Workflow automation, does the shoe fit? - Skryv

Workflow automation, does the shoe fit?

By Toon Timbermont - Co-founder - about 4 years ago

Workflow Management
Workflow automation, does the shoe fit?

Workflow automation is very powerful and can accelerate the digital public sector. But it is not a one size fits all solution.

With workflow automation, you automate repetitive and manual tasks and free up the time of civil servants. Wonen Vlaanderen for example automated the admissibility check for renovation premium requests. By consequence, the civil servants can shift their focus to the substantive assessment of requests.

Complexity and volume of the workflow

To decide if a workflow is a candidate for automation, you have to ask yourself two questions:

  • What is the volume or how many times is the workflow repeated a year?
  • How complex (e.g. number of people involved, exceptions, …) is the workflow?

Based on these two dimensions you can divide your organisation's workflow into four categories:

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Document the workflow (simple x low volume)

Do not invest in automating these workflows. Instead, focus on organisational optimisation and alignment by documenting the workflow.

Automation (simple x high volume)

These are perfect candidates for automation. Is this your first automation project? Opt for a simple workflow with a high volume.

Expert work (complex x low volume)

These workflows typically contain too many exceptions to make the automation investment worthwhile. We suggest investing in supporting your experts. And if you really want to automate, first try to simplify the workflow where possible.

Automation* (complex x high volume)

These workflows are good candidates for automation. Due to the higher complexity, it will ask a higher investment. Search for synergies, or break it up in smaller parts and have a mix of expert work and automation.

Workflow automation asks for a high investment that is not always needed to solve the problem. Search for good candidates and invest in the workflows with a high return on investment. Do you want to learn more about workflow automation and how to get started? Download the starter guide.

What do you think?

Have you already tried to divide your workflows according to volume and complexity? What is your experience with this? Share your opinion via email or send us a message.

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