Using workflow automation software to streamline your business.
Fill in your business’s efficiency gaps with sophisticated, time-saving workflow automation software.
Workflows frequently face challenges like clogged pipes: Rust, debris, and other buildup can prevent your waterworks (and business) from flowing smoothly. Communication breakdowns, bottlenecks, and outdated technology slow down workflows.
What is workflow automation software used for?
Workflow automation software is a solution to keep everything moving smoothly and quickly, with fewer errors and breakdowns along the way — no clogs. Let’s explore how to keep your business’s workflow clog-free in this guide.
Types of workflow automation software.
Businesses of all kinds have essential services that can benefit from workflow automation. Common types of workflow automation software include:
- Project management software
- Sales tracking software
- Marketing project software
- Financial planning software
- Applicant tracking software
- Customer service ticket software
- Software development tracking software
- Email distribution software
Tasks to streamline workflow automation software.
Examples of repetitive tasks in the workplace are everywhere. Think of any activity you or your colleagues do daily — or even hourly — and consider ways that workflow automation software could simplify how often or how long it takes you to carry out those tasks.
Here are some common examples of repetitive tasks in the workplace that can benefit from automation:
- Printing and signing paperwork
- Sending customer service emails
- Entering and updating client or vendor information
- Conducting new hire training
- Managing document updates
- Issuing estimates, quotes, or invoices
- Assigning projects to team members
- Tracking changes or additions to code bases
These tasks take a collective toll on overall employee productivity — and repetitive work can also exhaust your team.
Workflow automation software gives your team back their time by automating everyday, recurring tasks with technology. For example, some workflow automation software analyzes incoming customer service inquiries. The software picks up on keywords in the message and sends an appropriate email in response. Now, your customer service team is free to put out other fires.
Example of automating workflow with software.
To better illustrate how workflow automation software works, review the following example in action. A car dealership spends a lot of time on paperwork and signature management every time someone buys a vehicle — about 30 physical documents and signatures per transaction. In addition, customers have to physically visit the dealership to pick up their paperwork and sign every document.
With workflow automation, the dealership can manage all its essential documents digitally. This process eliminates printing and reduces paper costs and waste. It also lets customers review, e-sign, and send documents from home (or their favorite mobile device).
What are the best workflow automation software features?
While different software platforms can provide features geared toward specific industries or department needs, the best workflow automation software typically includes a similar set of convenient characteristics:
- Easy to use: While automation software can simplify complex processes, it needs to be low-code or no-code with straightforward features everyone can use.
- Integration: The best software will also work with existing systems to eliminate redundant data entry and reduce user error.
- Communication: Teams can track changes, progress, and questions with a centralized platform indicating due dates and responsibilities.
- Transparency: Workflow automation software can also increase accountability while limiting room for error through candid sharing and permission-based access.
- Efficiency: Users should be able to work through repetitive tasks more quickly and effectively as the software does the bulk of the heavy lifting for them.
Discover more ways that Adobe Acrobat for business can help your business power through challenges and run more efficiently.