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Startup

How To Automate Business Processes & Why Is It Crucial For Startups?

If you have a small startup business with 3 or 4 employees then the automation of business processes is a low priority. But if your business has more than 10 employees, then your company needs to consider a few must-have processes and take a hard look at which business processes can be automated.

Why every startup business needs a process?

When a business is small, there is less possibility of making mistakes. But when you think about scaling, some of the tasks that are repetitive and are done manually they need to be automated. Automation can improve efficiency. Business automation of a few processes can also reduce errors that come with business expansion. If you are confused, you can also take help from the best business coach in India Dr. Vivek Bindra to understand the concept in detail.

So what are some strategic ways to automate business processes? And which processes should be automated first? Well, we are going to answer all your queries.

But first things first!

What is business processes management and why your startup needs it?

Processes are the heart and soul of a successful business. Business process management is how you effectively manage all the processes. It impacts multiple teams and employees as all the activities in your company happen as processes. When you start taking processes seriously, a BPM becomes a tool that can help you achieve your business goals.

Business process management is a practice of managing all business processes that help to achieve an outcome. It is an ongoing activity that helps to identify key areas that need improvement.

Business process management works in multiple forms. Though some processes can be completely automated, others need human input for making decisions. Here are three types of business process management that every organization must have:

1. Human-centric BPM

As the name defines, this type of business process involves human inputs. The decisions are made by humans and most of the heavy task is performed by humans. The scope of the business automation process is limited here.

To help employees understand and manage the process easier, it offers a visual interface too. Since this process impacts employees directly, this process needs more attention as compared to others.

2. Document-centric BPM

A document-centric business process is built on the foundation of a particular document. The main agenda is to send the multiple approvers who are involved in the process and get it approved. The document-centric BPM helps to reduce the need for emailing documents back and forth and increases efficiency.

3. Integration-centric BPM

The integration-centric business process management is centered on the integration of different software systems. Its main focus is on creating a smooth flow of data between the networks and software tools.

Now, when you are well aware of business process management, which processes should be automated first? Here are 3 ways in which you can automate critical processes in your business:

a). Find Functional Areas of Operations- Though it may sound tempting to replace roles with artificial intelligence to save cost, that is not how automation works. Human intervention will remain imperative. So, identify functional areas in your business that may have opportunities for improvement. This may include accounts payable, sales teams, inventory management, customer service, and other areas of business operations. You can also get the guidance from an expert or the best business coach in India to help you find areas that needs to be automated.

b). Create Standard Operating Procedures- SOPs as popularly known is a document that explains the exact steps to carry out a certain task and complete the responsibilities within a role. And many business coaches advice to create SOPs by employees for their designated tasks. To work smoothly, a process needs to be clearly defined with steps and actions to take.

c). Identify Repetitive Task– identify tasks that are repetitive and exist within the roles of each department. This will help you to gain perspective in areas where you are most exposed to risks or operational deficiencies. Go through the SOPs that your employees have created. Spend the time to complete tasks according to SOPs to weed out the repetitive tasks.

A successful businessman needs an efficient team and organized business activities. If you need to reduce expenses and focus on your core business by making processes and introducing business automation.

Are you looking to find solutions for your burning problems? Get practical solutions easily with our step-by-step learning strategies, action plan, frameworks that are designed to empower you with various business functions. Solve your problems in just one click: https://www.badabusiness.com/psc

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Business motivation

5 Top Reasons Why Small Business Owners Must Embrace Business Automation

Computers, Robots, Artificial Intelligence, and the internet: these are some of the first things that come to our mind when we talk about technology that most businesses are using in this modern era. Some of the most impressive recent advances in technology and process efficiency are rooted in automation.

Business automation is becoming more frequent because it is both less expensive and more accessible. Today, it is used for everything from sending out “automated” away messages when you are out on a vacation to building high-rise apartments and cars.

Automation in a startup business can save your company money and time. But one thing that we should keep in our minds is that even the most advanced software or technology will be far from perfect. Why? That is because the creation of technology involves coding which is done by humans. Hence, a scope for human error is always present.

But every business requires reliable and faster communication, and business processes to boost growth. So if you are still doing a lot of business processes manually, without any further delay here is a list of the most essential benefits that every business can certainly drive from business automation:

1. Communication which is Faster & Reliable

For businesses that operate not only across India, but also outside the country, a reliable mode of communication is necessary. If telephone lines are not working, alternatives must be readily available. Thanks to various instant messaging apps, many local business owners are now able to promote their business across various states in India.

Multiple modes of communication ensure that the business operations will not be disrupted. Fast internet connections have made it possible to transfer vital information regarding a business across vast distances in seconds. This enables telecommuting that not only gives access to high-quality talent in places but also reduces human resources cost.

2. Increased Efficiency & Productivity

Technology can help to enhance efficiency and productivity in multiple ways. There are many processes like maintaining accounts, billing, payroll, and asset management that can be automated by using business software that is available in the market. It will not only help to manage their operations but will do it more efficiently.

Also, technology can help many startup businesses to automate their repetitive tasks that do not require an elevated level of decision making. This can give more effective results and productivity.

3. Increased profit & Reduced Cost

Where business automation can increase efficiency and productivity from technology, it also results in decreased operating costs and an increase in profits, eventually. Advanced technology can also eliminate the unnecessary travel expenses for meetings and other supervisory work. Most of these activities can now carry out on live video chat and other collaboration platforms. This does not mean that one should remove the personal interactions and meetings, but it can help to reduce the need to be physically present in one location to work with other employees.

4. Enhanced Security

With the latest technology like blockchain, businesses can work to implement better ways to carry out financial business transactions more securely without compromising transparency and creating layers of security.

5. Greater Transparency & Interconnected Operations

Multiple business processes are complex and also involve countless types of transactions. But with advanced business software and technology, you can integrate these processes seamlessly. Also, when it comes to sharing and processing business data, you can automatically collect, process, and present everything in a readable format.

Technology is omnipresent. But many businesses resist embracing technology and those who refuse to do so may be bound for failure. But to ensure business growth is it essential to be well acquainted with the pros and cons that come along the way.

If you have a business idea and want to build your startup around it, you can take our ‘Entrepreneurship course’.