In light of the rapid advancement of digitized and paperless processes, BPM and workflow automation software provider Flowforma hosted a panel discussion to discuss how digitizing processes can help organizations thrive in 2020 and beyond. In the recording, FlowForma project strategist Paul Stone was joined by Chris Henry, lead consultant at governance and IT solution provider Ishago, and Paula Lemon, director of project controls at construction engineering organization Maverick Corporation.
The panel begins by discussing how process automation has empowered distributed workforces and transformed businesses. Henry notes that automation has been instrumental in assisting delivery of the £1.5 bn ($19 bn) A14 motorway project and has ensured that every employee is operating with the most up-to-date forms and processes, making process governance a much more organized task.
A move away from paper-based processes has clear benefits for cost and sustainability, however the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted other significant benefits that digitized processes can offer. Lemon explains that when customer and site offices became restricted, the team had the tools in place to continue working without a glitch through FlowForma, completing processes remotely with the use of tablets rather than paper.
The panel highlights that bringing processes online is easier than people generally think, and offers some tips for those who are looking to get started with automation. Stone explains that FlowForma is a no-code tool, meaning that users configure solutions themselves, without the need for any prior coding knowledge or reliance on IT departments. Lemon advises that organizations should know a process works before attempting to build it out in FlowForma, as it will be much quicker compared to making adjustments throughout digitization.
Henry notes that the impact of the shift to paperless processes has been massive, explaining that the A14 project alone was dealing with over 20,000 permits, each consisting of four A4 pages plus drawings, which have now all been digitized. Not only does this save on cost but also allows for better data collection, as all data is automatically entered into databases without any need for manual entry.
To access the full insights and advice of Paul Stone, Chris Henry and Paula Lemon, watch the full webinar recording here.