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Workflow Automation: Streamlining Business Operations in 2020

· 3 min read
Workflow automation in business in 2020

In 2020, with organizations navigating digital transformation at an unprecedented pace, workflow automation is emerging as a game-changer. By orchestrating tasks, approvals, and communications across teams and systems, workflow automation promises to reduce bottlenecks, improve accuracy, and free employees to focus on higher-value work.

Why Workflow Automation?​

Manual processes have long been a barrier to efficiency and growth. Organizations often struggle with challenges like:

  • Lost productivity due to repetitive tasks
  • Delays caused by paper-based approvals or scattered email threads
  • Human errors in routine data handling
  • Lack of visibility into process status or accountability

Workflow automation addresses these pain points by digitizing, standardizing, and connecting processes from end to end.

Key Benefits for Business Leaders​

Forward-thinking business leaders embracing workflow automation in 2020 are seeing:

  • Faster Turnaround: Automated approvals and task routing drastically cut process times, whether onboarding employees or managing procurement.
  • Consistency and Compliance: Automated steps ensure policies are always followed, simplifying audits and reducing risk.
  • Improved Employee Satisfaction: Staff are freed from monotonous work, enhancing engagement and enabling focus on creative or strategic initiatives.
  • Real-Time Visibility: Dashboards and notifications help managers track progress and preempt issues before they escalate.

Workflow Automation in Action: Real Business Examples (2020)​

Successful implementations are found across diverse industries:

  • Human Resources: Automating leave requests, new hire onboarding, and performance reviews
  • Finance: Streamlining expense approvals and invoice processing
  • Customer Service: Routing support tickets and automating status updates
  • Compliance: Standardizing document review and sign-offs for regulated processes

Case Study: In 2020, a mid-size insurance provider automated its policy renewal workflows. Previously, policy renewals required manual data entry across three systems and multiple levels of email approval – resulting in three-day processing times. Post-automation, renewals could be completed in under six hours, with a clear digital trail for audits.

Choosing the Right Workflow Automation Tools​

An expanding ecosystem of platforms makes automation more accessible than ever. Popular choices in 2020 include:

  • Zapier/IFTTT: Best for simple integrations between apps
  • Microsoft Power Automate (formerly Flow): Perfect for businesses using Microsoft 365 or Dynamics
  • Nintex and Kissflow: Offerers of no-code solutions for creating complex workflows and forms
  • Trello/Jira Automation: Streamlining project tracking and approval cycles

When evaluating options, consider:

  • Integration capabilities with your existing systems
  • Ease of use for non-technical employees
  • Flexibility to adapt workflows as business needs evolve

Getting Started: Best Practices for 2020​

  • Map Existing Processes: Document current workflows to spot inefficiencies and automation opportunities
  • Involve Stakeholders Early: Engage the people closest to daily operations for buy-in and practical insight
  • Start Small, Scale Fast: Pilot simple automations in one department before wider rollout
  • Measure and Optimize: Use analytics to track ROI and continuously refine workflows

Final Thoughts​

Workflow automation is not just about speeding up routine tasks—it's about transforming business culture. In 2020, companies making smart automation investments are building resilience and agility that will pay dividends for years to come.

Ready to explore workflow automation in your business? Start with a single process and witness how quickly the benefits compound.