15 Process Automation Examples

What are the benefits of workflow automation? From reduced costs to greater productivity to agility and flexibility in operations, automation is a powerful tool for modern organizations. Yet the process of getting started with automation can be daunting. So let’s explore 15 extraordinary examples of process automation across various sectors, showcasing the immense potential and transformative power of this innovative approach.

Here are 15 process automation examples that will transform your organization: 

Hiring process

Organizations can receive hundreds or even thousands of job applications for a single position. Using process automation, employers can seamlessly scan through and identify applicants who are best suited for the opening.

Employee onboarding

Recruiting and filling open positions is only the beginning. Once hired, HR department tasks include training employees, collecting information, assigning assets, and granting system access. Drawn-out employee onboarding processes can lead to unhappy new hires and prolonged periods of unproductivity.

With process automation, organizations can create consistent and efficient onboarding procedures that minimize costly errors while significantly boosting employee retention.

Employee analytics and retention

Process automation gives organizations the ability to collect and analyze key employee performance indicators. Using this information, organizations can improve employee productivity and job satisfaction. Moreover, providing automation solutions like employee help desk support ensures your employees have the tools they need to succeed.   

Employee leave and vacation requests

Processing and tracking employee leave and vacation requests are traditionally time-consuming and repetitive processes. With automation, an employee can submit a request electronically through a web-based solution that is routed to his or her supervisor for approval. Moreover, employees can easily view leave allowances and track pending requests.

See how Tulsa Community College eliminated paper-based leave requests through automation. 

Transcript requests and processing

Colleges and universities receive a massive amount of transcript requests throughout the year. Many higher education institutions still require students to complete and submit forms to receive transcripts and other student records. Through automation, students can submit requests electronically that are processed quickly, greatly reducing the burden on administrative staff.

Schools are also tasked with processing transfer applications. With process automation, relevant coursework is recognized and inputted. This eliminates the need for manual review and data entry, allowing schools to be more responsive while making fewer mistakes.

Claims processing 

Insurance agencies use automation to manage and process a massive number of claims. Automation solutions serve many important functions. These include tasks like claims intake, assessing damages, sending out settlement notices, and processing payments. With automation, insurance companies can also gain powerful insights through the extraction and analysis of traditionally inaccessible unstructured data sources.    

Accounts receivable

Success in business requires consistent and predictable cash flow. With automation, organizations can seamlessly create invoices, deliver them on specified dates, send payment reminders to customers, maintain electronic payment records, and assist with account reconciliation. In addition to getting paid faster, process automation reduces the occurrence of costly human mistakes.

Purchase orders

Purchase order requests are a common business process across industries. Traditional inefficient processes involve employees tracking down one or more supervisors for their signatures. With process automation, purchase order requests are automatically routed to the appropriate party for review. Additional features include notifications and reminders, the ability to track requests, and the creation of audit trails by storing completed purchase orders.

Operations management 

Business process management software makes it easy for organizations to keep track of their operations and design, test, and implement efficient workflows. An intuitive dashboard provides a global overview of open tasks and projects, helping to identify potential bottlenecks before they can impact productivity. 

Logistics and supply chain management

Process automation helps improve communication with suppliers, distributors, and customers. It removes manual processes like inventory monitoring and management, order status tracking, and customer support. Organizations can process orders quicker, increase productivity, and provide excellent customer service.

Customer support

As organizations seek to improve the customer experience, many are turning to automation solutions like chatbots to offer 24/7 support. Chatbots are computer programs that use natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) to process human interactions.

Despite the commonly held perception that chatbots are a nuisance, research suggests otherwise. In fact, some 55% of customers prefer to communicate with companies through a messenger. Consider using a chatbot to screen customer communications or to provide round-the-clock support. 

New account openings

New anti-money laundering and know-your-customer regulations have made it harder for banks to process new account applications. Add to this the fact that customers expect a quicker account opening process than ever, and it’s not hard to see the need for process automation in the banking industry.  

By automating the new account opening process, banks can make it easier to collect required documentation, reduce tedious manual processes like data entry, communicate with customers, improve compliance, and provide memorable customer experiences. 

Auditing

Auditing is one of the most time-consuming and complex business processes. With process automation, organizations can improve the efficiency of their audit processes while gaining powerful insights. One commonly used automation solution is robotic process automation (RPA). With RPA, audit tasks can be carried on around the clock at speeds more than 2x that of manual processes. 

IT support tickets

Ticket automation makes it easy for organizations to manage support requests while saving time and money. Process automation solutions automatically assign and track requests, send important reminders, and maintain detailed logs and records. Stakeholders spend less time on tasks like assigning work and following up and more on high-value tasks.

Other IT department workflows may include product lifecycle,  quality assurance, and release cycles as process automation examples.

Contract management

Contract management systems help organizations get rid of paper-based processes while offering transparency and consistency when negotiating contracts. A contract management automation process offers powerful features like editing, approval workflows, electronic signatures, email notifications, accessibility, and enhanced security.

ProcessMaker is a powerful low-code business process management software that helps organizations throughout the world transform their operations through process automation. We want to help you find the right fit. Chat with one of our experts to learn more.