Business Automation: Why should you automate your business processes?

What is Business Automation?

The term Business Automation refers to the application of technology and systems to automate different areas of the business, reducing dependence on human intervention. The main objective is to increase efficiency, reduce errors, increase the quality of the service or product and control costs.

Business Automation covers processes, workflows, communication and different areas within a company, including data entry, document management, customer relationship management, stock management, order processing, the sales department, marketing, finance and human resources.

By automating processes across departments, manpower can be allocated to more strategic and higher-value tasks while the consistency and accuracy of operations is ensured.

Business Automation is a strategic approach that drives modernization through technology and allows companies to adapt more effectively to market changes.

What types of Business Automation can you apply in your company?

Business Process Automation (BPA) Business Process Automation (BPA) is the application of advanced technology to automate and optimize a company's specific processes - producing products, acquiring new customers or onboarding new employees - with the aim of making them more efficient.

By automating the stages of the workflow, it is possible to improve the efficiency and accuracy of each stage. One example is the onboarding of new employees, where the Human Resources system can perform a series of predefined steps, such as sending a welcome email and setting up security credentials.

BPA can use various advanced technologies, such as automation tools and process intelligence resources, to automate processes in various areas such as management, logistics, supply chain, marketing or HR.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation is a type of business process automation that makes use of software robots or artificial intelligence agents to imitate human actions and perform a high volume of tasks, with a view to reducing errors, increasing efficiency and productivity.

Robotic Process Automation allows employees to define a set of instructions - bots - that can interact with software applications, extract data, manipulate information and make decisions based on predefined rules.

RPA can be applied in various sectors of activity such as finance, health, customer service or call centers, as well as in others where there is a need for repetitive tasks to be carried out by human force that can be replaced by technology.

Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)

Intelligent Process Automation refers to the combined use of advanced technologies such as RPA, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NPL), Cognitive Automation, Process Mining and Analytics, to automate and optimize complex company processes efficiently and intelligently.

Its aim is to take automation to a higher level of complexity by enabling greater efficiency, reduced operating costs and increased agility across the board.

Intelligent Process Automation is constantly evolving as new innovations in AI and automation are incorporated, and can be applied in various sectors, such as finance, health or manufacturing.

Why should you automate your business?

The need to automate the processes of a company can be identified by observing inefficiencies in processes, high operating costs, frequent errors or difficulties in meeting market demands.

In addition, by following technological trends and best practices, it is possible to understand that automation is an effective response to achieving better results and growth, regardless of the sector of activity.

According to the Portuguese Business Confederation, “50% of the time spent on work tasks can be automated using existing technologies, and this could rise to 67% by 2030 with the emergence of new technologies.”

What are the benefits of Business Automation?

• Operational efficiency: Automation eliminates repetitive manual tasks, increases efficiency and reduces operating costs.

• Error reduction: Automated systems are less likely to make mistakes than human forces, guaranteeing greater precision and quality in processes and products or services.

• Agility: Automation allows the company to adapt more quickly to changes in the market and be more agile in responding to customer needs.

• Time optimization and continuous innovation: With automated processes there is more time for employees to focus on more strategic and creative activities and tasks that encourage adaptation to change and company growth.

• Improved customer experience: By improving customer service through automation, responses are faster and more personalized, strengthening brand loyalty.

• Advanced data analysis: Through automation it is possible to collect data in real time, enabling advanced analysis that aids strategic decision-making.

• Scalability: Automated processes are easily scalable, allowing the company to grow without the need for a drastic increase in the workforce.

Nowadays, automation is a necessity for companies to position themselves in the market and remain competitive. The choice of what to automate will depend on the company's specific objectives and the processes in need of optimization.