Digital process automation (DPA) has emerged as a critical tool for streamlining workflows and optimizing processes, enabling organizations to remain competitive and respond effectively to the changing market landscape. In the rapidly evolving digital business environment, the effective and efficient management of processes is crucial to an organization’s success. DPA combines advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing, to automate repetitive and manual tasks, reducing inefficiencies and freeing up valuable time and resources for strategic initiatives.
What is digital process automation (DPA)?
Digital process automation constitutes a burgeoning domain in the software industry, comprising a multitude of tools that amalgamate aspects commonly found across various technologies, inclusive of but not limited to process automation and rapid application development software. These tools facilitate organizations in crafting comprehensive and fully automated solutions for their cases and processes, thereby alleviating manual effort. The DPA platforms avail a comprehensive suite of tools that aid in the construction of applications, initiation of integrations, and the orchestration of digital workflows related to the processes at hand.
The technological infrastructure that underpins DPA software bears substantial resemblance to that of low-code development and business process management tools. However, the distinguishing characteristic of DPA, as opposed to other rapid application development tools, pertains to the centrality of the “citizen developer.” In certain cases, and not exclusively, users who lack any coding acumen can leverage DPA platforms to create workflows and rudimentary business applications. Simultaneously, developers and designers can further refine the functionality and aesthetic aspects of the solution. Nevertheless, DPA tools are predominantly leveraged as a means of fostering digital transformation rather than a workplace innovation solution.
DPA tools offer a harmonized cross-channel experience for both internal and external purposes, by integrating workflow automation and operational intelligence, thus enhancing efficiency across the enterprise. By synergizing intelligent automation and case management technologies, DPA tools optimize the orchestration of processes and standardize the user experience.
How does digital process automation work?
Digital process automation works by utilizing advanced technologies, such as software and robotics, to automate repetitive, manual business processes. This is accomplished by creating digital workflows that simulate and replace manual steps, including the capture of data, validation of information, triggering of integrations and communication with other systems, and the orchestration of various tasks.
The DPA platform operates through the deployment of intelligent algorithms and machine learning techniques, which facilitate the automation of processes, the identification of inefficiencies, and the implementation of continuous improvement strategies. Additionally, DPA leverages operational intelligence to monitor and analyze processes in real time, allowing for the detection of bottlenecks, the identification of areas for improvement, and the implementation of proactive measures to enhance the efficiency of the overall workflow.
This combination of advanced technologies and algorithms results in a streamlined, automated, and highly efficient process that reduces manual effort, eliminates errors and improves the speed and accuracy of business operations.
Which benefits digital process automation brings to an organization?
Digital process automation offers a multitude of advantages that can be leveraged by organizations to enhance their operational efficiency and competitiveness. By utilizing technology to automate manual processes and streamline workflows, DPA can significantly improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of business operations.
The benefits of digital process automation can be summarized as follows:
- Streamlining of processes: DPA eliminates manual steps in the process, reducing the time required to complete tasks and increasing overall efficiency.
- Improved accuracy: Automated processes are less prone to human error, leading to increased accuracy and reliability of data and information.
- Enhanced agility: DPA enables organizations to quickly adapt to changing business needs and customer demands, improving their overall agility.
- Increased visibility: With DPA, organizations gain real-time visibility into the status of processes and workflows, allowing them to identify and resolve bottlenecks proactively.
- Optimized resource allocation: By automating repetitive tasks, DPA enables organizations to allocate resources more effectively, reducing costs and maximizing productivity.
- Improved compliance: DPA ensures compliance with regulations and standards by automating compliance checks and providing a clear audit trail.
What are the challenges of implementing digital process automation in an organization?
The implementation of digital process automation in an organization presents a number of challenges that must be carefully considered and overcome for a successful deployment. While DPA offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, improved accuracy, and streamlined processes, the process of implementation can be complex and require significant effort.
The challenges associated with implementing DPA can be summarized as follows:
- Change management: The implementation of DPA often requires a significant change to existing processes and workflows, which can be a challenge for employees who are accustomed to manual processes.
- Integration with existing systems: DPA may require integration with existing systems, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and other enterprise systems, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.
- Data quality: DPA relies on accurate and complete data, which can be a challenge in organizations with poor data quality and management practices.
- Technical skill requirements: Implementing DPA often requires specialized technical skills and knowledge, including process mapping, automation, and integration.
- Budgetary constraints: The implementation of DPA can be expensive, requiring significant investment in software, hardware, and personnel, which can be a challenge for organizations with limited budgets.
- Resistance to change: Despite the benefits of DPA, some employees may be resistant to change, leading to resistance and slowing the adoption of new processes and technologies.
The transition from business process management (BPM) to digital process automation (DPA)
This transition is a crucial step for organizations in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving digital landscape. While BPM has been successful in streamlining manual processes and optimizing workflows, it is limited in its ability to automate and digitize end-to-end processes fully.
In contrast, DPA offers a more comprehensive solution that incorporates advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. This integration enables DPA to not only automate manual processes but also make real-time decisions and provide actionable insights. The result is a more efficient, agile, and intelligent business operation that is better equipped to adapt to changing market conditions.
Moreover, DPA offers a higher level of collaboration, making it possible to unify cross-functional teams and seamlessly integrate with existing systems and applications. This leads to better communication, increased productivity, and improved customer experiences.
Digital process automation examples
DPA is beneficial for the majority of company activities that involve direct human contact with clients or customers. They can be mechanized and digitalized to improve the user experience. Here are some instances of digital process automation in actual business contexts:
Customer onboarding
The onboarding process of customers is a crucial component of establishing a relationship with a new client. The traditional manual approach, however, often results in a cumbersome and time-consuming experience. To mitigate such issues, organizations can utilize the power of digital process automation (DPA) to streamline the process and enhance the customer experience.
