In this article, we delve into the role of process discovery in building effective process automation that contributes to overall business growth.
In today's digital landscape, automation has become the key to efficiency and growth. In fact, if studies are considered, 68% of employees have too much work to handle daily, which is why companies are adopting process automation solutions in every area of business.
Successful digital operations require a detailed understanding of the day-to-day processes undertaken by the front-line employees. This gap of understanding is filled by process discovery - a technique that helps identify, map, define, and analyze business processes in their as-is state of being.
Many companies take on process automation of business-critical processes without understanding the process in detail. This leads to automation of the process which is not running in its most efficient form. The result?
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Ineffective processes
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Unproductive operations
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Wasted resources
Automation of business processes is a huge investment. This is why it is important to understand the role of process discovery as a prerequisite for process automation.
What is Process Discovery?
Business process discovery is defined as a set of techniques that build a representation of an organization's current business processes, which include their workflows, structures, and elements. These techniques make use of existing records, documentation, and technology systems that run business processes to extract process information.
Processes are everywhere in a business, they are omnipresent, just like in our day-to-day lives. Process discovery techniques allow businesses to study the underlying structure of existing processes with available process information such as data logs, employee insights, and other process documentation.
When processes remain undiscovered, business operations suffer from challenges such as:
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Lack of uniformity in process execution
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Little or no documentation
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Inconsistent process outputs
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Employee frustration due to process problems
What is Process Automation?
Process automation is a transformative approach that empowers businesses to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and productivity by automating repetitive and manual tasks within their operations. It involves leveraging technology to streamline and orchestrate workflows, allowing organizations to focus their human resources on strategic and creative initiatives and high-value tasks.
85% of business leaders believe automating some tasks will give them and their employees extra time to focus on goals that contribute to business growth. Automation enables employees to channel their expertise towards more creative and strategic endeavors.
With the use of software applications, bots, and systems that execute tasks according to predefined rules and conditions, automation boosts productivity while reducing error risks.
Imagine your day-to-day operations where data entry, document approvals, or customer inquiries are handled seamlessly without human intervention. This is the essence of process automation—a frictionless mechanism that reduces human error accelerates task completion and optimizes resource allocation.
5 Reasons Why Process Discovery is a Prerequisite for Process Automation
We talked about how process discovery uncovers opportunities of improvement for a process. This lays the foundation for automation to automate the most efficient form of a process. Here are 5 reasons why process discovery is a no-brainer when you decide to automate your processes:
Precision Mapping
Think of process discovery as your GPS navigating the intricate terrain of your business landscape. Like an expert guide, it leads you through every twist and turn, revealing the hidden gaps of your process. By meticulously mapping out your processes, you shed light on the secret spots where inefficiencies and bottlenecks slow things down. These hidden challenges are the perfect candidates for rectification before automation.
Tailored Automation
Imagine your business processes as a unique pattern, which is why a one-size-fits-all automation approach might not align with your distinct workflows. Process discovery ensures that the automation tools and solutions selected are tailor-made for your organization's individual needs. This bespoke approach guarantees that automation doesn't just work—it works flawlessly, like a finely tailored suit.
Spotlight on Improvement
Process discovery highlights the areas of your business that are craving improvement. By pinpointing these opportunities for enhancement, process discovery sets the stage for positive transformations. As automation steps in to revamp those areas, your business evolves with efficiency and innovation.
Optimized Resource Allocation
Process discovery defines a strategic approach to ensure that your valuable resources—time, effort, and talent—are allocated precisely where they'll have the greatest impact. No more duplication of effort or confusion about where things fit. With process discovery, your resources become fine-tuned, working in harmony to enhance productivity. This is a solid foundation for your process automation strategy.
Predictable Outcomes
Just as a weather forecast helps you plan your day, process discovery provides insights into the outcomes of automation. You have a glimpse of how automation will shape your processes and operations. With this foresight, you're better equipped to make informed decisions, adjust strategies, and fine-tune the automation process. Anticipating outcomes turns automation into a strategic tool, paving the way for seamless integration and enhancement.
Conclusion
In the exciting world of business automation, process discovery acts as your guiding star. So, before you embark on the journey of automation, make sure you've embraced the power of process discovery. With this dynamic duo by your side, you'll be prepared to navigate challenges and unlock the true potential of your business.