Benefits of Software Automation PDF Print E-mail

Realizing ROI from Automating Business Processes

Reduced labor costs

The optimal processes to focus on are those that are repetitive and take a significant amount of labor. Any reduction in labor equates to an immediate cost savings. We look at what we are doing today and whether there is a faster, better way to do it. For example, by automating a task that requires five hours of manual intervention, we can expect to cut that time in half. Thus the 2.5 hours, multiplied by the number of times the process is completed in a cycle, will yield a significant cost savings.

Increased productivity

In an environment where we’re all asked to do more with less, the best method to achieve the desired result will give companies a competitive advantage. By automating many of the processes that you are currently completing manually, you will allow these same individuals to work more efficiently and take on new tasks.

Shorter cycle times

Time is money. By automating such activities as invoice processing, order processing and/or RMA processing, you can expect to significantly shorten the processing time. Shorter cycle times can lead to monies coming in the door much more quickly than by using manual processes.

Reduced error handling

What does it cost your organization to fix a self-inflicted problem? Manual processes are prone to human error. By automating these processes you will experience a reduction in the number of human errors.

Consistent process handling

Consistency comes from having an established procedure and ensuring this procedure is followed every time. BPM has the additional advantage of enforcing these procedures by automating the routine tasks which otherwise might be completed frequently using a flawed procedure.

Increased customer service

Would your customers like to see fewer mistakes from their vendors? Would they also be in favor of more responsive service, or receiving your product faster? BPM can help you increase the level of service to your customers.

Increased profits

With the savings mentioned previously, you can expect to significantly cut your expenses, increase throughput and ultimately boost the bottom line.

Reduced administration time

Simplified business process design, workflow modeling, workflow execution and similar features can cut the time spent by IT staff on deployment and administration. A number of key factors will determine the extent of returns and costs associated with a deployment, such as current IT processes, size of the user population, and degree of global distribution.

Building and making changes to any business process, even minor ones, is extremely labor-intensive. A workflow designer that is icon-driven makes process building a simple drag-and-drop process. What’s more, the ability to edit on the fly makes you much more efficient and effective.

Reduced customer support costs

Although the cost reduction imperative in today’s environment is forcing companies to reduce their overall call center costs, it is critical to maintain the quality of service that call centers provide in order to stay competitive as customers demand higher availability of prompt, reliable service. Customer service strategies should include improved focus on the quality and range of self-service options offered.

In order to increase operating efficiency and reduce costs while providing better service, companies should automate business processes using modular, reusable components. For example, banks can build automated workflow capabilities such as updating account information, submitting or checking status of applications or claims, generating rates and quotes, renewing policies, and purchasing products, thus enabling their customers to perform these functions through self-service options rather than having to call customer service. This automated workflow, combined with Web self-service, can help your company meet customer expectations without requiring agent intervention, increased hold times or manual processing.

Source: http://www.landesk.co.jp/docs/whitepapers/wp_BPM_en-US.pdf