Business Process Automation (BPA) is software that allows complex business processes to run automatically. Each step in the process, where possible, is automated meaning that the tasks are completed by the computer instead of a person.

Tasks that are commonly automated include tasks that include copying and pasting, sending data internally or externally, and gathering data from internal or external sources.

Instead of risking errors, data loss, or spending hours aligning with internal and external stakeholders, automation takes the brunt of this work to free up employees.

Intelligent process automation (IPA) uses some form of artificial intelligence when automating the tasks in the process. RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is commonly used to add this layer of intelligence. However, other forms of artificial intelligence (AI) can also be used including Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Natural Language Processing (NLP), computer vision, cognitive automation, and machine learning.

The combination of these different technologies helps human employees not be overburdened with menial tasks while being able to rely on the problem-solving abilities of the machine. IPA can, for example, read through complex documents and organize the data so humans don't have to spend hours sifting through multiple pages. 

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, Business Process Automation (BPA) and an intelligent automation solution like RPA 

Business process automation software works like a machine to automate entire processes for maximum efficiency. RPA on the other hand emulates tasks like a human would and can only automate very specific tasks,

 like creating documents or sending emails.

 RPA can learn over time by completing more tasks and can be incorporated into an automated business process.

The biggest benefit of BPA is its future-forward benefits. Process automation solutions can help your company build processes that will last years into the future, not just for today. While RPA can be deployed quickly to automate single tasks, BPA looks at the bigger process picture to make the whole workflow more efficient.

Although RPA can be integrated into a business process, there is no replacement for a business process that is optimized for efficiency. It required more upfront effort, but in the long run, automated processes pay off.

Automation is a great way to lift tedious and repetitive tasks from your team's shoulders. Automation isn't necessarily complicated, it all depends on the process and the type of platform you want to use.

There are multiple platforms, software, and technology available for automating your manual processes.

FireStart is a no-code and low-code process automation tool, so the choice is yours as to how detailed you want to be. Automating in our cloud platform is done by the program itself. Once you've 

) FireStart will automate this process as soon as you hit "Run Workflow."

Knowing when to automate a process can be tricky, however, there are some key signs to look out for in the daily grind that will show you which tasks you can start automating.

One key factor is to notice when you or your team are doing repetitive or manual processes frequently. Any process that follows set steps each and every time can be automated, even if you think the process is complex. Even the most complex processes can be automated, only bringing in humans when it's absolutely necessary, like signing off on an important decision.

Another, arguably more important factor, is to automate the tasks that you don't want to do. There are plenty of tasks that are frustrating, time-consuming, and annoying to do. They zap joy from your workday, so there's no reason why you have to continue along this path. 

Automating boring tasks leaves more time for the tasks you enjoy doing that are critical to your role, encouraging job growth and skill refinement. Let's face it, no one enjoys spending the majority of the workday copying and pasting data from one spreadsheet to another.

It's important not to automate processes that are inefficient and 

To avoid automating broken business processes, first, consider combing through your existing processes and refining them first. Talk to stakeholders and colleagues and collaboratively work towards a standard process that involves all the right people, with a clear purpose and clearly defined steps.

In the long run, process automation software will not only boost the company's bottom line but also encourage collaboration between departments, roles, and teams. Efficient processes help provide clarity around your own role in the process and how your efforts can be best utilized, so nothing is going to waste.

Create your process and FireStart will automate the rest.

Start automating your workflows with FireStart

Process automation allows complex processes to run automatically, empowering teams in many ways.

Business Process Automation (BPA) is software that allows complex business processes to run automatically. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, Business Process Automation (BPA) and an intelligent automation solution like RPA are different.

Process automation is commonly misunderstood and sometimes overshadowed by other automation technologies. Digital process automation has many applications and can be used to effectively automate complex processes. The end result is processes that run seamlessly, freeing up employee hours for work they would rather do.

What Is Process Automation?

Being “automation ready” isn’t necessarily a quick win.

 Many businesses were putting it off again and again because of the perceived challenge to implement automation software. 

 agree that once automation was thought to take years, can now take a matter of weeks. That’s because the tech behind automation has grown so rapidly in the past 10 years.

For logistics and manufacturing, these advancements in technology means it's now far easier to implement automation. For example, automating shipping lists in the order fulfilment process has a huge benefit for manufacturers and logistics personnel. Hours that were previously spent manually filling in data to a spreadsheet can now be done by a bot.

Use automation to help smooth the supply chain

Process automation can help orchestrate and coordinate process ecosystems to ensure that everything in the supply chain is running smoothly. Logistics teams can outsource tedious manual work to a bot in order to have more time for important core tasks. This will help ease pressure on teams and minimize loss of ROI from shipping list errors or delays in list despatch.