The utilization of digital process automation in the customer onboarding process allows for a significant reduction in the time required to complete each step. The removal of bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the workflow enables a smoother and more expeditious progression. Furthermore, by automating the process, organizations can guarantee that the information captured and processed is always accurate and up-to-date. This, in turn, leads to a more efficient and satisfying experience for the customer.
Loans and credits
The loan and credit approval process is one of the business functions that can greatly benefit from the implementation of digital process automation (DPA). Traditionally, this process requires significant time and effort as it involves collecting and evaluating a large amount of documentation and assessing the creditworthiness of clients.
With the adoption of DPA, the lending process is transformed into a streamlined and automated operation, resulting in greater efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and timely approval. The implementation of automated credit scoring enables lending institutions to handle a larger volume of loan applications, and the integration of automated credit monitoring allows them to monitor the financial health of their borrowers continuously.
Moreover, the benefits of DPA in loan and credit approval extend to the customers of the lending institutions. The streamlining of the approval process enables faster processing of loan applications, leading to a more efficient and satisfactory experience for the borrower. Additionally, the utilization of advanced analytics and decision-making algorithms results in the best deals being offered to the customers.
The significance of office automation in today’s rapidly changing business world
Purchasing orders
The process of creating and processing purchase orders is a repetitive and recurring task that business organizations frequently encounter. This process is often encumbered by multiple stages of approval, leading to delays and impacting productivity.
DPA enables organizations to streamline the transitions between approvals, optimizing the speed and efficiency of the purchase order process. Upon submission of a purchase order for approval, the DPA software employs an automated approach to route the request to the relevant personnel, effectively eliminating the need for manual intervention. Furthermore, the DPA platform incorporates automated notification mechanisms, alerting the requester of any actions taken, thereby reducing the time otherwise spent on manual revisions.
Transportation and logistics
The transportation and logistics industry is one that is characterized by time-intensive and labor-intensive business processes. The repetitive tasks of generating and collecting invoices, scheduling shipments, securing proofs of delivery, and resolving payment disputes can consume significant amounts of time when performed manually, leading to inefficiencies and errors that may result in substantial losses.
DPA offers a solution to these challenges, streamlining workflows and optimizing processes to enhance the customer experience. The use of digital process automation technology improves the visibility of order and shipment status, providing real-time updates that enable organizations to make informed decisions. This, in turn, contributes to business growth and strengthens customer relationships.
Best digital process automation tools
Now let’s review some of the pioneer DPA providers:
Kissflow
Kissflow is the premier digital workplace platform that integrates all of an organization’s work processes into a single location. This platform has garnered widespread recognition, being utilized by a clientele of over 10,000 spanning 160 nations. Kissflow adheres to the principle that individuals closest to the intricacies of a business are best equipped to address and resolve them. To that end, it provides a user-friendly platform for business users to conceive, modify, utilize, and create custom business applications. The platform’s intuitive interface, devoid of any coding or intricate mapping, enables even non-technical personnel to design and implement sophisticated applications with ease.
ProcessMaker
ProcessMaker‘s platform for automating workflows through low-code technology enables business users to efficiently address intricate workflow issues in a fraction of the time it would take with conventional methods. The platform enables swift automation of processes, seamless integration with third-party systems, elimination of obstructions, and affords organizations the ability to exhibit true digital flexibility.
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Laserfiche
Laserfiche is a globally recognized provider of intelligent content management and digital process automation solutions. By using cutting-edge workflows, electronic forms, document management, and analytics, Laserfiche streamlines manual tasks and accelerates business operations. With a history of leading the shift towards paperless offices through enterprise content management over three decades ago, Laserfiche continues to revolutionize the industry by integrating cloud technology, machine learning, and AI. As a result, organizations in over 80 countries are able to transition into digital businesses successfully.
Nintex Process Platform
Nintex provides a robust and user-friendly platform that enables businesses to uncover, streamline, and enhance their processes to support growth. The Nintex Process Platform includes smart forms, sophisticated workflows, digital document creation, electronic signatures, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), process recognition technology, and a comprehensive process management tool.
Parallel
Parallel simplifies the collection of documents and signed forms by eliminating the need to chase clients for the necessary information. This workflow automation tool improves work efficiency and empowers organizations to transform information collection into a streamlined process. With Parallel, processes can be completed more quickly by incorporating control, automation, and collaboration into the workflow.
Digital process automation (DPA) vs. robotic process automation (RPA)
| Digital process automation vs robotic process automation | DPA | RPA |
| Purpose | DPA is designed to automate end-to-end business processes | RPA focuses on automating repetitive and manual tasks, such as data entry and rule-based processes |
| Functionality | DPA has a broader scope and offers a range of functionalities, including workflow management, document management, and data integration | RPA is limited to automating simple and repetitive tasks |
| Human Interaction | DPA is designed to work with human interactions and facilitate human-led processes | RPA is typically used to automate tasks without human intervention |
| Complexity | DPA is typically more complex than RPA as it involves a wider range of processes and technologies | RPA is relatively straightforward in terms of implementation |
| Cost | DPA is typically more expensive than RPA as it offers more functionality and complexity | RPA is less expensive but more limited in scope |
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Conclusion
The effective integration of digital process automation into an organization’s operations is becoming increasingly vital in today’s fast-paced and highly competitive digital business environment. By automating manual tasks, optimizing workflows, and standardizing user experiences, DPA helps organizations to achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and compliance while freeing up valuable time and resources. By leveraging the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing, DPA empowers organizations to stay ahead of the curve and succeed in the rapidly changing digital landscape. With the right approach and investment, organizations can realize the full benefits of DPA and remain at the forefront of the digital business landscape.
