In the expansive realm of digital transformation, the concept of Digital Process Automation (DPA) takes centre stage, promising to redefine the dynamics of customer onboarding and order fulfilment. Harnessing the power of low-code development tools, DPA enables businesses to revamp procedures across various applications, ensuring smooth customer journeys while optimizing core operational domains like sales, marketing, management, IT, and production. The efficiencies imparted by DPA facilitate significant time and cost savings, whilst simultaneously enhancing the overall customer experience. Specifically, it facilitates automation in procurement and other key business processes, collaborating seamlessly with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and other AI-driven tools to form Intelligent Process Automation (IPA). Its implementation involves a well-strategized process that includes recognizing apt automation candidates and coordinating with IT to ensure robust governance. At the frontline of this technological evolution are various DPA tool providers, such as Appian and IBM, offering comprehensive approaches to long-running processes and rapid automated process platform development. Profoundly impacting the digital transformation landscape since its inception by the Forrester Research in 2017, DPA continues to be a compelling catalyst in business process management evolution.
Concept of Digital Process Automation (DPA)
Understanding DPA
Imagine a world where all your tedious, manual tasks are handled smoothly, without the need for you to lift a finger. Sounds perfect, right? Welcome to the world of Digital Process Automation, commonly known as DPA. The gist of DPA is to use low-code development tools to automate tasks across numerous applications.
DPA as an Evolution of BPM
Previously, businesses have been relying on Business Process Management or BPM to streamline their operational processes. However, the arrival of DPA is considered an evolution of BPM. It was in 2017 when Forrester Research coined the term DPA, and it has been a game-changer in the realm of digital transformation ever since.
Differentiation: DPA Deep and DPA Wide
When we talk about DPA, you might across two terms – DPA Deep and DPA Wide. But what do they mean? DPA Deep is employed for processes that typically last for an extended period and may involve multiple applications. On the other hand, DPA Wide is used for rapid development of automated process platforms.
Key Benefits of DPA across Organizations
Time Savings
One of the prime benefits DPA brings to the table is that of time savings. It automates time-intensive tasks, which in turn allows the workforce to focus on strategic tasks that require human intelligence.
Cost Savings
With the automation of redundant tasks, DPA enables organizations to drastically reduce their operational costs.
Efficiency Gains
Efficiency is the name of the game in today’s competitive business world. DPA ensures businesses are functioning at their optimal with streamlined processes and reduced room for errors.
Improved Customer Experience
Not to forget, one of the prime areas where DPA excels is in enhancing customer experience. With automated processes, customers enjoy quicker and much smoother onboarding and other processes.
How DPA is Changing Customer Onboarding
Role of DPA in Customer Onboarding
Customer onboarding is that crucial phase which influences the customer’s association with the service. DPA plays a key role in automating elements of customer onboarding, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience.
Enhancing Customer Experience through DPA
Whether it’s a simple task like filling up a form or a more complex one like processing a transaction, if it’s automated, it gets done quicker and smoother. This holds true from the customer’s perspective, who invariably enjoys the seamless experience provided by DPA managed actions.
Automating Aspects of Customer Onboarding Using DPA
DPA can be employed to automate various aspects of customer onboarding like application form filling, creation of customer profiles, and initiation of welcome emails. Overall, it reduces the need for manual intervention and ensures a smoother onboarding process.
Influence of DPA on Order Fulfilment Process
Understanding DPA in Order Fulfilment
Order fulfilment can be a complex process involving multiple steps like order placement, processing, inventory check, shipping, etc. DPA can be used to automate these steps to ensure a smooth and speedy process.
Automation of Procurement process through DPA
From sending purchase orders to vendors and checking delivery status, to reviewing and processing invoices, DPA can automate the entire procurement cycle and make it more time-efficient and error-free.
Impact of DPA on Efficiency and Time-saving in Order Fulfilment
By automating various steps in the order fulfilment process, DPA greatly reduces the time taken for order processing and delivery, while also improving the efficiency of the process, making it more streamlined and error-free.
Implementation of DPA in Business Processes
Identifying Automation Candidates
While not every process can be automated, DPA is best suited for processes that are structured and involve predictable, rule-based tasks.
Coordinating with IT
Working closely with the IT department to identify and implement DPA in applicable areas of business operations is crucial.
Ensuring Governance
Implementing DPA should be in line with the organization’s strategic objectives and comply with all the necessary regulatory standards.
Starting Small to Scale
Starting small, testing and then gradually scaling up is the way to go when implementing DPA.
Integration of DPA with Other Technologies
DPA working alongside Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
DPA and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are often seen as complementary technologies. While DPA can handle complex, end-to-end processes involving multiple applications, RPA can automate simple, repetitive tasks within a single application.
Combining DPA with AI and Machine Learning for Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)
DPA when combined with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can lead to Intelligent Process Automation (IPA), taking automation to a whole new level of intelligence and capability.
The Role of DPA in Sales, Marketing, Management, IT, and Production
DPA in Sales and Marketing
In sales and marketing, DPA can handle tasks like campaign automation, lead generation, customer segmentation and many more. It makes the business processes more efficient and data-driven.
DPA in Management and IT
From automating day-to-day management tasks to streamlining IT processes, DPA is a driving force behind increasing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
DPA in Production
In the production sphere, DPA can bring about improved efficiency, accuracy and compliance by automating processes like inventory management, quality check, and production planning.
Common DPA Tools in the Market
Overview of DPA Tool Providers
The market is loaded with various DPA tool providers who offer a range of functionalities and features.
Examples: Appian, Bizagi, Bonitasoft, Genpact, IBM, etc.
Companies like Appian, Bizagi, Bonitasoft, Genpact, IBM, and Kofax are some of the leading names in providing top-notch DPA tools.
Choosing the Right DPA Tool for Your Business
Choosing the right DPA tool largely depends on your business needs, the complexity of your processes, and your budget.
Challenges and Limitations of Implementing DPA
Understanding Potential Challenges
While DPA has its share of benefits, it has challenges too. One of the prime challenges being the need for cultural acceptance of the technology within the organization.
Addressing Limitations
Though DPA can automate multiple processes, it has its limitations as well, especially when it comes to complex, non-structured tasks.
Ongoing Management and Improvement of DPA Systems
Once DPA is implemented, it’s important to have a management process in place to monitor and optimize the system on an ongoing basis.
Case Studies of Successful DPA Implementation
Case Study 1: DPA in Enterprise
Enterprises have greatly benefitted from DPA, with some saving millions in operational costs and experiencing drastic improvement in efficiency.
Case Study 2: DPA in Small Business
Even small businesses are now adopting DPA to automate their processes and improve their productivity and customer experience.
Key Learnings from DPA Implementation
The successful implementation of DPA across businesses of different sizes shows the versatility of DPA and its potential to reshape business operations for the better.