Workflow Management Software

Business operations have undergone a sea change with technological advancements. Entrepreneurs today have to focus more on planning proper strategies, overseeing countless projects, and managing their workflow efficiently. In a traditional approach, it was difficult for managers to measure the productivity of the employees. But all thanks to innovative management tools, the job has become much more simplified and streamlined. 

The following buyer's guide will give you a comprehensive overview of workflow management, along with detailed information on workflow management software. It helps you choose the best workflow management software strictly based on your business requisites. 

Workflow is a series of repeated activities or tasks that have to be completed within a specific time frame. It means the flow or continuation of work from one stage to another until it gets completed. 

Once you are successful in creating a sequence of the workflows, it becomes much easier to optimize the results. It helps to create better team coordination and communication.

Primarily, workflow occurs in every type of organization, irrespective of its size and operational expansion. A workflow gets created when any data transmits between human and computer systems, involving a set of different activities. These activities or tasks are for different departments for an organization such as workflow for HR, accounting, and the IT teams. 

As described, a workflow includes repeating various business operations and tasks such as:

• Sending an invoice to an existing client and receiving the payment 
• Hiring and onboarding new employees
• Approving or rejecting the leave requests 
• Viewing the status of an ongoing project 
• Sending notifications and messages to prospective and existing clients
• Sending Quotations for a requests 
• Processing expense reports from the employees

Workflow Management is defined as the coordination of a team to optimize all tasks and simplify business operations. It means managing the sequence of tasks, which are at times synonymous with business processes. The major aim of workflow management is to accomplish improved results based on the set of goals. It also involves proper planning, mapping, and collaboration from all the points to complete the task.

Technological progress has brought a formidable transformation in the workflow process. The organizations get varied projects and challenges on a day-to-day basis. Hence, it becomes essential to chalk out a strategy before proceeding with the task. 

Every organization strives to become more productive, and workflow management tools can prove to become a vital asset in accomplishing the target. Hence, it's crucial to learn the components of the workflow management process.  

The experts have categorized the workflow management components into three stages or steps. These include-

Input: The input is regarded as the primary resource, which helps to complete a given task. 

Transformation: It is the set of instructions on how to receive the inputs and what to do with them.

Output: The material or resource that is produced in the previous stage, now acts as an input in the next step. 

An efficient Workflow Management plays a pivotal role in optimizing and streamlining all business operations. 

• Workflow management helps in minimizing errors. It prevents errors and if it happens your system pinpoints it.  
• It establishes improved connectivity between the higher management and the employees. 
• It provides more access to useful information, which helps you to identify the bottlenecks and resolve them. 
• Workflow management helps to delineate the work responsibilities to different people based on their capabilities.
• It helps to improve the project timeline estimates. 
• It helps to improve the overall work culture of the organization. 

An organization has to combat a few challenges associated with workflow management. It can be discussed below-

1.  Lack of Coordination Between the Systems

Many times, it is seen that various systems and applications do not adequately coordinate with the organization's other internal systems. As a result, document tracking and version control often become a hard nut to crack. The employees also have nothing more to do except copy-paste jobs.

2.  Lack of Communication and Collaboration Between Teams

Another problem that usually props up with the workflow management system is the lack of communication and collaboration between teams working remotely. 

3.  Half Implementation is No Implementation

The organization will face problems in simplified work collaboration, viewing real-time dashboards, getting notifications and alerts, setting priority tasks, and much more.

4.  Loopholes in the Security

One complex challenge that you may counter is regarding bottlenecks in the security process. In the case of a manual workflow process, the data gets manually protected. 

5. Issues Regarding Transparency and Accountability 

At times the companies may face issues related to transparency and accountability, which can delay the project. It may create a trust deficit amongst the customers. 

6.  Not Finding Much Relevant Information

You may need important, relevant information during a client presentation, but you cannot find the file or folder where it is stored. It is an embarrassment because you have missed out on an opportunity. 

