Lima:
Gaining access to HEFLO was very important. It facilitated a lot with our flowchart creations and agility in developing tools to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our work processes