7 steps to automate a document workflow – Cloud Workflow

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Resumen

First of all, a document workflow is “an orchestrated and repeatable pattern of business activities enabled by the systematic organization of resources into processes that transform materials, provide services, or process information”.

7 key steps to get music out of your document workflow

Every organization uses document workflows to complete daily tasks. Consequently, automating a document workflows with a BPMS can provide great benefits. But, you may not know where to start…

In short, in this post, we summarize 7 key steps to automate a document workflow. You can use them as a checklist to implement and centralize your business processes in Flokzu.

If you follow these steps, you will fully automate your document workflow, eliminating papers, Excel spreadsheets and informal communications (emails, chats, etc.).

1) Choosing the first document workflow to automate

Above all, it’s relevant to start with the right process. The chosen document workflow must balance its complexity (document flow, users involved, etc.) and its importance to the organization.

Ideally, choose a process that is directly related to the organization’s value proposition to motivate the team and see immediate results. But it should also be relatively simple to model, as it will be your first automated workflow and you don’t want to become discouraged or frustrated.

2) Model it quickly

Recognize the main stages of the document workflow and don’t waste too much time on the details. The main thing here is to design a simple diagram using a precise -yet easily understandable- notation.

We recommend using BPMN (BPM Notation): an intuitive international standard. Plus, there is a lot of information available about this notation.

Flokzu uses BPMN and our setup wizard will guide you through the process when needed.  For example, this a process workflow modeled in Flokzu:

screenshot1

 

3) Identify the document workflow participants

  • Firstly, identify key users and roles working on the process.
  • Secondly, define which user and role work on every step of the workflow.
  • Finally, identify the permissions for users and roles. In other words, define the access level of each participant: Reader, Editor, Assignee, etc.

For example, in Flokzu, you can assign User Task to roles, to users, and even dynamically (in execution time):

User Task in a Document Workflow

 

 

4) Link related forms

  • Identify what types of data (or fields) are relevant to the document workflow. Example: A vacation request approval workflow may involve a form for entering dates, details of the employee, etc.
  • Define which form fields are visible, editable or required at every stage of the workflow.
  • Identify which information or fields should be searchable to filter information or classify it.

For example, this a process form as part of a document workflow automated in Flokzu. In other words, you can define the form and fields that will be completed by the assignees:

The Form in a Document Workflow

 

5) Attachments in your document workflow

  • Define the files that can be attached along the document workflow.
  • Define if it will be necessary to search through attachments.

6) Select the right tool and automate

  • Depending on the requirements identified above, select the right tool that covers your needs.
  • There are different types of Document-oriented: best suited for administrative use. Flokzu is designed for document workflows and meets all the requirements previously defined.
  • Production oriented: more suitable for industrial companies with integrated production machinery. Not recommended for document workflows.
  • Integration oriented: suitable for less human interaction and multiple systems integrations. Not ideal for document workflows, but they can be integrated (for example, Zapier to connect with other Web Apps)

7) Measuring the document workflow execution

A month after having automated your document workflow (following the above steps), measure the results using at least these KPI’s:

  • Processes initiated in a certain period.
  • Average time required to complete a process
  • The time required for each stage. This allows you to detect possible bottlenecks.

After improving and optimizing the document workflow, implement it once again and repeat the measuring step one month later.

These improvement cycles should be completed quickly. That’s why Flokzu enables each step without requiring additional programming or complex configurations. Any employee of the organization will be able to automate a document workflow without the help of IT or technical knowledge.

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About the author

Picture of Juan Moreno

Juan Moreno

I have been an entrepreneur, founder, and investor in tech companies since 2001, with a B2B vision and a focus on innovative technologies. What do I talk about? I concentrate on applied computer technology as a tool for efficiency and effectiveness in real organizations. In particular, I specialize in the digitalization and management of business processes, involving aspects of process automation, artificial intelligence, and no-code tools. I always apply a pragmatic approach, prioritizing the effective application of technologies in real businesses. My background: I am a Computer Engineer, with a PhD in Software Engineering and an MBA. I have been a university professor since 2002, currently teaching undergraduate, postgraduate courses, and giving lectures. As an entrepreneur, I founded 5 technology companies and am an angel investor in others. I am a recipient of the National Innovation Award, with dozens of academic publications and two books. My role at Flokzu: I currently serve as the Chief Strategy Officer, where I am responsible for the medium and long-term strategy of the product and the company. Part of my role is to evaluate technological trends and their incorporation to ensure that Flokzu becomes increasingly useful to our clients. It also involves understanding the reality and needs of our customers to ensure a perfect fit with what Flokzu offers. Finally, my job also includes evangelizing the discipline of Business Process Management and no-code technologies worldwide through publications, conferences, workshops, or complete courses.

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