Last Updated On January 2023
Small businesses, due to limited budget and manpower, may find it a challenge to do routine tasks necessary to their business. However, this should not be the case if they utilize business process automation. What is this and how can it help entrepreneurs? Let’s find out.
Business automation is the use of technology to automate repetitive and routine tasks that are part of a business process. In other words, it involves using software and tools to streamline and optimize how work is done, so tasks can be completed faster, with fewer errors, and with less manual effort.
For example, imagine a company that processes invoices manually by having employees input data into a spreadsheet and send emails to different departments. With automation, the process could be automated so that invoices are automatically scanned, data is extracted and populated into the accounting system, and notifications are sent to relevant departments for approval or payment. This would eliminate the need for manual data entry, reduce errors, and speed up the overall process.
Overall, the goal of business process automation is to improve efficiency and productivity, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience by freeing employees to focus on more complex and strategic tasks.
If you are looking into automating your business processes but do not know where to start, here are some tools that business automation experts recommend.
Monday.com is a cloud-based work management platform that provides teams with a centralized workspace to manage projects, tasks, and workflows. It is known for its user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and a wide range of features that cater to various business needs.
One of the strengths of Monday.com is its flexibility in creating boards and workflows that fit the unique needs of different teams and projects. Users can customize boards with different views, such as Kanban boards or Gantt charts, and add columns to track tasks, deadlines, and progress. Additionally, the platform offers over 200 templates for different use cases, such as marketing campaigns, software development, and project management. With these templates, businesses do not have to build them from scratch, which is time-consuming.
Monday.com also has a mobile app that allows users to manage tasks on the go.
Another way how to automate your business in the Philippines is by using the accounting software QuickBooks. This software can help small businesses manage their finances. It offers a range of features such as invoicing, expense tracking, payroll processing, and financial reporting—all in one platform.
QuickBooks has a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation, which makes it easy for small business owners and non-accountants to use. It also provides various integrations with third-party apps, such as PayPal and Shopify, which are used in e-commerce.
QuickBooks also offers different versions to cater to different business needs. For example, QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based platform that allows users to access their financial data from anywhere, while QuickBooks Desktop is locally installed software that provides more advanced features.
Overall, QuickBooks is a robust accounting software that is suitable for small businesses looking to manage their finances more efficiently. Its user-friendly interface, integrations, and different versions make it a popular choice among small business owners.
In this digital age, your presence on social media is important, especially if you are a small business wanting to gain a wider audience. In this aspect, a helpful tool would be Hootsuite. Hootsuite is a social media management platform that helps businesses and individuals manage their social media accounts in a more organized and efficient manner. It allows users to schedule, publish, and monitor their social media content across multiple platforms from one central dashboard.
One of the key features of Hootsuite is its scheduling tool, which allows users to schedule their social media posts in advance so that they can be published at optimal times for maximum engagement. The platform also provides users with detailed analytics and insights, so that they can measure the effectiveness of their social media content and make data-driven decisions about their social media strategy.
This powerful social media management platform is suitable for businesses looking to streamline their social media workflow and improve their social media presence. It supports a wide range of social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and more.
Google Workspace (previously known as GSuite) is a popular tool for business process automation in the Philippines and the world because it can streamline and automate various business processes. Here are some examples of how small businesses can utilize Google Workspace.
Business process automation typically involves investing in innovative technologies, software, and equipment, which require money. An SME business loan can help businesses cover the upfront costs of implementing BPA, allowing them to reap the long-term benefits of improved efficiency and productivity.
Also, implementing automation requires specialized knowledge and skills, and businesses may need to hire consultants or experts to help them with the process. A business loan can help business owners cover the cost of hiring these experts, allowing them to benefit from their expertise.
Moreover, it may take some time to show a return on investment, and businesses may experience cash flow issues during their transition to business process automation. A loan can help businesses manage their cash flow during this period, providing them with the working capital they need to keep their operations running smoothly.
With an SME business loan, businesses can get the financial support they need to invest in business process automation, which can ultimately lead to improved efficiency, productivity, and growth. Fortunately, trusted institutions like Esquire Financing Inc. or EFI offer this type of loan.
EFI offers non-collateral business loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs. EFI differs from banks and non-bank financing companies in the Philippines because it understands the unique needs of MSMEs. Also, EFI offers flexible loan terms with minimal documentary requirements and a 3-days turnaround time. Start fueling your business dream today! Visit our loans application page and apply for a loan online.
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