Let’s be real: apart from hard work, a good sense of financial control, terrific team members, and spectacular marketing strategies, only businesses with efficient workflows survive.
But what exactly is a workflow?
A workflow is a series of tasks that processes given data. They are used across all kinds of businesses and industries; and when data is passed from one professional or system to another, a workflow is created. This process works well when the following things are taken into account: who does what, and when the “what” has to be completed.
Workflows can involve various processes, steps, and elements; and some of them, no matter how simple or otherwise, can lead to more than one outcome. For instance, requesting a budget for a community outreach project. The process is simple: the employee sends the request to their manager, and the manager can either grant the approval, or deny it- one simple workflow with at least two possible outcomes.
If employees are to have a better understanding of how much their actions affect the outcome of certain tasks, giving them a hands-on opportunity to manage workflow is an effective way of helping them get there. But with so many factors to consider, documenting the entire process manually can be quite tedious, tiring, and time-consuming.
For a more streamlined experience, here are a few things to consider when documenting workflows:
Choose a specific workflow
The key is to focus on one specific thing at a time, especially if you’re just getting started. Pick a repetitive task you do almost daily and see how the process works from beginning to end.
Understand the process
Once you’ve chosen a task, find out who is involved in the process, what they have to do, and when they have to do it. Where people are involved, ask for advice or clarity should you need it; experts on the subject matter can make documentation easier for you. It is important to map this all out so you can keep track of it. See how many possible outcomes there are, and check for a preferred outcome.
Find the right software that can help you automate and manage workflows
Keeping track of your workflow documentation can be a challenge if you’re not equipped with the right tools. One of the best things to look into would be no-code automation, considering that it is readily available and user-friendly.
No-code automation brings users various benefits:
- the elimination of repetitive tasks
- an improvement in time management
- a rise in efficiency and effectivity
- a well-organized delegation of tasks
- the likelihood of employees accepting more accountability
Follow-through by monitoring the process
Even with all our technological advancements, we experience a few hiccups here and there, so it’s a good idea to check in on the process even after you’ve completed automating your tasks. This will also allow you to see what works, how well it works, or what can be changed and improved.
The role of no-code in automation
Automated processes don’t happen in a snap. Fortunately, no-code providers such as Bubble, AirTable, Thunkable, and Zapier, to name a few, are stellar solutions that allow users to create digital shortcuts that make work a lot more interesting and a lot less like a chore.
Whether it’s syncing social media platforms or developing custom-made project management programs from scratch, there’s a universe of solutions no-code tools can automate!
The more professionals and creatives are fixated on bridging bigger gaps and not monotonous administrative work, the more we’re able to progress and keep mentally stimulated.
What’s more, entrepreneurs and organizations that are able to automate processes, no matter how trivial or grand, are more likely to make huge marginal profits.
What’s Next?
The current work setup many organizations have has made it possible for people to do more, be it during office hours or in one’s free time. While this has become the ideal circumstance for some, there are still people who need a bit more support with their work-life balance; and we can help you get there!
If you have an app idea you’d like to work on, give us a call!
