Why process automation is a must

by Veronika Altenbach

BPM

03. March 2025 3 minutes

From manual processes to smart workflows – How process automation works

Manual processes still dominate everyday work in many departments. Routine tasks cost valuable time, are prone to errors, and slow down productive workflows.

Yet more efficient solutions have long been available: Smart workflows replace time-consuming, inefficient processes with automated ones. This not only saves time and money, but also ensures greater transparency and fewer errors.

But which processes are particularly suitable for automation? How can the ROI (return on investment) be measured? And what specific benefits does process automation bring to everyday work? A look at successful practical examples shows how companies benefit from process automation.

Which processes are best suited for automation?

Not every process is equally suited for automation. Processes that are particularly well suited for optimization are those that

are repetitive and performed frequently
have clear rules and structures that can be mapped in workflows
are data-driven and do not require creative or subjective decisions
are prone to errors when performed manually.

Find out in our blog post “Maximizing automation potential”, how you can use simple methods to identify the processes that are best suited for automation.

Advantages of process automation

Process automation offers numerous advantages that bring both short-term and long-term improvements:

Increased efficiency

Automated processes run faster and more smoothly without waiting for manual intervention.

Cost reduction

Less manual work means lower personnel costs and fewer errors that result in expensive corrections.

Higher process reliability

Standardized workflows reduce the risk of human error and ensure compliance with regulations.

Better scalability

Automated processes are easier to adapt to growing requirements.

Higher customer satisfaction

Faster response times and fewer errors lead to better user experiences.

If you are still looking for arguments as to why a process automation strategy is essential, we recommend our article: 6 Reasons Why You Need a Process Automation Strategy.

ROI calculation

An important aspect when deciding on automation is the return on investment (ROI). The following factors play a role here:

Savings in working time and costs: How much time is saved through automation?
Reduction of errors: What are the current costs of manual errors?
Speed and throughput: How many additional processes can be handled through automation?

A simple calculation could look like this:

ROI = (savings + productivity gains - implementation costs) / implementation costs

Companies often report that automation measures pay for themselves within 6 to 18 months.

The right process orchestration can also help save costs and further increase efficiency. Find out more in our article on the topic: Save costs and increase efficiency through process orchestration.

Conclusion

Process automation is a decisive factor in the digitalization of companies. It helps optimize inefficient, error-prone, and time-consuming processes. The targeted use of automation tools not only increases efficiency, but also reduces costs and increases customer satisfaction. Investing in smart workflows today means securing your company's future.