As companies grow and develop, the processes required to get the job done can become increasingly complex. Before you know it, operational efficiency begins to decrease and profits start to shrink.
When you’re busy doing day-to-day tasks, it can be difficult to dedicate time to process improvement. It may seem easier to ride the status quo as long as possible. However, improving your workflow is analogous to improving your business. Your investment can dramatically impact your bottom line.
Here are 3 key reasons to reduce the complexity of your workflow:
1. Increase productivity by enforcing business rules
Some processes rely on human interpretation, which can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes. For example, if box B can only be checked if the number in box A is above a certain amount, there’s no guarantee that the person will follow the instructions.
Workflow applications can enforce such rules. If amount A is below the threshold, option B can be hidden, or special messaging can be displayed.
When rules are enforced as the user is completing the process it decreases confusion and the amount of time that needs to be spent on following up on issues.
2. Prevent bottlenecks by increasing availability of process knowledge
Frequently, only a small group (or even a single person) will have all the in-depth knowledge about a process workflow. This means that they have to be available any time anyone has a question. Once again, this leads to unnecessary back-and-forth that wastes time and makes life more difficult for you and the users.
A workflow application can make reliable process instructions readily available. And that reduces downtime and keeps processes running smoothly.
3. Save time by integrating existing systems
Workflows often rely on information across a variety of applications. Integrating systems makes the transfer of information seamless and saves a significant amount of time for you and your users.
Investing in process improvement can help you eliminate vulnerabilities, errors, and quirks that slow you down. It cuts out major stresses that you may have once accepted as the status quo. Let your workflow work for you, not the other way around!
