PRACTICAL GUIDE: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN AUTOMATION PLATFORM

Blog: AuraQuantic Blog

Do you know how to select the right process automation platform for your business needs? In many organizations, cost takes top priority and the characteristics and functionalities take a back seat. Don’t make that mistake. Make decisions based on the service you are going to purchase and the compatibility for your short and long-term strategies.

The automation revolution is wide-ranging and has seen steady growth in recent years. Nowadays, companies in almost all industries use process automation to boost their growth, although it predominates in sectors with an abundance of documentation, red tape and which require a high degree of precision, strategy and decisions such as the financial sector, insurance or public institutions.

We know that the process of finding the ideal platform is confusing, and at AURA, we want to make it easy for you. We hope that this guide will help you understand the qualities that a platform of this type should have and useful tips to make the right choice.

What should we expect from a process automation platform?

If you’ve made it this far, you know what process automation is all about. A concept that has been with us for some years now and that is gaining more prominence in the business world. In short, work automation refers to the ability to deliver a better experience quickly and as needed, in order to be much more profitable and efficient.

Before choosing an automation platform, companies should carry out a study to understand their current situation and the objective they intend to achieve after its implementation. Once this analysis has been carried out and the objectives established, it is important to take into account the benefits and features that a process automation software must offer, such as:

1. Diagram creation tool

It is important to have a platform that enables diagramming the activities and the connection lines that will define the process flow. Organizing the automation strategy visually allows companies to capture the objects, classified into tasks, events and gateways, and the connection lines that will establish the operational flow of the process once it is executed.

2. Creation of real-time process reports

Once the processes have been diagrammed, the software must have a monitoring system to relate all the data to each process or groups of processes in order to provide relevant information in real time and streamline decision-making.

3. Run tasks without additional programming

A process automation platform must enable the automatic generation of ready-to-run processes without additional programming. A more intuitive technology geared towards non-programming personnel allows companies to be more flexible. The development time for new applications is reduced, directly impacting costs and increasing productivity. Additionally, company-built applications require little maintenance, freeing up employees to focus on other activities within their department.

4. Integrations and changes on the fly

When choosing a process automation platform, you should consider a flexible structure and ensure that it contains integrations and tools that allow processes to be adapted quickly and easily throughout its life cycle, i.e. from idea to production.

5. Business rules and data engine

Business rules can control all company rules and procedures, as well as information related to the processes that can be integrated into running processes.

6. Cloud infrastructure

Software in the cloud allows users to free themselves from IT infrastructure and maintenance tasks such as server maintenance or database and file backup. In addition, thanks to this infrastructure, the systems are kept in data centers with high availability, security and competitive cost.

7. Remote access and real-time sharing

With the rise in remote work, it is very common for employees to be in different locations. Therefore, it is essential that the automation solution promotes collaboration between teams, allowing access to data and tools from anywhere so that they can be consulted or modified in real time.

8. Responsive design

Regardless of the device used, the platform must provide an interface adapted to any type of screen, be it a computer, smartphone or tablet. Thus, employees will be more agile, and able to carry out their tasks wherever they are.

Additional functionalities of automation platforms

While it is true that automation can be one of the best ways to increase revenue by increasing speed, scope and customer experience. To ensure success it is easier if the platform incorporates extra functionalities, such as:

1. Document manager

Organizing information is one of the determining factors of business success. Document management consists of a set of practices and procedures used in the administration of files within an organization with the aim of organizing, sharing and accelerating workflow efficiently. A document management system provides users with a safe and efficient management strategy adapted to the needs of each company.

2. Digital signature

A process automation platform that has the ability to sign documents electronically, regardless of the type of file. Among the most common digital signatures we find: certified, guaranteed and PDF. This functionality provides security and guarantees of the source and the documents.

3. Ability to manage many processes at the same time

If a platform offers the possibility of managing different processes at the same time, it is a great point in its favor. This gives greater control over automation and generates considerable time savings.

4. Deadlines and alerts

A process automation software should allow the configuration of deadlines in the workflow, as well as the creation of reminders that notify the team of the approaching deadline, which facilitates prioritization and promotes participation. A good organization of deadlines will allow tasks to be redistributed in a more efficient way.

5. Flexible licensing

Considering that nothing is permanent, having a platform that has flexible licensing is a huge advantage. This will allow customers to increase or decrease the number of platform users, depending on what their automation strategy requires at all times.

Don’t be fooled into buying a platform that is not fit for purpose

Not all platforms are suitable for every business challenge or goal, nor do they all deliver what they promise. Therefore, in order to identify this type of situation, follow the advice that we propose below:

The visual aspect is not everything. Do not get carried away by the design of the platform, its value lies in the functionalities it provides to companies and, in these cases, its design is secondary.
Open Source is NOT free. The expression open source refers to a code designed so that all users can see, modify and distribute the code in any way they see fit. But this service has a cost that will be included directly or indirectly in the final budget.

What does AuraQuantic offer?

AuraQuantic, a digital platform designed to create unlimited low-code processes and applications, provides the necessary functionality to perform intelligent business operations, including real-time analysis, minimization of development times and the execution of complex events, business activity monitoring (BAM) and increased collaboration between departments.

AuraQuantic is the only iBPMS (intelligent Business Process Management Suite) that enables the execution of all company processes without the need for additional programming, no matter how complex they may be. Each application has three fundamental pillars: interface, logic and data. In addition, the solution combines different advanced technologies that help companies to promote hyper-automation, including:

Forms, to achieve a better user experience.
Flows, to design the steps to follow in each procedure.
A multitude of automations, available to give power to the application.
Business rules and regulations, for all conditions and variables to be used according to the scenario that arises.
Data, files and documents, from complete document management to master data through database structure.
250 preconfigured actions that expedite the process since they do not have to be designed from scratch.
Connectors, for fluid communication with the rest of the company’s technologies, allowing a complete orchestration.
Artificial intelligence, to guide the user and increase their productivity by leveraging the latest technologies on the market.
And all in complete safety.

AuraQuantic Artificial Intelligence and Automation

Applying artificial intelligence (AI) directly to automation generates significant benefits, such as speeding up processes that interact directly with the customer and reducing delivery times.

AuraQuantic allows you to merge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, such as machine learning or natural language processing, with the aim of automating much more complex tasks. In addition, it provides the possibility to orchestrate the work teams combining bots and humans, using structured and unstructured data, performing analysis, facilitating decision-making and empowering continuous improvement.

Keeping these points in mind helps you determine how to choose the right automation platform for your project. They ensure that your investment in automation is sustainable and support your business automation strategy going forward. We hope the guide on what to expect from an automation platform will help you make the right decision.

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