Also, the other key challenges are related to automating, orchestrating, and optimizing the workflows. You can resolve all these issues with viable and efficient workflow management software. 

Workflow Management Software can be defined as a task automation tool that helps business enterprises streamline, simplify, automate, and manage a series of repeated activities and work. 

It is the next-generation software that enables business organizations to focus more on improving employee productivity and optimizes available resources; the software also enhances accountability and a set of innovative business applications to systemize your workflow.

You can define workflow management software as a lighter variant of project business process management software. Business enterprises, irrespective of their size, and operational methodology, can choose workflow management software. 

Any organization planning to implement workflow management software  will become efficient in the following tasks;

• Develop meaningful workflows with the help of drag and drop features. 
• Send notifications and alert users according to predefined rules. 
• Implement standard tasks and activities to streamline workflow creation. 
• Manage the dependencies in between the workflows and tasks.
• Create easily customizable workflows. 

Any organization planning to invest in a viable Workflow Software should get real value for money. Having said that a workflow management software delivers its full potential if equipped with these powerful crucial features.

1. WYSIWYG Form Designer

The form designer of any best workflow management software has to be eye-catching and unusual. It must include the drag and drop feature with all different types of fields. These include numbers, maps, calculations, texts, dropdowns, and much more. The WYSIWYG Form Designer for workflow management solution proves handy if you want to-

1.  Link your form with a different database.
2.  Show some live data from any website or online platform. 

2. Codeless and Intuitive Workflow Designer 

When you design any outstanding and useful workflow management tool, you need to keep it as simple as possible with the entire complicated task.

3. Deployment with Cloud Applications

The deployment or integration with the cloud is one of the intricate features of workflow management software. You need to note that workflows cannot work independently from the other processes. Whether it's the documents, sales reports, cash flows, emails, CMS, invoice and finance, etc., it's all the essential part of business workflow software and process. 

Cloud technology streamlines your workflow tool, where you can build a strong partnership with your vendor. You have to implement the workflow management system with your cloud. 

4. Knowing the SLA Indicators

A tidy and handy workflow management software provides all the core benefits, such as the core process in the enterprise. For instance, your workflow tool can offer as many as thirty workflows that can operate simultaneously at one time. But if you want to view all these workflows in a single screen dashboard, then you need to make sure that your workflow management system is up-to-date and you are staying on the current tasks. 

The Service Level Agreement (SLA) indicators can inform you which are the most priority-based tasks and which are the ones that you can do afterward. The workflow Management System dashboard makes use of different color codes or any other tool to draw your attention to the most urgent tasks. 

5. Allotment of Automatic Tasks

The critical focus of workflow management is to manage the tasks efficiently. The managers in significant use the software for twin purposes, creating any activity and then assigning the same to a professional based on his skill. The workflow management tool supports flexible task assignments. 

It's important to note that work queues play a pivotal role in managing the workload balance. When multiple people are working in the same group, the tasks are lined up or queued for the department, and the employees can pick up the task from the queue.

6. Reports Based on KPIs

When you start using the workflow management system, you come across an array of workflow tools to build simplified workflows. If you want to gain more favorable and improved results, you need to focus on reporting features. 

The implementation of a robust reporting tool powered by Key Performance Indicator helps to eliminate the loopholes and focus on areas where attention is necessary. 

7. Bolstering Security and Access Control

Since you are implementing automotive workflow software, the security of data becomes indispensable. You may need a productive workflow application to gain access control over the system and streamline the core business tasks. 

8. Get Notifications According to the Needs

The most significant plus point of having an automated workflow management software is that you are not required to keep track of the details always. 

The best example that you can cite for this type of workflow process is notifications. You can either send notifications via emails or push notifications if you have a mobile application. It helps you to remind your users regarding your new products and offers. 

9. Customizable and Mobile Friendly 

The workflow management application needs to be employee-friendly. A productive workflow app should be customizable to enhance the experience of the users. It should support the personalization of tasks so that your users don't have to switch between various apps to complete their tasks. 

