Programs for automation are an approach from the end. If with analogies, "give me a car wheel, and then we'll figure out where we're going and why.
Automation of a company should start with the first point of the plan, namely the setting of a business task. If the request sounded like a program to automate the warehouse or a program to automate a beauty salon, it would be more logical. Then we would be talking about a set of specific business processes that need to be automated. If there is a comprehensive program on the market that does this, then it is logical either to start using it, or at least look at what it has in order to adopt the experience or functionality to further develop their own program for automation. And if not, then you can turn to leading software development company in USA.
The main programs for automation
In this case, when we are looking for programs for automation, we are talking about template information systems that automate the business processes of organizations. Template means that they contain templates of actions and logic, which are available in the program and are not changeable. There are template editable systems, which can be slightly adjusted, but in most cases people are looking for a program which is installed and immediately useable. To understand the difference between these types of programs, we recommend reading the article about types of information systems. There about CRM-systems, but the essence is the same.
Automation programs are divided into groups of business processes that they automate. For example:
- Program for the automation of accounting;
- A program for automating the maintenance of tasks;
- A program for automating the maintenance of customer bases;
- A program for the automation of the warehouse;
- A program for the automation of production;
- And so on.
Software to automate everything
There is no program that automates everything exactly the way you need it. More precisely, they exist, but you can't find them on the request "automation software" and not download them, preferably for free. Under the definition of such systems fall ERP-systems (Enterprise Resource Planning). In fact, all that the organization works with is its resources, and such systems allow you to plan and manage those resources. Such systems are developed by the company itself using either its own resources (development department), or with the help of external contractors. You can read about how these systems are planned and developed here.
If you are looking for automation software, you need to be clear about what you want to automate first. The article on why a business needs automation and where to start will help you with this. Once you have decided, you should try to find a program that will automate this particular group of business processes. If you manage to find several, then choose the one that will suit you best based on your requirements and processes.
Common programs for automation
The prevalence of automation software depends on the prevalence of business processes in different companies and the standardization of these processes. For example, the most widespread program for automation is the well-known accounting program. This is because accounting processes are the same for all companies and are regulated by law. The second most common area for business automation software is CRM systems. These are systems for maintaining a customer base. Template CRM-systems do not take into account peculiarities of clients' management in a particular company, but they have common sections and necessary functionality, such as keeping clients, deals with clients, the ability to set tasks, so as not to forget to call the client.
CRM systems also have differences. These are also programs for automating the maintenance of a client base, but with a focus on a specific business niche. For example, a program for automating customer service in beauty salons or auto service stations. Such programs have special fields or transaction parameters responsible for a particular niche. Programs for automating medical facilities as part of transactions may have parameters for accounting for the consumption of medical drugs not in bundles, but in medical doses in milliliters.
Another common business process is the setting and control of tasks within the company. At the same time - this is an internal process of the company, which can be applied both to the production of the company's product, and to the performance of any actions and accounting for these actions. This section is also in the CRM-systems, it is designed to set tasks for managers themselves, so they do not forget. Of course, it can be used by managers to set tasks for subordinates, but there are two "buts". Firstly, it has no functionality to control the fulfillment of tasks, and secondly, not all employees are working in the CRM-system, this system is designed specifically for the use of sales staff, the manager in this system can not set the task of an accountant or lawyer. For these purposes, there are special systems, which are called in common parlance zadachnik. And, again, for each niche and area of activity they are different, for programmers some, for the project company others and combine the tasks into projects.
Special programs for automation
Next are more specialized programs for automation. These include less common business processes. For example, programs for automating project management or programs for automating a warehouse. After all, not all companies have a warehouse and not all companies carry out project work. Specialized programs include production automation systems, laboratory information systems, systems for developers and other systems that automate internal processes of a company aimed at producing a product or providing a service. Such processes are different in each company, even within the same niche.
How to get a program for automation
For small companies or when starting automation, you should look at automating a specific business process on the basis of available services. Nowadays, programs are not distributed as downloadable programs, but everything is done as Internet services, and such services are called SaaS solutions. They are paid by subscription - depending on the number of employees who use the system per month, or simply by the monthly cost of the subscription.
If you're serious about making your company fit for the digital age and automating processes, you should look at creating your own automation software that clearly meets the company's requirements and changes according to the company's changing processes.
Like subscription services, an in-house system is already set up as a service, not as a local program that needs to be put on employees' computers. It is done as a web service that is hosted on a server in your office or on the Internet, and employees log in through authorization.
It is also better to start developing your own automation system to automate a certain group of processes, department or solution of a specific task. This is more efficient in terms of cost, implementation, and design than trying to automate everything at once.