Process automation won't eliminate all tasks you have throughout the day, but you can gain enough time that you get to leave work on time and enjoy your night.
You're the glue that keeps the office running smoothly. When you do your job right, it might appear like you're not doing anything at all, which couldn't be further from the truth. Whether you're researching the latest technology improvements or maintaining a collaborative environment, you're putting in a lot of hard work.
Process improvements cover everything from scanning your paperwork with digital copiers to enter them into a document management system to streamlining current workflows. They benefit the business in many ways and find a way to go from the beginning to end in the most efficient way possible. But what do they do for YOU?
The Gift of Time
You can always use another hour or two in your day. Deadlines are always looming over your shoulder, and you always feel a bit behind. It's not an enjoyable feeling, but until someone invents time travel, there's not much you can do about it. Or is there?
The current business processes at most companies aren't optimized based on frequent testing, experimentation, and improvements. They're the way things have always been done, so they stay in place. Workflows typically have a lot of room for improvement, even if you aren't going all out and implementing process automation solutions.
The ideal path from point A to point B is the most efficient use of time and resources. When you put process improvements in place, you regain time that was being lost to inefficiencies. Once automation tools handle repetitive tasks and other time-consuming duties, you can focus on other areas of your job.
For example, you won't have to assign work to a particular team manually. The process automation software can send the details to the relevant employees, attach appropriate documentation and provide other support resources that they need to accomplish the project. You get to be entirely hands-off as this happens behind-the-scenes. You also get the opportunity to plan your day better with at-a-glance scheduling.
A digital copier also gives you more time. Digitized records are easier to locate, reference, and read through than their hard copy kin. You don't have to dive into a giant paperwork pile to try to figure out where important files are anymore.
Happier Co-Workers and Customers
A positive work environment plays a large part in whether work is a joy or a drag. Process improvements give your colleagues access to vital documents as soon as they need them. They don't have to play their version of "find the papers," which is enough to improve anyone's outlook.
Your customers have enjoyable interactions with the company because the digital records put their information in one place. They don't get put on hold for so long that they start singing along with the music. Digital documents stay in a centralized location that is easy to sort through. Customers used to calling multiple times with an issue now get their concerns resolved the first time. They can get on with their day instead of playing phone tag.
Process automation won't eliminate the many tasks you have throughout the day, but you can gain enough time that you get to leave work on time and enjoy your night. Family dinners, happy hours, and quality relaxation time are a few things you can attribute to the new workflows. Now that's an ROI that matters.
