What is a digital workflow?

A digital workflow is the automation of any process that an organisation uses to get things done. It includes the procedures, tools, and plan for carrying out a series of tasks. If there is a series of steps to be taken, and if that process becomes digital, then it is a digital workflow.

A prime example of the impact Digital Workflows can have on a business was Cars.com. Their previous process for bringing in new employees was slow, they implemented a new employee onboarding app and now it saves the HR managers 300 hours per year and the IT saves more than 1,000 hours by streamlining their most repetitive onboarding tasks.

Complexity Factor

Here are some factors that can affect the complexity of a digital workflow:

• The number of steps involved in the process
• The number of people or departments involved in the process
• The level of automation required
• The complexity of the data that is being processed
• The complexity of a digital workflow can also affect the cost of implementation and maintenance

In relation to the housing sector; housing associations, housebuilders, subcontractors and principal contractors thrive when the digital platform can quickly and efficiently store data, produce large scale reporting, manage the planning of tasks and activities relating to aftercare services. These activities could be complex and if the platform hinders communication or can’t cope with large scale data then tasks and action points could be missed.

Benefits

• When implemented correctly, digital workflows can provide companies benefits for both employees and customers.
• Elimination of manual processes
• Reduction in paper transactions
• Reduction in human errors
• Fewer duplications
• Simplification of business processes
• Creation of process efficiencies
• Saved time and costs
• Automation of approval processes
• Auditing of processes
• Process standardisation
• Increased productivity
• Increased insight into end-to-end processes
• Increased accountability

Obstacles

Complex processes can cause issues with digital workflows. It can be challenging to achieve these goals:

• Accurately auditing and defining a process
• Identifying the root causes of issues
• Gaining leadership buy-in for the implementation
• Convincing teams that implementing digital workflows is beneficial
• Gaining full cooperation from process owners
• Regulatory or legal hurdles
• Finding the right technology for your organisation

clixifix’s® Digital Workflow

The functionality of clixifix’s® digital workflow includes concise data view, efficiency, accuracy, user adoption, expert-led and connected.

According to Workflow, routine tasks can chew up as much as 60% of an average employee’s time. Digital workflows often remove manual obstacles that slow down work.

clixifix® is designed to help you streamline and digitise your defect management for your new homeowners. The software is all aid in improving efficiency and communication. Automating your workflow will allow for mundane tasks to be
completed quickly and effectively. Freeing up time to invest in more productive tasks such as engaging with customers onsite or meeting with prospective clients.

Implementing an automation process allows for customers to not get bogged down on data entry ensuring they are able to to focus on bigger picture tasks that utilise their time more effectively.

James Farrell, CEO and co-founder of clixifix®, describes the power of digital workflows “I believe digital workflows are paramount for companies to adopt if they want to benefit from a technological society. Utilising all the digital options that are currently on the market will reduce wasted energy on mundane tasks, improve communication and help with the overall work processes that you may have in place. clixifix® are at the forefront of defect and repair resolution software. We adopt digital workflow as part of our principles. It allows for quicker resolution of defects, automates and streamlines the process and communicates updates with relevant participants far more effectively.”

Conclusion

It is clear that digital workflows can play an important role in the functionality of most companies across a wide range of industries. A key component of maximising the benefits of digital workflows is the cohesion from all customers and staff members to allow for the digital workflow to flourish rather than resorting back to traditional methods.

Companies need to understand the impact that digital workflows can play in the progression of their business. It improves efficiency, reduces waste, and leads to better scalability and better interdepartmental cohesion.