Workflow automation software is a type of computer program that automates the processes of a business, so that when one task in the process is complete, the program automatically assigns or pushes the next task to the next person or department in the company. Choosing the best workflow software for your business typically comes down to evaluating the needs of your business and how the system fits those needs. The best workflow automation software for you will combine vital features, like scheduling and deadline management, at a reasonable cost.
Cost is often the primary factor that goes into choosing the best workflow automation software for your business. Take a look at your budget and determine how much you can realistically spend. Finding the range you can spend helps you to narrow down the choices of the systems you can consider. In addition, while the most expensive software might offer the widest range of features, consider whether or not your company really needs that level of functionality. Save yourself money by not paying for features you'll likely never use.
One of the features specific to workflow automation software that you may want to consider is how the approval process works. The software may allow you to schedule dates into the workflow automation system for deadline approvals. When the date nears, the software may alert the manager who is responsible for approving the work. If the file is not in the hands of the manager, but is stuck in the process or buried on an employee's desk, the system can bring this to the manager's attention.
For sales departments or organizations, you may want to search for workflow automation software that tracks the sales process. Once you've input the steps of your process, you can then set dates so that sales leads are pushed through automatically. This helps to avoid losing sales leads or for a step to be missed in the process. This feature can also allow you to assign specific tasks to specific sales representatives, which is helpful if you have multiple sales representatives or ones who are spread out in different areas of the country.
Once you have gone on your fact-finding mission, do a side-by-side comparison of the workflow automation software options. Separate the ones that meet the majority of your needs from those that do not meet your criteria and requirements. From the options that meet the most of your needs, prioritize the list of requirements you have. The best workflow manager is the one that meets all of your top tier requirements and all or the majority of the less important factors.
