6 Barriers to Document Automation: And how SMB's can break through
Digital transformation is essential to maintaining business continuity and increasing agility in this ever-evolving work environment. Much has changed in terms how and especially WHERE businesses are operating as a result of the COVID-19. According to one statistic from IDC, the percent of the workforce working from home has increased from 14% before the pandemic to 45% today - an increase of 544%.
While COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation initiatives for many organizations, roughly 50% of SMB’s are still working with legacy systems and manual document processes that are not optimal or optimized for this new normal. Many SMB's face similar obstacles that are holding them back:
1) Fear of disrupting current processes
Many SMB’s continue to rely on outdated manual processes because 'we’ve always done things this way.' Unfortunately, manual processes are bottlenecks to change. While the current process may be functional, many times they are not optimized, and may be preventing your company’s ability to pivot.
2) Deeply entrenched paper-based manual processes
While paper is an essential part of outbound customer communications in verticals like finance and healthcare, many businesses could benefit from expanding to multi-channel delivery and offering customers a choice over how they wish to receive communications.
3) Cultural resistance
For some employees, the thought of automation increases their uncertainty that their function will be eliminated. This need not be the case. Document automation means their time could be reallocated to higher value tasks that are far more intellectually stimulating and revenue-driving.
4) Document silos and cone for potential inoperability between new and old systems
Over time business processes can become disconnected. A single, flexible platform with modular architecture could be easily integrated and modernize your entire outbound communication workflow.
5) Lack of resources and expertise to deploy a digital workflow strategy
Unlike large enterprises who have resources devoted to digital transformation initatives, SMB’s run on lean teams of which some members wear multiple hats. The good news is document automation technology is more accessible and affordable than ever.
6) Not knowing where to start.
Should you automate all or part of the process? A reliable technology partner will work with you to define your business rules and develop a solution that will meet your current needs and evolve with your organization.
Learn how to tackle these barriers in our eBook- Enabling Your Digital Office for SMB’s.
Automation will enable your business to process documents more securely, efficiently and frequently. It has been proven to greatly enhance operations and business outcomes, from accelerating cashflow to increasing employee engagement. Think about the value document process automation will deliver to both your business and your customers.