You need to ensure that the workflow applications are mobile-friendly and that all information is easily accessed through any device. 

10. Affordable and Transparent Pricing

You invest your money in a viable workflow software application that allows you to add all the team members with ease and at a cost-effective price. You can automate the software and add new features and updates without any hassle. 

A modern workflow management system has a plethora of tools, all aligned into a single platform. The pros of workflow management software are highlighted below.

1. Eliminating the Redundant Tasks

Incorporating an automated best workflow management software will help you to identify the redundant activities, which are hampering your organization's productivity. Take, for example; you can automate the data entry tasks. It reduces the number of times you have to enter information into the system. Thus, you are saving both time and labor expenses.  

Automating your enterprise workflow management software provides you a clear and concise picture of the areas which need more improvement and streamlining of the tasks.  

2.  Improved Customer Interaction

Customer Relationship Management or CRM is an integral part of any business strategy. You can align your business workflow software with CRM Software to improve, enhance, and streamline your customer experience. You can receive vital information on earlier contact points and communication. You can then eliminate sending duplicate messages, which often frustrates customers. 

Customer Relationship Management Software provides you access to complete contact details with a potential client, including the response. Hence, an advanced workflow tool helps in preparing strategies for targeting more customers and retaining them. 

3.  More Accountability and Transparency

It is important to note that most workflow automation software offers the benefit of tracking. Thus, it becomes much easier for the project manager to assign various tasks based on priority. 

What if the workflow management tool combines and integrates with robust project management software? You can keep track of an array of projects and monitor their progress in real-time. 

4. Improved Internal Communication 

The workflow automation software is indeed one of the optimal ways through which you can establish improved internal communication within your organization. It boosts employee productivity and allows them to maximize time utilization. It also enables better collaboration and initiates productive teamwork. 

5.  Marketing Automation

Best Workflow Management Software not only allows you to enhance your customer experience and establish improved internal communication but enables you to automate marketing activities. Once you have set a pipeline, the prospect of getting a client increases, hence, you must ensure that all your touch-points get well placed to boost the conversion rate.

6. Automation of the Billing Process

You will be pleased to note that handy accounting workflow management software helps to automate the billing process. It means that you can provide in-time invoice delivery and track the payment status in real-time access. An on-the-go billing will trigger the payment process and ensure improved cash flow in your business. 

It is a specific business workflow software integrated with the automated billing function and helps reduce the staff's workload. Also, it allows you to send an accurate invoice to your customers. 

7. Collaboration Becomes Simplified

The workflow tools, in combination with the automation software, streamline the team collaboration. The team members can seamlessly share valuable information and documents with easy tracking of upcoming tasks. Since team collaboration gets enhanced, you can undoubtedly expect improved and faster results with increased profitability.

8.  Minimal Human Error

An optimum workflow management tool can also ensure that the possibilities of creating errors get minimized. You have to enter most of the data only once, which allows fewer chances of creating transcription mistakes. It means that your data and records will stay fresh and accurate for the current and earlier periods. 

9.  Simplification of the Search Process

One of the prime advantages of an open-source workflow management software is the leverage to search a great ray of criteria and specific information that you are looking for. When this software aligns with automated systems, you get a wide range of topics such as billing and client payments, supply chain management data, work done during different periods.

 The automated workflow management system enables you to access all data stored in one place easily. 

10.  Superior Strategic Planning and Productivity

Well, workflow automation software will provide you with real-time data and insights on different topics. It will accelerate your efficiency, and you will commence any project with a specific strategic plan. Furthermore, it also helps you to choose the right potential client and new projects based on your team's ability. 

Workflow Management Software enables you to build a robust and reliable infrastructure to monitor the company's performance. It also allows you to create a set of predefined tasks that provides a desirable result. 

It is interesting to highlight some of the hot workflow management trends, fueling a wide range of industries. 

