The Benefits of a Well-Designed Workflow System
If there is one word that can be used to describe the modern business environment complexity must surely be it. Businesses have to operate in contexts where competition is global, regulation is comprehensive and mistakes can be public knowledge in a matter of minutes. Add to this the fact that business operations often take place across several different departments and even geographical locations and you can see why keeping all the strings together can be a very difficult challenge. One way to manage business complexity is obviously to make use of modern technology in the form of workflow software. The purpose of workflow systems is to streamline processes and to provide a platform for the effective management of disparate activities into a single streamlined workflow. The problem is, however, that many such systems overpromise and under deliver: leaving businesses with lots of shiny ‘bells and whistles’ but perhaps not as much in terms of real business improvements. It is, therefore very important that workflow systems should include certain baseline capabilities. These include the following in our view: Reducing the Administrative Burden: Any workflow system should ensure that updating paperwork and other forms of record keeping is digitised and automated and streamlined to a significant extent. This will enable the enterprise to be more effective in focussing on its core tasks. Better Information Transfer and Accountability: A well designed workflow system will enable stakeholders to be accurately instructed and updated. The best systems can also run on mobile devices which can lead to efficient on-site reporting. One of the most significant benefits of this is the fact that workers will know exactly what they are supposed to be doing and will have the correct tools to not only do the work but also to report on it in real time. Improved Efficiency: When a well-designed workflow system is in place it will necessarily lead to improved efficiencies across the enterprise. This is because everyone involved in the entire workflow process will have a very clear idea of how they fit into the ‘bigger picture’. The fact that many processes can be automated also means that they will be able to spend less time on non-core tasks (e.g. filling in forms, reporting compliance etc.) allowing them to excel in their areas of actual expertise. Lightening the Compliance Load: Staying compliant in areas such as health and safety, financial regulations and production standards is critical in the modern business environment. A well designed workflow system will ensure that this goal becomes easier and less onerous to attain through capabilities like the automation of forms, real time reporting, electronic checklists and the automatic generation of compliance reports. It should be clear from the above that a well-designed workflow system could give businesses a critical competitive edge in the very complex and cut-throat modern business environment. B-Workflow can help with the design and implementation of just such a system for your business. Contact us today to see how we can help you to get ahead and stay ahead.
About the Author
The author is expert in workflow software and works with b-workflow.com b-workflow is an intuitive workflow management software which helps to increase business process improvement, and operating compliance with business safety legislation.
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