In order to remain competitive in the long term, there is hardly any way around the digitization of value-creating core processes - most companies have long since recognized this. But there is also huge potential in the digitalization of business processes outside the value chain! There are at least 5 good reasons why you should start to digitalize all your processes:
1. Digital processes are resistant to crises.
At least since the Corona pandemic, Business Continuity Management - BCM for short - has become increasingly relevant. Digitalized business processes significantly support companies in remaining able to act in the event of a crisis: The entire team can access all relevant information regardless of location and without media gaps.
2. Digital processes are particularly user-friendly.
Since all processes and information are united in one central tool, it is much easier to perform or edit them. You can find all content in the shortest possible time using the keyword search and filter it according to any criteria.
3. Digital processes are fully traceable.
Management requirements, such as structured traceability or the archiving of data in line with requirements, are implemented automatically.
4. Digital processes increase process reliability.
All responsibilities are clearly defined using the workflow stored in the system: The workflow guides the responsible employees purposefully through each individual process step. The responsible persons are automatically notified - this ensures the flow of information.
5. Digital processes provide the ideal foundation for improvements.
All data is recorded automatically. For example, you can measure the usage frequencies of your processes or the waiting times of approval stages and thus identify obstacles and optimization potential.
The digitalization quick check: Which processes should you digitalize first?
This means that comprehensive process digitization is a real success factor for your company - that's the theory. In practice, however, the question remains: Where and how do I best start to digitalize? The so-called " Digitalization Quick Check" provides you with the basis for decision-making: a multi-stage model that RWTH Aachen University and Modell Aachen GmbH have developed and tested in a joint research project. The ProMiDigit project (01IS20035) is funded by the BMBF under the IKT funding program.
The Digitization Quick Check is an important piece of the puzzle in your digitalization strategy. It helps you identify the next steps on the way to faster, cheaper and higher-quality workflows. In this way, you can use the Quick Check to independently develop the basis for the digital transformation of your business processes.
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Step 1: Identify and collect all processes.
If your company already has a documented management system, you already have a good overview of your business processes. Otherwise, the best way to identify them is to
- conduct a structured brainstorming session,
- analyze the task areas along the organizational chart or
- collect all forms used in the company.
However, the identification of processes is by no means complete with this first step. On the contrary: the more intensively you deal with digitalization, the more processes you identify that can be digitalized in your day-to-day work.
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Step 2: Evaluate the degree of digitalization of your processes.
The degree of digitalization ranges from completely analog, paper-based processes to workflows that are already digitally available or even completely controlled via a digital workflow. The assessment is an initial indicator of which processes still have potential for digitalization.
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Step 3: Compare the costs and benefits of process digitalization.
You should evaluate the benefits according to both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Important metrics are, for example, how often a process is carried out, how high the time and financial savings potential is, and how great the organizational pressure to suffer is in connection with a particular process. In terms of costs, you take into account the financial outlay for digitalization itself on the one hand, but also the costs for subsequent training courses and so forth.
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Step 4: Prioritize your processes.
By comparing benefits and costs, you can easily prioritize your processes for digitalization.
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Step 5: Digitalize your processes.
Now the process digitalization can get started! Be careful not to tackle too many processes at once, so that you always achieve a high-quality result. You should continuously update the digitalization quick check so that it shows the progress of process digitalization in your company.
Process digitalization made easy!
With the right tool
Are you still missing the right tool for digitalizing your business processes? With the Workflow Generator you can digitalize even complex workflows in no time - and without a single line of code. Find out about your opportunities now!
With good consultation
On your way into a new phase of the digital age, we advise you on all technical and methodological issues. Drive the digitalization of your processes forward with the Digitalization Quick Check!