1. Implementing More Virtual Assets 

It is quite anticipated that more businesses will look to incorporate virtual assistants as it's a cost-effective and amenable option for the employees. Furthermore, it plays a decisive role in simplifying and streamlining the automation process. 

The employees can delegate their tasks through a voice command instead of manual typing and video conferencing. It also has smart speakers, which makes it more convenient to manage workplace activities. 

2. Use of AI and ML to Speed up Decisions

With artificial intelligence and machine learning already gaining ground, it's time to incorporate these innovations into workflow systems. For instance, considering the current situation, artificial intelligence will gain impetus in driving vital decisions related to approval or rejection of requests, creating a streamlined schedule, and developing the workflow components. Artificial intelligence will also prove its worth in automating back-office tasks and other administrative decisions. 

Similarly, machine learning algorithms are empowering business enterprises to trigger the workflow process. Can you imagine a scenario where the machines are identifying their snag and reprogramming themselves accordingly to surge the performance? Well, that's machine learning for you. 

Machine learning also plays a fundamental role in tapping all that corporate data, analyzing the same, and implementing it in the decision-making process.

3. Moving Towards Integration of Piecemeal Tools

2020 and upcoming years will see organizations migrating from end-to-end solutions and integrating more piecemeal tools. This practice has already begun and will soon get more support from other companies. 

4. Use of Business Intelligence in Workflow

The companies also leverage the advantage of next-generation workflow software known as business intelligence, which helps convert raw data into meaningful insights. BI strengthens their business positions and improves decision-making processes. 

The advanced BI tools can analyze the large data sets and fetch relevant information required to escalate the project. The results are usually available in the form of graphs, reports, summaries, and other statistics. It speeds up the workflow management system. 

5. Robotic Process Automation and Workflow Management

Robotic Process Automation or RPA is no more an unknown word for those wanting to digitize their workflow process. RPA offers a myriad of benefits such as improved precision, enhanced productivity, increased enforcement, and incorporating cost-efficiency. 

The Robotic Process Automation and workflow software will become more productive and powerful when both bots and humans will collaborate. 

So far, it is clear that the workflow management tool is one of the biggest assets for a wide range of industries. Hence, it will be interesting to see how the workflow software applications fuel various enterprises. 

The Manufacturing Sector

The manufacturing industry has implemented an automated workflow tool to reap a plethora of benefits. They can get greater visibility with the process for flawless production. They have also gained impetus into production management and better quality control. They also have to spend less time on managing the different operations along with the reduced burden of paper-based tasks. The enterprise workflow management software also helps in centralizing data storage and recuperation. 

The Retail and E-Commerce Sector

The retail and e-commerce industry has revolutionized the global economy. Having a capable business workflow software allows the retail sector to optimize solutions and customer experience. 

The software can help retailers create a response team and use the KPIs to determine the positive outcomes of the business. They can use workflow software to speed up product marketing and drive more ROI. There is free workflow management software for the retail sector as well, providing various benefits such as enhanced flexibility and better insights. 

The software also allows you to implement a PoS system, which initiates various benefits. These include real-time payments, pricing, discounts, advanced security, streamlined inventory management, and much more. 

The Finance Industry

The accounting workflow management software can be regarded as one of the backbones of accounting and financial reporting. Indeed, there are several reasons why a financial company needs the best workflow management software for accountants. 

First, it reduces the number of inaccuracies and miscalculations while preparing the balance sheet and ledger accounts. The workflow management system also helps to lower the cost to improve team efficiency. 

The Healthcare Industry

The workflow tool for the healthcare industry is different from what you have come across in the earlier discussions. Clinical Workflow serves the healthcare sector. So, it is viable to discuss the benefits of clinical workflow software for this sector. Here again, you can find free workflow software to suit your needs.  

The best workflow software can provide an array of advantages, such as enhancing patient coordination through the automation of clinical workflows. It is proactively managing critical data and information to provide real-time access to healthcare professionals. 

