With the growth of technology increasing the speed with which tasks are completed, businesses are on a thin line that requires they make their processes faster and easier for customers. Using software to effectively streamline the diverse operations required to maximise productivity is the easiest way to achieve this feat.
For the rest of this article, we will look at different ways software can help boost business productivity and provide examples for such.
Five ways to streamline processes through software
Productivity rate can be boosted when a business streamline processes through software. Five of those ways are explained below.
- Automate Repetitive Tasks
Repetitive tasks can result in large draining of mental strength in workers. Research has found that 90% of workers spend their time at work on repetitive tasks they felt was “boring.” Spending half of the day performing repetitive tasks that hinder productivity is similar to hiring Messi to work as a ball boy. By automating tasks, businesses can reduce time wasted and increase productivity rate by as much as 1.4% annually.
A popular example of this is scheduling a meeting using Google Calendar. By merely setting up an event on Google, you can share the event with other involved parties or add them directly to the event, which cuts off the time and energy wasted on creating individual reminders.
- Centralised data and communication
There are numerous situations where people have spent precious time on unrelated tasks due to misunderstanding in communication. Inefficient communication and disorganised data has been shown to mislead organisation, as well as governments. According to research conducted by Expert Market, workplace failure is tied to ineffective communication. The research also found that 28% of employees blame lack of communication as the reason for workplace failure.
Zoom is an example of next-gen software that is effective in centralising data, which directly affects communication. Businesses have shown as much as 25% boost in productivity thanks to efficient communication. With Zoom, organisations can use its Mail and Calendar, Call, and Team Chat among others, it is easier to share data, and increase communication rates effectively.
- Streamline workflow
Businesses often involve different processes that will lead to complex workflows. When the workflow is complex and not categorised to enhance understanding, it affects productivity rate. By clearly distinguishing workflows, identifying blockages, and automating certain tasks, businesses can maximise efficiency, reduce errors, and speed up the pace of operations. Streamlining processes through automation according to research, increases productivity while keeping 89% of workers more satisfied with their jobs.
- Enhanced Project Management
Project managers are one of the most important parts of any business. But a project manager that depends on old-school techniques to run an organisation will likely run it down or lose his/her job due to the speed of delivery. An effective way to overcome this is by making use of software to streamline business processes, and increase productivity rate. Research shows that organisations 71% of who infuse agile project management in the running of their businesses experience have better competitive edge.
Software such as Asana reduces the lengthy, confusing processes involved in project management. With Asana, you can create a team and have them collaborate in one medium, increasing ease of communication and success of the project.
- Improved customer service
As with other articles we have published on using software to maximise competitive edge, this one also falls towards customer service. Except in movies, a business with terrible customer service will eventually close down its gates. This process can be optimised by using software such as CRM. CRM software allows organisations centralised customer data, respond to customer queries, and track interactions. This is invaluable for any business hoping to scale its competitive advantage.
HubSpot is a popular CRM tool that many businesses of every size are implementing in their services. The software has a universal chat-box that allows businesses to provide responses to every concern proposed by customers without having to inquire from team members on particular customer history.
