How can I automate repetitive business tasks?

Automating repetitive business tasks through a structured approach and the right tools is a key aspect of citizen development. Here's how:

  1. Identify Repetitive Tasks: List tasks that are manual, time-consuming, prone to errors, and occur frequently (e.g., data entry, report generation, email sending, approval routing).
  2. Document the Task: Break down the task into individual steps.
  3. Choose an Automation Tool:
    • Workflow Automation Software (like Kissflow): Ideal for tasks involving multiple steps, approvals, and data flow.      
    • Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Tools: For tasks involving human-computer interaction, like logging into systems, copying data, and clicking buttons.
    • Integration Platforms (e.g., Zapier, Make): For connecting different apps and automating data transfer or triggers.
  4. Design the Automation: Use the chosen tool's visual interface to configure the automation. This might involve setting up triggers, actions, and conditional logic. 
  5. Test and Refine: Run trials to ensure the automation works correctly and make adjustments as needed.  
  6. Monitor and Optimize: Continuously track the automated process for efficiency and look for further improvements.