It provides real-time alerts with patient health status to make quick decisions on the further treatment process and optimize the process of patient billing and hospital admission procedure.

IT Industry

You will agree to this that the IT industry is one of the fastest-growing and booming sectors, which is escalating to new heights. It is one of the different industries that cater to a varied range of businesses undertaking diverse projects. You need to streamline team coordination and collaborate with the various departments effectively. And the best workflow management software is proving its worth in doing that. Also, it helps prepare a high level of documentation to end the project on a triumphant note. 

In addition to these critical industries, there are various other sectors taking advantage of free workflow management software. A few examples include marketing, human resource, publishing, education, logistics, construction, and many more. 

The cost of a workflow management software will depend on variable factors, such as the type of automation software you are choosing for your company. It will also depend on what features and functionalities the workflow management tool provide. You can opt for free workflow management software or an open-source workflow management software based on your requirements. 

Typically, you can first choose the trial version of the software and then go for the paid version if it suffices your needs. Also, there are many workflow systems specifically designed according to business size. For example, you can get affordable workflow management software for small businesses or software for a massive industry. Similarly, there are workflow diagrams software that simplify any presentation and explain your point easily through charts and figures. You can opt for the workflow software based on the budget estimate and pricing modules. 

It is essential to note that there are few popular free and open-source workflow management software such as Apache Airflow, Apache,  Taverna, Cflow, etc. In addition to these, there are a few other best-in-class workflow management software offering premium services. For example, Kissflow comes with a starting price of $360 per month Similarly, you have ProcessMaker, which offers a free trial version only for only three days and then comes at a  starting price of $1495 per month. 

Before signing off, it's essential to discuss the vital factors that you need to consider while choosing a viable workflow management system for your business. Key elements are highlighted below. 

Your Specific Needs for the Organizational Growth

The first and most crucial factor that you need to consider is understanding your organizational needs. It will help you define the particular features that you are searching for in a workflow software tool. You also need to take into account the type of industry that you are catering to. 

Reliable 

The workflow software has to be accountable and provide transparency to the tasks. If you are investing your money into a system, you should trust that it will provide you with all the mentioned features and the said hosting service. It should deliver the results to gain the trust of the users.

Budget Estimate 

Of course, this goes without saying that budget is one of the essential constraints in choosing the best workflow software. Hence, it is advised to predefine your budget so that it comes much easier to select a particular price plan. Another critical factor is comparing the pricing models of the two workflow management software along with their features. Does the software company offer a free demo? You can choose the trial version if you want to evaluate the efficiency of the software. 

Number of Users

It has to be one of the deciding factors when planning to implement workflow management software.  You need to decide whether you want the software for an entire organization or just a few groups of people. Are you willing to add external clients or users, and do you need to pay an additional amount for adding each user? Please do consider all these points. Check the upper limits for adding up new users. 

The Type of Support Available

Last, you need to consider the type of support and technical assistance available in case you get stuck while using the software. Most companies offer telephonic and email support, along with the option of live chat. It's essential first to read their reviews and then decide whether you should invest your money in that workflow tool or not. 

GoodFirms is a popular, reliable, and premier research and review platform that has been helping software companies, buyers, and other users to choose optimum software according to their specific needs. It has got more than 15k authentic reviews from all verified customers and service users. GoodFirms also provides you with a genuine list containing a wide range of workflow management software options to explore. 

It has thoroughly evaluated the most popular workflow software on different parameters such as core features, other essential features, pricing model, deployment, support, device supported, resources, and the type of business size it fits best for. You can easily compare the list and choose the one that is suitable for business needs, 

Even if you don't have any idea on how to select the best workflow software, you can simply read this buyer's guide,  to gain comprehensive detail on the workflow management system and software. Also, feel free to give your valuable reviews on the software that you choose and use. 

The Workflow Management Software industry is continuously evolving and changing. Hence, it becomes imperative for the business enterprise to keep adopting the current trends to survive the cutthroat competition.