When looking at business process improvement solutions, I often notice these solutions talk about their "optimization capabilities." However very few talk about what is really required in order to optimize the work flow of a business.
Some of these functions are actually very simple. By implementing a change like using digital documents instead of paper, a business can improve a number of processes at the same time. For example, the benefits of digital documentation over paper is they do not take up office space, are easier to keep track of, keep secure, deliver, and look for when one is in a hurry.
Other solutions for businesses involve automation. By allowing machines to take care of menial tasks, humans are left to focus on issues that are more important. In the office the use of automation is in softwares. By encouraging employees to think about what processes could be automated with software, the workplace will naturally become more efficient. Other types of software that are used are programs that monitor and analyze processes.
By improving business processes, the collaborative efforts and happiness of the employees will also be improved. This is because multiple users can work on the same project or documents from their own computers. This will reduce the time spent on one particular project, improve productivity, and inspire creative flow.
One action businesses can take to improve their work process is by creating a web knowledge base. By doing this managers will save time explaining processes to employees. Employees can simply look up this information themselves at any time.
There are many simple and effective ways to make life at work simpler. These can be achieved with some software and a little creative thinking.