Did you know the average business spends 20% of its time on manual processes that could easily be automated? That’s not just a waste of time—it’s a drain on energy and resources, too.
In today’s world, where sustainability is no longer optional, businesses must look for innovative ways to cut waste and optimize operations. One solution? Workflow automation. This post explores how automating your workflows not only streamlines operations but also helps your business become more sustainable.
The Hidden Cost of Manual Workflows
Manual workflows may seem straightforward, but they come with significant hidden costs:
- Time Inefficiencies: Employees spend hours each week on repetitive tasks like approvals, follow-ups, and data entry, delaying decisions and lowering productivity.
- Resource Waste: Manual processes often rely on excessive paper use, printing, and administrative overhead, all of which consume resources unnecessarily.
- Carbon Footprint: Traditional workflows can increase your environmental impact through high energy consumption (e.g., excessive computer use) and waste generated from outdated practices.
Example:
A mid-sized company relying on paper-based approvals used over 5,000 sheets of paper monthly. After transitioning to an automated system, they reduced usage by 80%, saving not only trees but also printing costs and storage space.
How Automation Drives Sustainability
By automating workflows, businesses can unlock a range of sustainability benefits:
- Reduced Paper and Printing:
- Replace physical approvals with digital workflows.
- Tools like SharePoint and Power Automate make document sharing seamless, eliminating the need for paper-based processes.
- Energy Savings:
- Automating notifications and task assignments reduces unnecessary computer usage and email exchanges.
- Error Reduction:
- Automating repetitive tasks minimizes manual errors, meaning fewer corrections and less wasted effort.
Real-World Impact:
One of my clients eliminated 90% of their paper usage by digitizing their approval process. This change not only cut costs but also aligned with their goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
Tools That Make Automation Easy
Here are some powerful tools to drive both efficiency and sustainability:
- Power Automate: Streamline workflows by automating repetitive tasks like approvals, notifications, and document routing. With built-in templates, creating automated flows is easier than ever.
- SharePoint Integration: Organize documents with smart metadata and create centralized repositories that eliminate duplication and inefficiencies.
- Customized Approvals: Build tailored approval processes that match your organization’s unique needs while reducing administrative overhead.
Client Story:
We implemented a Power Automate workflow for an automotive company vendor approval process. This system reduced their approval time from 10 days to 3 days, cutting down energy usage associated with email follow-ups and manual data entry.
Why Sustainable Businesses Are the Future
Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a competitive advantage. Consumers and clients increasingly prefer businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility. By automating workflows, you’re not only optimizing your operations but also contributing to a greener planet.
Call to Action
Automating workflows isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about responsibility. Ready to transform your business processes and make an impact? Let us help you create workflows that work for you and your client.
Contact us today to get started!