Maximizing business potential with ERP business process automation (BPA) 

You could lose significant earnings potential if you still use manual processes for your business operations. By automating your processes with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, you can maximize efficiency and capitalize on new opportunities for increased revenue.

Let's look at how can ERP process automation help you save time and money while increasing your bottom line.

The drawbacks and inefficiencies of manual business operations

Manual processes in business management, such as manually tracking customer orders or updating records, often lead to inefficiencies and errors, impacting productivity and accuracy. Tasks like manual data entry, inventory management, and order processing are time-consuming and detract from more strategic, value-adding activities, often resulting in data inaccuracies with costly long-term consequences. 

Manual processes can lead to substantial revenue loss due to the time and resources spent rectifying errors. Common issues include data duplication; manually entering the same information into multiple systems increases labor costs from error corrections.

For example, manually reconciling financial records can be time-consuming and error-prone, adversely affecting financial decision-making. Additionally, slow responses to market changes stemming from manual data analysis or reporting processes can significantly hinder business agility and competitiveness.

Advantages of automating with ERP software

The adoption of ERP software for automating business processes offers significant operational advantages, including improved efficiency, enhanced accuracy of data, and optimization of operations, ultimately driving increased revenue. Automating key functions like invoice processing, CRM, and HR streamlines these activities and facilitates better decision-making through real-time data insights.

ERP automation is instrumental in advancing a company's digitization strategy, accelerating processes, and bolstering communication across departments and with stakeholders. 

Key benefits include more effective internal communication systems, advanced IT network management, and efficient workflows. For instance, automating procurement processes improves vendor management and cost-effectiveness, contributing to a more efficient supply chain. In HR, automation aids in streamlining onboarding processes and maintaining precise employee data, which is essential for effective human capital management. 

ERP automation is crucial in enhancing organizational responsiveness and operational efficiency, integral to maintaining a competitive edge in today's business landscape.

• Improves internal system communication

An ERP with a well-integrated or in-built workflow automation module ensures that DevOps does not have to face the issue of siloed data resulting in repeated information requests, unnecessary delays, and internal organizational conflicts.

Improved IT network administration

Workflow automation brings together cloud operations and network administration. Workflow automation helps deploy, manage, and monitor network services across the organization and adds a layer of security and communication, streamlining IT administration.

Workflow automation features integrated into the ERP system ensure a single point of truth and synchronized data across devices, resulting in improved IT network administration and fewer security-related threats.

Streamlined workflows

Workflow automation features enhance business process management (BPM), which is related to workflow automation and helps organizations structure their processes efficiently. Workflow automation modules are based on BPM best practices, enabling organizations to operate orderly and achieve their strategic goals.

How do you get started with business process automation?

The first step in automating your business processes with ERP is identifying which manual processes can benefit from automation.

Regularly performed repetitive tasks that require a lot of resources, multi-touch-point workflows, and time-sensitive processes that require compliance assurance or security-related procedures are usually at the top of the list.

Outline your operational business goals and set clear metrics.

Look for ways to streamline specific processes. Identify and prioritize manual processes that benefit from automation, like repetitive data entry tasks, complex supply chain management, or multi-departmental coordination efforts.

Work gradually.

Set up a process diagram and start working in small steps- start from simple, repetitive tasks with many opportunities for time and cost savings, then move forward to staff onboarding. First, focus on tasks like automating employee time tracking or customer feedback collection before advancing to more complex processes.

Deploy automation tools to prioritized processes.

Use tools to turn on the automation on previously identified and prioritized processes. Automatically pull information into the process and ensure data accuracy.

Improve on the go - Continuously monitor and refine the automation process.

Monitor the previously set up metrics, determine the automation effectiveness, and customize the process as required.

Ensure a professional team oversees the implementation, providing necessary guidance and training.

Implementing organization-wide process automation will change your work and affect your organization's culture. Ensure you have a team to oversee the implementation and provide users with guidance and training.

Selecting an ERP with integrated workflow automation

Selecting an ERP system with built-in workflow automation is crucial for streamlining business operations and improving overall productivity. This is especially critical in functions such as HR management, customer service, and financial reporting, where digital processes eliminate manual tasks, resulting in significant reductions in time and cost.

Integrating ERP process automation can bring about a significant shift in how your business operates. It aligns with the overall global digital transformation objective, enabling organizations to navigate the complexities of the modern market with agility and precision. The strategic implementation of automated processes streamlines mundane tasks and unlocks opportunities for innovation, informed decision-making, and sustainable growth. As businesses continue to evolve, embracing ERP automation becomes a viable option and a critical pathway to future success and longevity.

The Author

Olly Lukatski

Content & Marketing Communication

Olly oversees Priority's global marketing communications, content, and branding strategy. Olly brings a decade of experience in executing marketing initiatives for high-growth B2B companies. She excels in rapidly adapting to market changes and innovating new concepts, ensuring that the company's marketing strategies are not only current but also forward-thinking.