Manufacturing is the beating heart of global supply chains, which means new technologies and solutions really need to carry their own weight if they're going to support this fast-moving industry. That's especially true when it comes to workflows. Luckily, that's where workflow automation comes in.
What Is Workflow Automation?
Workflow automation is a way to make repetitive, monotonous tasks take care of themselves. From scanning and data capture to order processing and expense approvals, workflow automation is here to make your life easier.
Although workflow automation might sound like a complicated new solution, it actually relies on concepts and technologies you're likely already familiar with. That means you don't have to change the foundation of your tech stack to make automation work. Instead, you can quickly and effectively automate tasks based on processes, benchmarks, and--perhaps most importantly--regulations that govern your organization.
At its core, workflow automation is about putting your technology to work for you.
Examples of Automated Workflows
Ready to see what workflow automation looks like in the manufacturing industry? Here are just a few key examples:
Expense Requests and Approvals
Expenses are common--not just on the shop floor, but everywhere manufacturing business is done. That means you need a process that can accurately and intelligently handle requests of all shapes and sizes. Workflow automation allows you to set criteria for approvals; if a request meets all these criteria, your system can automatically approve it and set things in motion. If, however, a request needs more review, it can be escalated to a human worker with the missed criteria highlighted.
Quality Control
Certain quality control tasks are likely to stay in the hands of your best workers--but others are monotonous, repetitive, and a huge drain on employee time. For those tasks that can be managed based on checklists, regulatory rules, and standard guidelines, you can often rely on workflow automation to get the job done.
Data Capture
Manufacturing data comes in all shapes and sizes. It can be frustrating for workers to track down the exact information they need, enter it into your database, and then store the file appropriately. With workflow automation, you can send data--in any form--straight to your system. You can train the technology to know where to look, which pieces of data to capture, what to do with that information, and even where to send completed documents.
Benefits of Workflow Automation In Manufacturing
Now that you know what workflow automation looks like, it's time to find out why this solution could just be the future of manufacturing. Check out these key benefits:
Efficiency
With worker shortages and other pressures making time more precious than ever, it makes sense to invest in solutions that help your current employees get their work done more efficiently. That's good news for your workflows and the supply chain overall; it also improves morale, cuts frustration out of the workday, and helps employees feel like they're spending their time on more valuable tasks--because they are.
Simplicity
Implementing and utilizing workflow automation is simple--often far simpler than the tasks it manages. That means you can leverage this solution across your manufacturing organization without having to spend time and money on learning curves, training, new hardware, and more.
Consistency
Although human workers have plenty of strengths and will likely never be replaced by artificial intelligence, it's true that they tend to do things a little bit differently every time--that's just human nature. Luckily, when you let workflow automation do its job, you can count on the same results after every process or task. This consistency doesn't just reduce human error; it also improves overall quality, which makes other tasks (like quality control) that much easier.
Flexibility
Manufacturing, like many industries, is on the threshold of big changes. If you want to keep your organization strong, agile, and prepared for whatever the world--and the competition--can throw at you, it's crucial to make your workflows as streamlined and flexible as possible. Workflow automation does all that and more.
Workflow automation empowers employees to do more of what they're good at by taking over monotonous tasks and simplifying processes. It's great news for manufacturers--and supply chains--everywhere.
Ready to see workflow automation in action? Contact us today!