The popularity of entrepreneurship has increased at an exponential rate, with people around the world opting for entrepreneurship rather than a typical job. Business Process Automation (BPA) or process automation involves a set of processes based on computing technology that helps the information, data, and operational processes of a business. The goal of BPA is to streamline operations, promote efficient utilization of resources, and reduce costs. On a micro level, BPA also aims to enhance employee productivity by taking care of redundant everyday processes all by itself and leave the conscious decision-making and strategizing to human intellect. BPA allows business organizations to build systems for centralized management and amalgamate processes through the use of technology. The trend for BPA is quite new as only large organization across the world have adopted this model. However, it is rapidly gaining acceptance due to a wide range of benefits.
BPA is being equally preferred by both large and small-sized organizations and it is setting trends in the global process automation market. The automation market forecast suggests that it is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.6 percent and it is expected to achieve a market value of approximately $178 billion by 2020. The automotive and general industrial markets have the largest market share in terms of end-user automation whereas consumer goods and technology hardware are the second biggest end-users of process automation. The European region currently dominates the process automation market and it is expected to be in the same position till 2020. In addition, MEA is also showing positive growth signs and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5 percent till 2020.
Essential Automation Tools for the Modern Entrepreneur
Modern entrepreneurs are relying on automation tools that are helpful in reducing operational costs and increasing employee efficiency.
Here are 7 BPA tools that are leading the way in the automation for startups.
1. Google Analytics
Any business that has ever had a website, knows about Google Analytics as the name needs no introduction. This is the best tool for gaining useful insights into a company’s website. Such insights include website traffic, average time spent on the website, bounce rates, location of the visitors, and revenue generation. The interface/dashboard can be customized as per the mode of tracking that can be weekly, monthly, or annually.
2. Hootsuite
This tool has been there since the early days of Facebook and Twitter. Hootsuite can help entrepreneurs and marketing professionals to streamline their customer engagement on social media platforms. The application helps businesses manage their multiple social media accounts on one platform and one device that eliminates the need for individual logins and switching devices. This is possible through a single dashboard where updates can be posted and consumer queries can be answered simultaneously.
3. Tallyfy
Tallyfy is a workflow management software that enables businesses to manage different tasks through a single platform and also maintain a step-by-step track record. The software also facilitates indirect communication by allowing the user to assign tasks to specific individuals. This can be quite helpful for managers and heads of different departments as they can give assignments to the employees and check their progress without having to communicate directly. It provides a highly efficient system where both employees and managers can save time and focus on increasing their productivity.
4. Shopify
This is a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs who are looking forward to bringing their business online. The platform allows a business to sell their products on multiple e-commerce sites without any fuss. It also facilitates social media campaigns and their management on platforms such as Facebook and Google. Various built-in free and paid tools on Shopify can successfully create and execute digital marketing campaigns. The user interface of Shopify is also quite interactive and easy as it offers multitasking by allowing the users to manage orders, shipping, and payments on a single page and gain useful insights.
5. Hubspot All-in-One Solution
Hubspot is an all-in-one solution for online sales and marketing purposes. It can be used as a classic Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that keeps track of every customer touchpoint. In addition, it also allows a business to create lead generation websites and/or landing pages for sales/conversion. Hubspot is a comprehensive platform that has the ability to act as a marketing hub, sales hub, services hub, or all at the same time. The platform offers many free of cost services alongside workforce management tools such as email tracking, document tracking, email scheduling, sales automation, lead management, pipeline management, etc.
6. IFTTT
Businesses often struggle between different apps and their usage on different devices. IFTTT is a solution that can integrate different apps and allow the user to use and manage data derived from each of the apps. The automation offered by IFTTT is on another level as it connects social media apps, business apps, personal use apps, and even the Internet of Things (IoT). This is synchronization as its peak which eliminates the need for different devices and manual management of different apps and processes. IFTTT can be used both personally and for business purposes at the same time.
7. Intercom
This is a messenger platform that allows businesses to communicate directly with their customers. Intercom offers an amazing way to communicate directly with the customers on the website and is an off-hand solution that also offers automation to an extent. The platform supports automated emails, automated customer responses, etc. The solutions offered by Intercom are available as per the company size so that they can fit the precise needs of a business.
Although there are many automation tools available that can help a business become more efficient and cost-effective, these 7 tools are ruling the industry in their respective niche and should be a top priority for entrepreneurs of the present era.
