Workflow – The Basics

The term “workflow” can be subject to interpretation. In this white paper, we provide you with a definition of the term, as well as a basic rundown of workflow processes.

Easy to Manage, Design, & Use

The most powerful workflow automation solutions can be managed, altered and maintained with no coding or pro­gramming requirements.

Easy to use, flexible systems allow the workflow to be adjusted to changing business needs without IT involve­ment. An easy to understand interface ensures that busi­ness leaders, end users, and IT alike are all capable of utilising workflow automation.

One way to test whether the system is easy to use or not is, during the initial evaluation, ask the vendor to change a workflow and see how long it will take. If it takes more than a few hours, that is a major red flag. If the experts cannot adjust a process quickly, how long might it take your company to react to changing business operations?

Defining Your Processes

Workflow automation must find the balance between simply turning your existing processes into an electronic format, and re-engineering your organisation. It is not a replacement, but rather the bringing together of people, processes and technology.

Workflow automation should not simply replicate a bad business process; it should improve it. One of the key ben­efits of workflow automation is the ability to develop a more efficient business, so process improvements will occur naturally as you begin to define and map out key processes. Yet, workflow is not a tool to build radically new and different processes. The key is to strip out unnec­essary steps, standardise the repeatable processes and specify the path the workflow must take.

When actually applying workflow automation, it is first necessary to define the core business processes. Even those that appear not be repeatable are typically set upon a standard foundation. This discovery phase is absolutely vital for a successful implementation and adoption of the new technology. The key is in finding the baseline and then customising the workflow to fit the specific nuances and requirements of the business. Workflow automation is more than simply choosing the right technology; it is about choosing the right partner than can guide the organisation through these vital first steps.

Benefits of Workflow Software

There will be overarching advantages common across any organisation when applying workflow automation; reduc­ing costs, improving operations, generating greater reve­nue. Yet, there are also unique benefits to each company based on their specific goals and considerations.

  • For example, ClosetMaid described the complete process visibility they gained into their manufacturing operations as one of the critical advantages they gained after implementation
  • Lockheed Martin utilised the technology to synchronise communication between the production floor and the front office.
  • The Antigua Group took a 3-day process and shortened it to 24 hours, a major benefit to their operations.

So you can see that the value workflow automation pro­vides will vary greatly depending on the organisation, but overall there are always major benefits provided when any company implements a solution to improve their business processes.

About Dajon

With deeply integrated document management and pro­cess automation software solutions from Dajon, organ­isations such as Goodwill Industries, Lockheed Martin and Morton Plant Mease Hospital have met their objec­tives by streamlining their processes and simplifying their work-place. With our technology, organizations are able to eliminate paper and unnecessary costs while allowing them to do more work with limited resources.
Our goal is to help companies gain greater control over their operations. By integrating with your existing sys­tems, such as your accounting software and enabling instant access to all the information within your office, you can expect dramatic improvements in efficiency and productivity.