The added benefit of using a process ecosystem platform like FireStart is the process orchestration. Even as orders grow in volume and the process becomes more complex, FireStart will always be robust enough to create order, helping the logistics department to stay on top of orders.

Stay on top of orders with FireStart and UiPath

FireStart is really a single source of truth for your processes because it integrates with existing IT systems. In this case, 

 in order to orchestrate and manage the software robots. Software robots are easy to build and deploy, but to avoid robot chaos, it’s best to have a process management 

FireStart is like the conductor of an orchestra, ensuring that every robot and application is doing exactly what it needs to do in order to achieve process success. When software robots are contained within a process ecosystem, processes run smoother because there is proper governance.

Creating and distributing shipping lists with FireStart and

performing as one means more orders can be fulfilled without mistakes or employees over hours.

First, FireStart empowers users to map and model the ideal process, giving all the humans involved a comprehensive overview of the workflow end-to-end. Next, the UiPath robot jumps in to execute the list filling that was previously done manually. The bot takes the information and collates this all into an Excel spreadsheet. From here, the robot gives the spreadsheet back to FireStart where it becomes part of the overall process again and is stored in the central repository for easy access.

Instead of taking 2 hours every day for an employee, with 

reduce this down to minutes. Employees now have time for their core tasks, leaving the menial, brain-numbing work of filling in shipping lists to the robot.

Try FireStart for free by contacting our sales team.

Automate your logistics department

Logistics departments continue to be overwhelmed as the pandemic continues.

Automating shipping lists has never been easier with FireStart and UiPath together. Keep all your robots in one end-to-end workflow to fulfil more orders now and in the future.

Manufacturing and logistics businesses are feeling the crunch. The pandemic has meant that now 50% of businesses worldwide are needing to automate as a result of Covid-19. The manufacturing industry in particular must begin implementing automation to help with the rise in demand that will follow after the worst of the pandemic is over.

How FireStart and UiPath Can Help with Supply Chain Issues

The digital transformation journey can be a winding road. It’s often difficult to navigate the various options available on the market today. It’s tempting to look for the easiest, quickest solution without considering your broader workflow ecosystem, but 

 can lead to more confusion down the road.

Intelligent Business Process Management Suites (iBPMS) are an innovation on the more archaic 

has been gaining popularity among organizations as the latest and greatest in user interface automation technology. The differences of both platforms mean that together, iBPMS and RPA can provide a cohesive solution to produce ground-breaking results.

iBPMS (Intelligent Business Process Management Suites) is an integrated set of technologies that helps connect the dots between people and the processes they do every day. 

It is in essence a hub for streamlining and reengineering business processes

 which is the traditional model of process management. iBPMS adds an element of flexibility, with the option for intelligent integration of various apps, forms rendering, business rule management and automatic analysis of data, and optimized workflows. Instead of simply addressing business processes, iBPMS includes innovative, intelligent technology like RPA automation to build successful end-to-end processes and solutions.

iBPMS can improve business processes by designing and implementing process architectures, automating tasks, and monitoring the progress. 

iBPMS helps you to model and map your initial processes

, store everything within a central repository, integrate your processes with other line-of-business applications like Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, and Salesforce, and improve processes based on real-time data. It’s also easy for “citizen developers” to use, making it more accessible. For organizations, this leads to improved clarity, more transparency between departments, better customer satisfaction, and ultimately, saved time and cost across the business.

 is an application-agnostic tool that automates repetitive user tasks within your processes with screen automation technology. The robots themselves 

 on already existing application user interfaces, reducing hours of repetitive work to minutes and seconds.

RPA software can be used for tedious tasks like sending emails, extracting data from multiple documents, and collating data. Since software robots are in high demand, there are now low code and no code options available. Now, you 

RPA robots help organizations to decrease time spent on certain tasks in order to free up more resources for employees. Within an iBPMS ecosystem, each bot is more organized and structured within the workflows. With increased governance, employees can easily see where they can outsource their time-consuming tasks to a robot, so they have more time to do tasks that matter to them. 

 leading to more productivity and efficiency.

Organizations today can benefit from implementing both iBPMS and RPA to 

 that is always easily understandable and works efficiently. iBPMS will help your team to run smoothly and effectively by providing transparency through each stage of the process. While integrated RPA automation will take the burden off your team by creating more room for innovation and pragmatic decision making.

iBPMS and RPA together creates a complete end-to-end solution

 for any enterprise. iBPMS helps the user gain more clarity with increased governance, helps create more harmony between the user and various collaborative applications like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or Office 365, and creates a better more organized workflow when using software robots. The result is that everything works as it should, like a well-oiled machine.

FireStart fosters great processes within an organization by 

empowering collaboration between humans and technology.

