Introduction to workflow automation
For most people, workflow automation is what happens in everyday lives and it essentially means getting things done by the use of machines. This definition may hold true for most people as throughout history, man has always looked for ways of making work easier. However, the term has a deeper meaning in the business world where of late, it has been emphasized as the ideal characteristic of first generation companies. So what is the definition of workflow automation?
Workflow automation explained
The conventional definition of workflow automation in the business world is the art of using software based technology with the sole aim of enhancing the efficiency with which work flows in an organization, a place or even an office by enhancing coordination of activities and the people carrying out the specific activities. This principle ensures that in any particular organization, the right thing is being done at the right time and by the right person and that the person doing the specific task has all the required information on the task they are performing.
Other definitions
The above mentioned definition of workflow automation is applicable in many kinds of situation where a number of people are working together. However, as this term gets more emphasis in the business world, more definitions are beginning to be coined that are more relevant at the organizations level. These definitions include
- Thompson Information Systems definition: This states that it is the control and coordination of all organizational activities by a computerized system.
- University of Michigan definition: This states that it is the putting together of different tools, software and services to make automatic tasks that are performed based on knowledge and based on the production level.
Adoption of the workflow automation has definitely made work much easier in organizations but it has eliminated quite a number of jobs too.