No CIO wants to see software become shelfware — time and money forfeited to no avail. Planning new technology implementation is no small task, and watching it all go to waste is painful. Selecting a flexible, user-friendly tool is challenging but not impossible. When weighing options, myths or one-sided views can derail decision-making processes and lead to missed opportunities. Thoroughly researching valuable tech tools like business process automation is critical for a calculated digital strategy. Take a few minutes to read on and round out some common false impressions surrounding automation.
Business process automation is pricey
Software solutions can be costly, nearly clearing out entire IT budgets in one fell swoop and running up tabs for maintenance and service fees down the road. Often the change in productivity is not near enough to compensate for the forfeited capital, leaving management with a disappointing return on investment.
Thankfully, not all systems carry a hefty price tag. Cloud-based apps have disrupted the pricing scale with rates so low even small non-profit organizations can automate workflows without breaking the budget. Saas models and cloud storage enable low, flexible monthly rates and only a small one-time start-up fee.
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Cloud business process automation means your data is vulnerable
On-site data storage may offer peace of mind, but data access is limited when managers are out of the office. When cloud storage was introduced, the idea of ditching local storage space, whether on a personal computer or in a massive server room, was appealing, but sceptics steered clear because of security concerns.
Over the last decade, cloud computing has become increasingly convenient and reliable. Data is stored through trusted names like Google Engine and Amazon Web Services, who house servers in highly secure locations all over the world and follow intricate encryption and management practices.
Providers are doing their part, but users employing cloud-based services are responsible for keeping internal risk and control in check. Gartner estimates through 2022 95% of cloud security failures will be the user’s fault and encourages a shift of questioning from “Is the cloud secure?” to “Am I using the cloud securely?”
Business process automation is complicated
Although the main objective of business process automation is to smooth operational procedures, some tools can be quite complicated, requiring expert coding and programming. Extensive testing and lengthy employee training often delay effective execution.
On the flip side, no-code business process automation apps are incredibly simple. Anyone with workflow insight can drag and drop to customize a form, define the workflow, and set permissions. In less than 15 minutes, voilà—a workflow initiates with a click.
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Business process automation can wait until company expansion
It’s easy for managers to put off automation.
“We only have a handful of processes now, anyway.”
“The way we do things works fine. No need to rock the boat.”
“We don’t have the funds right now.”
After all, few people like change. But, take a minute to think three years down the road. How many more products, employees, and processes will be in place? How will the current manual system’s efficiency sustain such growth?
Reaping the benefits of automation in the early stages is one of the most strategic decisions a manager can make for long-term success. Automated workflows scale with company growth, enabling more data to be processed in less time through standardized procedures, simultaneously improving compliance and collaboration. According to business needs, the number of users and apps can seamlessly scale up or down.
If 61% of companies using digital technologies see more revenue growth than their competitors, why wait?
Business process automation is difficult to maintain
Producing software updates and introducing new users can be a headache when automation is through in-house programming. Troubleshooting takes valuable time, slowing down work, and hiring consultants for maintenance can get pricey. In some situations, yes, BPA can be difficult to maintain—but not all.
Automation systems offering no-code platforms solve multiple problems at once. Since data is securely stored on the cloud, server space isn’t required. The tedious responsibilities of creating new versions, fixing bugs, and maintaining the software fall on the service provider and don’t incur additional expenses for the user; it’s all neatly packed into the monthly rate. The effort saved on technology maintenance creates more time for high-value, innovative work.
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Exchange myths for truth: Business process automation isn’t out of reach
If concerns persist, investigating options for business process automation is worth the effort to dispel any doubts. Organizations around the world are automating workflows, saving thousands of dollars while driving productivity and collaboration to new levels. Non-profits, SMBs, and enterprises alike are embracing operational and cultural regeneration through automation to advance mission fulfilment.
Instilling an automated culture sooner rather than later not only gives companies a competitive edge but makes for a smoother transition into digital transformation. Don’t let misconceptions get in the way of utilizing a strategic solution that could revolutionize your organization.
Suresh Sambandam is the Founder & CEO of OrangeScape, makers of KiSSFLOW, a disruptive, SaaS-based enterprise-level workflow and business process automation platform with more than 10,000 customers across 160 countries. He is an expert and renowned entrepreneur on a mission to democratize cutting-edge technologies and help enterprises leverage automation. Suresh is passionate about entrepreneurship, technology startups and spends a significant amount of time in the startup ecosystem mentoring young companies.