 While many businesses are continuing to implement RPA, many businesses are looking for more future-proof options (which is one reason why 

the RPA market continues to flatten into 2023

combined with UiPath RPA robots, users are empowered by digitally delegating their workload.

View a comprehensive overview with process governance, and manage 

 within the process manager. Instead of focusing on single parts of the organizational structure, FireStart is a solution that encompasses your whole process ecosystem.

Start standardizing your internal workflows to be automation-ready.

Get the most from process automation

Knowing the difference between iBPMS, BPM, and RPA is essential for true digital transformation.

Understanding the difference between iBPMS, BPM and RPA can make a huge difference to your business. Using both together can create a holistic, digital process solution – if you know the difference between them.

iBPMS, BPM, RPA – What’s the difference? Seeing the bigger picture in your process ecosystem can change the game, and ensure your processes are always running without a hitch.

What’s the Difference Between iBPMS and RPA?

Ever since the “lean” supplier craze of the 90s, the manufacturing industry has been looking for new and innovative ways to streamline its processes as much as possible. Covid has had an effect on the manufacturing industry, it’s plain to see, and while may feel like a confusing mess, automation has come to light as the new way forward for many companies.

 stated that “digitizing supply-chain management improves the speed, accuracy, and flexibility of supply-risk management,” heralding it as a major opportunity for companies to “review the structural resilience” of their entire supply chain. Automation is the second industrial revolution of our age, and it has even more benefits than you would think.

the global supply chain is running out of almost everything

 because of the pandemic. Manufacturers are scrambling to place orders in order to meet client demands, making it more and more difficult to have a reliable indicator of stock. Previous over-buying and stockpiling led to the supply chain shortage, but automation can actually help manufacturers get out of this precarious situation.

One crucial part of the manufacturing process is evaluating where to source raw materials from. Previously, manufacturers would rely on one main vendor but now because of the shortage, manufacturers are forced to expand their horizons. Automation can actually help manufacturers coordinate with multiple vendors, with a new multitier system 

advised by industry leaders like McKinsey

, in order to have a reliable second option.

Manufacturers can automate and digitize Bills of Materials (BOMs) and invoices, generating standardized documents in seconds and sending them to vendors in just a few clicks. Then, a BPM suite like FireStart can also create transparency throughout the entire sourcing process, so manufacturers can be alerted only when they need to complete the next action (like approving an invoice). 

 source materials without the headache of long email chains, paper invoices, or lack of transparency in the process itself.

2. Automation helps accelerate process cycles

Supply chain process cycles can be long and complex. Without proper process intelligence, it’s difficult to know if a process is performing well, or if the cycle itself could be quicker and therefore more efficient. In fact, “acceleration” is now an industry watchword. To stay afloat, companies need to be quick

getting things done to a high standard. For this reason, leadership teams in the manufacturing industry have embraced technology and data.

The key to more efficient processes is human-technology integration. 

 of this plan going forward. To accelerate a process cycle, companies can detangle their current processes to clarify the essential steps, see which tasks can be automated, assign clear department roles, and integrate all existing systems like SAP into one overarching framework to maintain a single source of truth.

An intuitive process ecosystem like FireStart does exactly this. FireStart helps take the stress off employees by automating the tasks that humans don’t have time for (like filling forms with data). Then, humans can have the time for faster decision-making and improved company innovation. The end result is a winning recipe that helps manufacturing businesses stay viable in a time of economic uncertainty.

Cutting down on time can mean errors in the traditional sense. Making a process faster in the past created a microcosm of stress on employees, causing a macro “bullwhip” effect further down the supply chain. Automation however utilizes robotic intelligence to ensure that human errors (like copying and pasting the wrong information or accidentally inputting the wrong amount) don’t cause disruptions and potential lost costs.

 means that manufacturing companies can request resources in minutes, generate purchase orders instantly, and integrate all the digital paperwork into one robust system so details don’t get lost. Automated procurement systems make it possible for humans to have more headspace to develop relationships with vendors, see areas for potential innovation, and strategically plan to negate potential disasters.

Future-proofing is on everyone’s lips right now as we prepare to head into 2022. Manufacturing companies want to be more cost-efficient so they can future-proof themselves against the detrimental effects of Covid-19 that continue to haunt the industry.

Automating the entire supply chain means processes are leaner and more precise. There are no more hiccups with the wrong amount of raw materials being ordered, meaning more cash in the reserve. Employees have more time to make crucial decisions rather than filtering through lengthy spreadsheets, saving costs on staff hours. Partnerships with suppliers can be strengthened, leading to more problem solving like developing improved distribution infrastructure. A more nimble, more refined supply chain means at every corner, cost-efficiency can be boosted, helping manufacturing businesses to be more resilient.

