Workflow Solutions
Workflow solutions - a definition
This can be defined as the automation of a business process, in whole or part, during which documents, information or tasks are passed from one participant to another for action, according to a set of procedural rules.
Organisations of all types have long appreciated the benefits of business process automation. From building societies managing mortgage applications, retail shops taking orders to utility companies tracking bill payments, they have learnt that much of their day-to-day business can be described by a set of well-defined business processes. They also have an appreciation that if they use technology to automate these processes, they can achieve a number of significant benefits including:-
- Improved efficiency - automation of many business processes results in the elimination of many unnecessary steps
- Better process control - improved management of business processes achieved through standardizing working methods and the availability of audit trails
- Improved customer service - consistency in the processes leads to greater predictability in levels of response to customers
- Flexibility - software control over processes enables their re-design in line with changing business needs
- Business process improvement - focus on business processes leads to their streamlining and simplification
- Reductions in mistakes - staff are guided through defined steps and this can make processes more clear for new staff and help with training.
- Cost Reductions - less mistakes and elimination of deviation from correct steps means less costs to rectify mistakes and less wasted time.
Broad Usage
Workflow systems are being used in a wide range of industries from engineering, retail to financial services and all sizes. The need for regulatory compliance is an increasingly significant driver in the implementation of workflow systems. In many industry sectors there is a requirement to comply with external agencies who examine adherence to operational rules. In addition, legislative changes such as the US's Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), will soon force many organisations to invest in proving that their processes are sound. These needs for compliance make workflow systems essential.
A wide range of solutions are available from commercial off-shelf packages (COTS) to bespoke developed software. We have many successful years providing support services and systems and thus are in an excellent position to help your organisation realize the benefits of workflow systems.
Make MailSure IT your workflow systems supplier. Contact us today to see how we can help.