Digital process automation: what is it and how does it work?

What is digital process automation and how does it work?

Digital process automation (DPA) uses software to automate the steps in a business process, so teams cut manual work, reduce errors, and improve the customer experience.

• It automates one or more tasks in a workflow using digital tools.
• It builds on business process management to reshape how work flows.
• It keeps people in the loop, since not every step is fully automated.

The biggest driver for digital process automation is simple. Companies must automate operations as part of their digital transformation journey.

In digital transformation, a company changes how it works and delivers value. To keep up, firms must test new ideas and stay open to change. So they let go of old processes and adopt new ones. A clear digital transformation roadmap makes that shift easier.

What is digital process automation (DPA)?

Digital process automation, or DPA, means one or more tasks in a business process run automatically. It uses digital technology to do the work.

Software commonly automates these workflows. DPA follows a few core ideas. For example, it favors mobile-first design, easy collaboration, clear processes, and simpler customer tasks.

Businesses can build this method on business process management (BPM). As a result, they can reshape entire workflows and drive digital change across the whole company. DPA also overlaps with robotic process automation, which handles rule-based tasks.

Assume BPM has already streamlined the process. Then DPA aims to improve the customer’s overall experience.

Still, DPA does not mean the whole process runs on its own. Some steps may still need a human touch.

Benefits of digital process automation

DPA brings clear gains across a business. In fact, the benefits of workflow automation reach every team. Here are the main advantages.

Reduced costs

Automation handles tasks that once needed costly manual labor. As a result, it trims overhead.

One easy win is to move from traditional BPM to digital process automation. This lifts staff efficiency. So it drives real cost savings. The wider benefits of automation add up over time.

Increase employee satisfaction

Unclear priorities or next steps can frustrate staff. With DPA, the team knows exactly when to step into a workflow.

Motivated staff save money and improve the customer service experience for the whole company. So the main win of DPA is its focus on customer service.

Improve productivity and stabilize operations

DPA frees up time to focus on your customers. As a result, operations grow more stable.

Staff hand menial chores to digital tools. So they earn back time. Then they can spend it on great customer care.

Meanwhile, the software handles the tedious work. This keeps accuracy and security high.

Prevent human error

Most document problems come from human error. Automation helps firms avoid them, since it improves accuracy.

With DPA, companies deliver more consistent, higher-quality service. As a result, they attract new customers and keep current ones close.

Examples of digital process automation

You can apply DPA to many tasks across every department. Here are examples you can use in your workplace.

• IT service requests. IT and compliance are just two teams that gain from DPA-based request handling.
• New hire management. Companies use DPA software to help with hiring and onboarding.
• Contract reviews. DPA makes it easy to receive contract review requests by phone, fax, or email.
• Routing of information. To move data across systems or people, business rules decide where it goes next.
• Customer support. Automated processes help support teams handle high volumes by sorting tickets and offering self-service.

Digital process automation software

A strong approach to digital transformation supports end-to-end automation. Digital process automation tools offer automated steps, alerts, and workflows. Better still, they need little to no coding, thanks to low-code development.

New tools now blend features from many technologies. So they combine several software types for fast automation and quick app building.

Here are some digital process automation tools available today.

Laserfiche

Laserfiche offers content management and business process automation. It replaces paper forms with electronic forms, document management, and analytics.

Laserfiche also leads in cloud, machine learning, and AI. As a result, it helps businesses grow.

Quixy

Quixy is a cloud-based, easy-to-use platform for building business apps. This DPA software uses no-code workflows. So teams build enterprise-grade apps faster than the old way.

Quixy also offers many pre-built solutions. For example, it covers CRM, project management, HRMS, travel and expense, and service requests.

ProcessMaker

ProcessMaker uses low-code automation to solve tricky workflow problems. This DPA software connects and extends third-party systems. As a result, it removes bottlenecks and gives your business real digital flexibility.

Frequently asked questions about digital process automation

What is the difference between DPA and BPM?

BPM maps and streamlines a process end to end. DPA then automates the steps within it. So DPA builds on BPM to improve speed and the customer experience.

Does digital process automation replace employees?

No. DPA handles repetitive tasks, not whole jobs. As a result, staff spend more time on higher-value work like customer care.

How is DPA different from robotic process automation?

RPA uses bots to copy simple, rule-based clicks. DPA takes a wider view of the full workflow. Often, firms use both together.

What tasks are best for digital process automation?

Good fits include IT requests, onboarding, contract reviews, data routing, and customer support. In short, any repeatable, rule-driven task works well.

Do I need coding skills to use DPA software?

Usually not. Most DPA tools use low-code or no-code design. So business users can build workflows with little help from IT.

Key takeaways

• Digital process automation uses software to automate steps in a business process.
• It builds on BPM and supports a wider digital transformation.
• Key benefits include lower costs, happier staff, higher productivity, and fewer errors.
• Common uses cover IT requests, onboarding, contract reviews, and customer support.
• Tools like Laserfiche, Quixy, and ProcessMaker use low-code design, so teams adopt them fast.