If done right, automating business processes can help businesses gain a competitive advantage by streamlining processes. Automation and digitization are sometimes used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Automation refers to improving existing business processes by using modern technologies to minimize manual work, improve predictability, boost productivity and eliminate chances of human errors.
Digitization on the other hand is a broader term and refers to improving existing processes as well as delivering new value. Replacing a cash register with automated payments can be called automation, but it’s not necessarily digitization.
In this example, using algorithms and AI to recommend relevant products for upsell and other additional tasks can be termed as digitalization of the process. Automation and digitization work together to provide additional recommendations and insights but the main goal of both is to ensure structure and consistency while being flexible enough for future changes.
What Makes Structure and Consistency Important?
Running a business is not cheap and it can be challenging to create simple yet flexible automated processes. The main goal of business process automation is to enable teams to focus more on what matters the most by eliminating manual input and ensuring consistent and accurate information across the board.
A large number of small and medium businesses still rely on manual methods to manage their processes, which results in data inconsistencies and mismanagement of tasks. Business automation and integration with other systems ensure that all the team members have access to up-to-date and accurate information, regardless of the device being used.
Using pre-defined rules to route tasks and information to the right persons/departments/teams streamlines processes and can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete a task. For example, automating quotations enables sales reps to send the right quotes to the right customers every time. This structure and consistency ensure that they never miss an opportunity just because it fell through the cracks due to spreadsheets and paperwork.
How Osmos Cloud Brings Structure and Consistency into Quotations?
Osmos Cloud is a cloud-based and purpose-built solution for managing quotes. It saves sales reps from having to switch between a dozen spreadsheets and makes the quotation process up to 10X faster. Being a web-based solution means all team members have access to the same information from anywhere, using almost any device. Automated follow-ups help sales reps to stay on top of things and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
In addition to the core quote automation features, Osmos Cloud also comes with other features such as client profiles and contacts, billing information, quote-to-invoice conversion and payment collection. A simple-to-use CRM is part of the package, which can be particularly useful for SMBs that don’t want to invest money into buying a standalone CRM.
The solution can be seamlessly integrated with other systems and apps, including Gmail, Gmaps, Xero Stripe, QuickBooks, MailChimp and Slack. This ensures data consistency across different platforms and eliminates duplication. The core features combined with simplicity and integration support provide structure and ensures consistent, up-to-date and accurate information that is accessible to sales teams from anywhere.
