Your documented processes become automated workflows. Work flows through systems without manual handoffs, waiting, or human error.
Automated processes use AI and automation tools to execute business workflows without manual intervention. Once triggered, the process runs through its steps automatically, only bringing in humans when decisions or exceptions require judgment.
This goes beyond automating individual tasks. Automated processes coordinate multiple systems, make decisions based on rules and AI, handle standard exceptions, and route work intelligently based on context and priority.
The foundation for process automation is documentation. You can't automate what you haven't defined. Mature organizations document their processes first, then automate them incrementally, measuring impact at each step.
Work moves between steps instantly instead of sitting in queues waiting for people.
Every instance of a process follows the same steps. No shortcuts, no forgotten steps, no variation.
Processes that took days or weeks complete in hours or minutes when automated.
People stop executing routine processes and focus on exceptions, improvements, and customer relationships.
Every step is logged with timestamps and actors. Compliance and troubleshooting become easier.
Automate processes that happen frequently to maximize ROI and learning opportunities.
Start with the most manual or error-prone parts of a process before automating end-to-end.
Include approval steps for important decisions or high-value transactions.
Route unusual cases to people with context about what happened and why.
Track metrics like completion time, error rates, and exception frequency to refine automation.
Maintain clear documentation of business rules and decision points for future updates.
All processes executed manually. Work moves through email chains and personal task lists. No automation beyond basic email rules.
A few processes partially automated. Individual tasks automated but full workflows still require manual coordination. Limited integration between systems.
Core business processes fully automated with human oversight at decision points. Exception handling built in. Continuous monitoring and optimization. Clear ownership and maintenance procedures.
Get expert help designing and implementing process automation that delivers measurable improvements in speed, cost, and quality.