Companies are constantly looking for ways to work faster, more efficiently and at lower costs. In this regard, concepts such as “automation of business processes” and “integration of business processes” are increasingly being heard. These key approaches are often confused because they have a common goal — optimizing work. But there is also a fundamental difference between them, and understanding it allows us to build an established and productive management system.
Let's take a closer look at what automation and integration are, why they are useful, how they work separately and together, and where you can order such services for your business.
Business process automation is the introduction of technologies and software systems that perform routine or repetitive tasks instead of people or with their minimal intervention. The main goal of automation is to increase efficiency and reduce costs by reducing the time required to complete standard tasks. Automation also reduces the risk of human error.
The advantages of implementing business process automation:
Automation covers a wide range of processes. These can be CRM systems that automatically record customer requests and remind managers of the next steps. It can also be automatic billing to customers after placing an order, processing applications through online services without the participation of an administrator, notifications about stock balances or the need to reorder products, etc.
Business process integration is the process of combining various systems, software or company departments into a single coordinated ecosystem. The purpose of integration is the uninterrupted exchange of data between all key elements of the business so that processes work smoothly, without duplication and loss of information.
Benefits of implementing business process integration:
One example of integration is combining a CRM system with accounting software, which makes it possible to automatically transfer sales data to accounting. Using the integration, you can also synchronize the online store with the warehouse system to display current inventory or link the project management system to corporate email for automatic updates and notifications. Another example is the integration of an HR system with the company's calendar to automatically plan interviews or vacations.
The integration of business processes is especially important for companies that use many different programs or have a complex organizational structure.
Despite the fact that automation and integration are often implemented together, their essence and objectives differ significantly. Let's take a closer look at the main differences between these two key approaches.
What's the difference between automation and integration:
Examples of technologies for automating business processes are robotic process automation (RPA), marketing automation software, CRM systems that automate interactions with customers.
Examples of technologies for integrating business processes are API, middleware (software that connects different systems), and integration platforms.
Thus, automation improves individual processes, making them faster and less dependent on human intervention. And integration connects different systems and programs, ensuring their interaction and the ability to exchange data. Together, these approaches create a powerful basis for scaling and flexible business development.
Automation and integration can be called complementary tools, as businesses do not need to choose just one approach. A successful business process is rarely limited to optimizing individual tasks or only combining systems. The best result is achieved when automated processes interact with each other through integration, creating a single, coordinated system.
Why automation and integration complement each other:
An example. The company sells products online. If it uses automation, when placing an order on the website, the CRM system will automatically create a new lead, send an order confirmation, and create a call task for the manager. If the company uses the integration, when the CRM system is combined with ERP, the order will automatically be added to the accounting system, the goods will be checked in stock, an invoice will be generated and sent to the client by e-mail, and after payment is received, the data will be transferred to the accounting department.
Choosing a partner for implementing automation and integration is a key decision that determines the effectiveness of the entire business management system. This is what you should contact StartDuck, which uses an integrated approach and understands how to turn technologies into real development tools.
The StartDuck team has extensive experience working with companies of various sizes. On the site, you can view cases and projects — what types of services were provided and what work Start:Duck specialists did, including automating and integrating business processes. Each solution is created based on an analysis of the processes of a particular business, rather than a template. This ensures that the implementation will work in accordance with the company's requests.
Contacting professionals allows you to avoid common mistakes, save time and quickly see the real impact of digitalization of processes.