What Technologies Automate Critical Business Processes?
Automating critical business processes is essential for improving efficiency and staying ahead in a competitive market. But which technologies deliver the best results? Operations specialists and CEOs have weighed in with their top recommendations for streamlining and optimizing workflows. From implementing powerful ERP systems to leveraging CRM tools, these seven technologies have become indispensable for automating key processes and driving business success.
- Implement an ERP System
- Adopt an Automated Ticketing System
- Use RFID for Inventory Management
- Automate Lead-Nurturing Process
- Implement Robotic Process Automation
- Adopt Project Management Software
- Utilize a CRM System
Implement an ERP System
One of the most valuable technologies we have adopted in order to optimize business operations is an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. What this software basically does is allow us to integrate, manage, and automate a number of core business processes, such as finance, HR, supply chain, and manufacturing. As we have a well-spread-out customer base and work with both hardware and consumables, manually managing our supply chain can be quite inefficient. By implementing the ERP system, we’ve been able to mostly automate this process, from the purchase order creation and approval to being able to track real-time inventory levels, automate reordering, and track shipments. This allows us to deliver the highest quality service, minimize cost, and make sure our customers are satisfied.
Alexandru Samoila, Head of Operations, Connect Vending
Adopt an Automated Ticketing System
At Tech Advisors, we faced a challenge in managing client-support tickets efficiently. Our team struggled with response times and tracking the status of numerous requests. To address this, we implemented an automated ticketing system. This system streamlined the entire process, allowing us to handle a higher volume of tickets without compromising on quality.
The automated system assigns tickets to the appropriate technician based on the issue type and urgency. It also sends clients automatic updates, keeping them informed about the status of their requests. Thus, our help desk can now focus on resolving issues rather than managing administrative tasks.
Other businesses looking to improve their support services should consider investing in an automated ticketing system. Consistent communication with clients is the most important thing, and this can help maintain high service standards.
Konrad Martin, CEO, Tech Advisors
Use RFID for Inventory Management
In our e-commerce business, implementing an inventory management system with RFID technology has been a game-changer for automating our warehouse operations. This system has revolutionized our inventory tracking and order-fulfillment processes. Each product is tagged with an RFID chip, allowing us to instantly locate and track items throughout our warehouse. One of the biggest improvements has been in our stock-taking process.
What used to take days of manual counting now happens in hours with much higher accuracy. The system automatically updates our inventory levels in real-time, reducing errors and preventing overselling. It’s also greatly improved our order-picking efficiency. The system guides our staff to the exact location of each item, optimizing their route through the warehouse. This has cut our order-processing time nearly in half.
Returns handling has become much smoother too. We can quickly verify and restock returned items, updating our inventory instantly. The real-time data has given us better insights into stock movements, helping with demand forecasting and reducing instances of overstocking or stockouts. While the initial setup was complex, involving tagging all our products and training staff, the long-term benefits have been substantial.
We’ve seen significant reductions in labor costs and errors, and improvements in customer satisfaction due to faster, more accurate order fulfillment. It’s important to note that successful implementation requires buy-in from all levels of the organization and thorough staff training. But when done right, it can truly transform your operations.
Jonas Murphy, Fulfillment/Sales Manager, Pond Fountain Depot
Automate Lead-Nurturing Process
When you are busy running a business and without a dedicated salesperson, managing leads can be a chore and a challenge. We set up a few automations to help us automatically begin the lead-nurturing process and alert us when it is time to take action.
The automation is triggered by a form being filled out. We have criteria based on different forms and field requirements to send a customized email immediately to the lead. If the lead takes no action within a certain time period (7-10 days), then we have follow-up actions such as updating their status or sending a follow-up email. We also have a separate automation that sends a notification to the right person and a weekly report as a backup.
We learned early on that a missed request from a lead can have a negative impact on the business brand, and it prevents us from growing revenue. This simple automation has helped us to immediately engage with the people who are so important for our business—potential clients.
Candice DeRiso, Owner, Beckmann Collaborative, LLC
Implement Robotic Process Automation
Robotic process automation (RPA) is one technology that, for me as an operations professional, has revolutionized a vital business function. A few years ago, I took on the task of simplifying our invoice-processing system, as manual data entry and an error-prone system were causing significant problems.
RPA helped us to manage repetitive chores, including data entry into our accounting system and data extraction from invoices. Initially, the team expressed mistrust, but their views changed when they observed that RPA reduced errors and expedited processing times. The time saved let the team concentrate on more strategic chores, including stronger vendor contracts and pattern analysis of spending.
I advise anyone in operations looking at RPA for rule-based, repetitive procedures. It’s about reallocating human resources to places where they can provide more value, not only about cost control.
Justin Crabbe, CEO, BlackJet
Adopt Project Management Software
A game-changer for us at Honey-Doers has been the adoption of project management software. Before, we were juggling schedules, client updates, and supply orders manually… it was a headache. Now, everything is streamlined.
The software helps us track everything in real-time, from the initial client consultation to the final walk-through. It even sends our crew automatic reminders about various tasks and deadlines as each deadline gets closer. This not only saves our team time, but it ensures that we uphold a high standard and reduces the chances of anything slipping through the cracks. It has made our operations a whole lot smoother and has allowed us to focus more of our energy on delivering top-notch service and results for our clients.
Rick Berres, Owner, Honey-Doers
Utilize a CRM System
In the roofing and construction industry, effective customer communication is crucial for success. One technology that has significantly automated critical business processes is a robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. This powerful tool has revolutionized how we handle customer interactions, manage contracts, and streamline overall communication.
A quality CRM automates much of the tedious paperwork involved in roofing and construction projects. It can generate customized quotes, contracts, and invoices with just a few clicks, saving hours of manual work. Moreover, it centralizes all customer information, making it easy to track project progress, schedule follow-ups, and manage client expectations throughout the entire process.
Perhaps most importantly, a CRM system can automate post-project communication, which is often overlooked but vital for business growth. It can send out automated follow-up messages to secure reviews and testimonials, and even prompt satisfied customers for referrals. This not only saves time but also ensures consistent and timely communication, helping to build stronger relationships with clients and potentially leading to more business opportunities.
Tyler Poole, Owner, White Oaks Construction