We’re sure you’ve heard about the warnings of not automating. 

 was a problem even before the pandemic began. What is becoming common among manufacturing businesses is a “nerve-center” or control tower approach to manage business processes so manufacturers can survive.

The hidden cost of not automating is the small costs that mount up throughout the supply chain, leading to massive potential losses. Automating business manufacturing processes is about building resilience for the future. Industry analysts like 

 are stressing the importance of a future supply chain built on automation in order to future-proof against further disruption.

This kind of future-proofing goes beyond automating invoices to suppliers. It’s more about having clarity over your entire supply chain, knowing where resources are being allocated and how much stock is in the reserve at all times. It’s about instantly generating Billing of Materials (BOMs) so that you can the stock you need in time to make the next shipment. With a robust iBPMS platform like FireStart, you can not only orchestrate all your processes but also create automations to alleviate the workload from existing staff, and better gain better insights with process intelligence.

chose to digitize key business manufacturing processes with FireStart and as a result, have future-proofed themselves years to come. Lenze, a global innovative automation company specializing in solutions for mechanical engineering, is now 75% more resilient. They reduced their product portfolio by 50% leading to 10% more output. So far, they report better synergy between their staff and the technology they use, while also being more efficient in their daily tasks.

Intelligent process automation helped Lenze to be an example of what manufacturing companies can be. Increasing productivity by focusing on the products that matter, all the while outputting more to bring in more revenue and meet customer demands. The world may feel more uncertain than ever, but automation is how we can step forward on solid ground.

Try FireStart free by contacting our friendly sales team.

Want to learn more about workflow optimization?

Avoid the costs of not automating and face the challenges every manufacturer is dealing with.

Manufacturing companies face hardships ahead because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The good news is that digital process automation can help, setting a new standard for the future.

5 Reasons Why Every Company Should Automate Manufacturing Processes

New hires want to start providing value, and 

wants to help all new employees to start quickly. So why doesn’t every new hire start contributing as soon as they step into the office on day one? Often, it has to do with steps in the 

 that are still running manually. Logins need to be set up, papers need to be signed, and payroll needs to be informed with all the employee data – all these processes take far too much time when done manually.

 has risen in awareness for its citizen-developed software bots. Members of the HR team are now able to create and deploy their own software robots to automate their previously manual tasks.

The problem now facing citizen developer teams is to do with organization. Multiple active robots can be difficult to keep track of when considering an entire end-to-end workflow. 

Added transparency over where robots are running

 and what tasks need to be approved can greatly help HR teams to perform as one with people and technology.

Onboard employees with UiPath robots and FireStart governance

Onboarding new talent is a crucial step to building an organization with talented individuals. The onboarding process itself has many manual tasks that can result in disorganized communication, delayed starting time, and sometimes, incorrect employee information. FireStart can resolve organizational onboarding issues by 

, FireStart and UiPath together can make the onboarding process seamless.

 in FireStart, detailing all the necessary steps to streamline the overall workflow. Then, automate each task by integrating UiPath robots to do previously manual tasks in minutes. Generate contracts automatically and 

, and generate employee logins and passwords. Easily register employees with payroll, accounting, e-learning, and other IT systems in seconds.

By the end of the workflow, new candidates have electronically signed all necessary documents, IT permissions have been approved, and new hires are ready to start on their first day. Automating the onboarding workflow means the HR team has more time to focus on real people, 

helping HR professionals boost their time efficiency.

Only one platform for multiple applications

. In any process, employees can login and see exactly which tasks they have to complete and where RPA software bots are running in the process. This means that even with multiple UiPath robots being triggered by FireStart, the bots always return to FireStart to finish the process.

Users can create UiPath queue items directly from FireStart. To check the status, users can create a periodic check with FireStart timer events to see if the queue item is in process or complete. When the timer event is complete, the completed UiPath activity returns to FireStart and the workflow continues.

With a range of integrations like SAP, Celonis, and 

, the entire process itself is completely streamlined. FireStart empowers users to contain all pieces of a process in one place, so no data ever goes missing, and every member of the team can see a process status.

Talk to an Account Executive for a complimentary demo or sign up for a free trial.

Interested in learning more?

Orchestrate your onboarding processes even if you have existing RPA solutions in place.

Use UiPath and FireStart to orchestrate your onboarding process to improve the hiring process. UiPath RPA and FireStart Process Management together can improve governance and help make the best impression on new recruits.

Delivering a meaningful onboarding for each employee is an important step in building a flourishing company. The HR department are experts in managing people, so it’s crucial that they’re not weighed down by excess paperwork. Using UiPath and FireStart together empowers your company to seamlessly onboard new hires in less time than you think.

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