And yes, spoiler alert: it’s worth the investment. Why? Because business process automation consulting does more than just save time — it changes how your business performs, providing the tools to scale smarter, not harder.
Let’s dive deeper into “why”.
Why investing in business process automation consulting pays off
There are countless processes organizations can automate but usually they are:
- Simple and repetitive
- Paper-based
- Research-heavy
- Involves multiple people
- Performed frequently
- Time-sensitive
- Prone to errors
- Requires an audit trail
- Have high impact, etc.
With automation handling routine work 24/7, tasks that would normally take days or weeks are completed in a fraction of the time. This acceleration of processes leads to faster turnaround times, enabling companies to take on more business without increasing labor costs. For instance, a company that automates its order fulfillment process can process more orders in less time, boosting revenue while lowering per-unit costs.
Therefore, process automation is a powerful option for companies looking to streamline operations and eliminate inefficiencies. Whether it’s managing invoices, billing, or other repetitive tasks, the reality is that handling these processes is essential for the smooth functioning of any company. But what if businesses could reclaim the time spent on these routine tasks and reinvest it into areas that drive growth? With process automation, that’s what’s possible.
Note: While automation can save time and costs, it’s not always as simple as “plugging in” new software. As such, it's advisable to consult with business automation experts to ensure you're automating the right processes with the right tools, tailored to your unique needs. Without competent guidance, businesses risk costly mistakes, misaligned processes, or wasted tech investments. A consultant can help you avoid these pitfalls, so your automation works properly.
How automation helps businesses stay profitable
- Rapid return on initial investment
According to the 2022 State of Process Automation report, nine out of ten decision-makers (89%) report that process automation has contributed to business growth over the past year, with a third stating they've achieved at least 100% return on investment (ROI) within that time. This makes it clear why investing in business process automation consulting can be such a game changer.
Although investing in BPA consulting may seem like a significant upfront cost, especially for SMEs, the reality is that the initial cost is quickly recouped, often delivering long-term benefits that far outweigh the original investment.
What does your initial investment convert into?
- Reduced operational costs
One of the primary ways BPA delivers a fast ROI is through cost reductions. Manual operations are time-consuming and highly susceptible to errors. Automation eliminates these bottlenecks by speeding up workflows, reducing human error, and lowering the overall need for labor. This means businesses can operate leaner, reducing costs associated with redundant tasks. For instance, if a business spends 10 hours a week on manual data entry, automating the process eliminates that time drain, allowing those hours to be better utilized while saving on labor costs.
- Increased productivity
BPA consultants help businesses identify bottlenecks in their operations and develop automation strategies to resolve them. This can mean automating everything from invoicing and inventory management to customer service, allowing employees to focus on tasks that require their creativity rather than monotonous work. Automation not only reduces costs but also significantly boosts productivity. In fact, using automation technology has significant returns for businesses, with 73% believing it has improved their quality of work and 79% saying it has improved their productivity, as per the source.
- Scalability for growing businesses
Scalability through business process automation is especially crucial for startups. The systems you relied on with just a handful of customers won’t hold up when your customer base grows to 500 or even 5,000. If your business growth is stalling because your processes are too manual or complex to handle higher demand, you’re missing out on potential revenue.
Picture this: a SaaS startup that starts with a small client base but grows quickly as its product gains traction. Initially, managing customer onboarding, support requests, and billing might be handled manually. However, as the user base expands, these processes can become overwhelming. By automating onboarding workflows, customer support ticketing, and billing through automation tools, the startup can scale its operations without increasing the staff or losing efficiency. Therefore, BPA allows you to scale your operations smoothly, without needing to invest heavily in additional workforce or manual processes.
Another key aspect is flexibility. Startups often pivot or grow unpredictably. Automation tools — especially low-code platforms — allow for quick adaptation. For instance, if a startup initially focuses on a small product but later expands to offer additional services, BPA allows them to quickly add new processes, such as customer management or product tracking, without having to redesign their entire workflow system.
Akveo’s case
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
- Better insights — better decision-making
In any workplace, there are always many moving parts. One team might rely on another for critical information, or someone may need to assess how various efforts are performing.
When the necessary data isn't easily accessible, it becomes challenging to make confident decisions. Instead of wasting time tracking down information scattered across different platforms, automation streamlines the process, making it easier to gather and analyze data for better, more informed decision-making.
Thus, data centralization through BPA integration eliminates silos, allowing decision-makers to access comprehensive reports and analytics. For instance, a retail business that automates sales data, inventory levels, and customer feedback can gain a holistic view of its performance, helping leaders make informed decisions.
Moreover, automation fosters a data-driven culture within organizations. Employees become accustomed to relying on insights derived from automated data analysis rather than intuition, leading to more strategic decision-making across all levels. An e-commerce platform, for example, might analyze past purchasing behavior to anticipate customer needs. Or a marketing team can use automated insights to design more effective targeted campaigns rather than getting “stuck on” data gathering.
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Checklist: signs you need business process automation consulting
Consider these key points when evaluating business automation. If you find yourself answering "yes" to at least half, it might be time to explore consulting.
☐ Manual processes are slowing you down
Repetitive tasks like data entry, invoicing, or employee onboarding are taking up too much time and draining resources that could be spent on strategic activities.
☐ Errors are becoming frequent
Manual processes are prone to errors, especially when dealing with large datasets or complex workflows. Frequent mistakes are a strong indicator that automation can enhance accuracy.
☐ Too many disconnected systems
If your team is working with multiple platforms that don't “communicate” well with each other, automating data flow between these systems can improve efficiency and reduce “friction”.
☐ Scaling is a challenge
As your business grows, manual workflows that once worked become cumbersome. If your processes can’t scale efficiently, it’s time to automate.
☐ Lack of real-time insights
When decision-making is delayed due to data being scattered across systems, automation can provide real-time insights that empower faster, more informed decisions.
☐ High operational costs
If manual processes are inflating labor and operational costs, automation can significantly cut expenses, offering a quick return on investment.
☐ Inconsistent customer experience
If customers are experiencing delays or inconsistencies due to manual workflows, automating these processes can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
☐ Compliance and regulatory challenges
If your business is struggling to keep up with ever-changing regulations or compliance requirements, automation can help ensure you stay compliant by standardizing processes and maintaining accurate audit trails.
☐ Automation is hard to implement
If your team is facing difficulties with implementing business process automation due to inexperience or technical challenges, it’s a clear sign you need expert assistance to avoid setbacks and ensure a smooth start.
☐ You’re missing out on growth opportunities
If you find your team is too bogged down in operational tasks to focus on innovation or growth, automation can free up the resources you need to seize new opportunities.
How to choose the right business automation experts
With 88% of businesses planning to increase their investment in process automation over the next several years, choosing the right consultant becomes crucial to ensure your investment is well-spent and not wasted.
Selecting a business process automation consultant isn't just about technical know-how; it’s about finding a partner who understands your company’s unique challenges and can tailor solutions to maximize your investment. A skilled consultant will analyze your workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement strategies that drive growth.
At Akveo, we specialize in business process automation services among other things, offering everything from low-code/no-code development to workflow automation and system integration. If you need our help or advice in automating your business, don't hesitate to contact us!
"Am I really losing valuable hours to manual tasks? Is automating processes worth the expense, especially when my budget is already tight?" These are the kinds of concerns that many business owners grapple with. It’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day grind, thinking your current processes are "good enough." But what if you could free up more time, reduce errors, and focus on the bigger challenges?
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
