A Guide to Business Process Automation in Retail & Ecommerce

Nicole Laurier • January 28, 2025

From managing inventory to processing sales data, repetitive manual tasks can drain employee time and increase the risk of costly errors. Whether you operate a brick-and-mortar store or an eCommerce platform, these challenges can impact productivity and profitability long before your product reaches the shelves.

Business Process Automation (BPA) offers a game-changing solution by eliminating the need for manual data processing. BPA Platform automates essential retail tasks such as updating product information, generating sales reports, and handling returns, allowing employees to focus on more strategic responsibilities. By reducing operational costs, minimizing human error, and streamlining workflows, automation empowers retail businesses to process sales and manage critical data more efficiently—all without employee intervention. Keep on reading for more details!

What is a Business Process?

Business processes refer to a series of interrelated tasks or activities performed within an organization to achieve a specific goal or deliver a desired outcome. They represent the systematic way in which work is organized, executed, and monitored to ensure smooth operations and efficient resource utilization.

Business processes can encompass various functional areas such as sales, marketing, finance, human resources, operations, customer service, and much more. These processes often involve the flow of information, materials, or services across different departments or individuals, following predefined rules or guidelines. They can range from simple tasks to complex workflows, and their optimization is crucial for enhancing productivity, quality, and overall organizational performance.

Automated Business Process Examples

So what types of business processes can be automated? Well, the list is endless and is dependent on the type of business or company structure that it is going to be applied to, and the specific needs, goals and challenges of the organization.

Business process automation provides the ability to carry out and fulfill business processes without human intervention. These processes can cover a wide variety of business activities, tasks or workflows, ranging from order management and financial reporting, to data monitoring and critical notifications. Likewise, automated workflows can be used across a variety of industries and functions, from customer service and marketing, to finance and HR.

Here are some common examples of business processes that can be automated:

Invoice processing: Automating the invoice processing workflow involves capturing invoice data, validating it against predefined rules, routing it for approvals, and generating payment notifications. This automation can streamline the accounts payable process, reduce manual data entry, and improve accuracy.
Order fulfillment: Automating order fulfillment involves integrating systems for order capture, inventory management, order processing and shipping. Automated workflows can help track orders, update inventory levels, generate shipping labels and send order status notifications to customers.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Automating CRM processes involves capturing and managing customer data, tracking interactions and automating communication workflows. This automation can help in lead generation, sales pipeline management, customer segmentation and personalized marketing campaigns.
Performance reporting: Automating performance reporting involves collecting data from various sources, aggregating it, and generating reports for analysis. Automated reporting can save time, provide real-time insights and enable data-driven decision-making.
Expense management: Automated systems can capture expense data, validate it against policies, route it for approval and streamline reimbursement processes, saving time and reducing errors.

Why BPA Platform is the Right Choice

BPA Platform provides the tools needed to quickly and easily build automated processes that are unique to the way a business works. It allows for changing business environments by providing the flexibility for automated processes to be adapted or completely re-written to meet new conditions.

BPA Platform also provides a powerful and flexible workflow automation solution for managing and monitoring the flow of work within an organization, ensuring that business rules are adhered to and administration is removed. It permits users to receive and authorize multi-level workflow jobs, regardless of the device and business system the workflow starts or ends within, and creates an audit trail for complete peace of mind.

Additionally, BPA Platform makes it extremely easy to automate any number of data management alerts and notifications for a host of different scenarios. They can be sent automatically in response to predefined conditions or events and be used to notify customers, partners or administrators of important, informative or critical system events.

BPA Platform can monitor business systems for key data changes (to business rules) and automatically send email or SMS business alerts to both internal and external recipients when needed. They can be generated based on specific business events, such as stock level notifications, sales notifications, delivery alerts, service alerts, credit control notifications, support team updates or warehouse alerts.

Ready to Automate your Business?

Business Process Automation (BPA) is transforming the retail industry by streamlining operations, reducing costs, and minimizing errors. By automating essential workflows—from inventory management to performance reporting—retail businesses can save time, improve accuracy, and focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. With the flexibility and robust functionality of BPA Platform, your business can adapt to changing demands and achieve greater efficiency.

Ready to unlock the potential of automation for your retail operations? Contact Fisher Technology today to learn how BPA can elevate your business processes and drive lasting success.

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Leveraging BPA Platform for Digital Transformation

December 17, 2024

Digital transformation is a broad and complex process, and navigating it successfully requires the right tools and strategies. That’s where BPA Platform comes in. This powerful platform is designed to help businesses drive digital change efficiently, from automating processes to streamlining workflows and improving decision-making. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can leverage BPA Platform to accelerate your digital transformation and achieve measurable success. Why Digital Transformation Matters Digital transformation isn’t just about adopting new technologies; it’s about reshaping your business processes, culture, and customer experiences to thrive in the digital age. The right strategy can improve efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and foster innovation. However, getting there requires a clear roadmap—and the right tools. Key Components of Digital Transformation Establishing very clear business transformation objectives Identifying where current business processes do and do not align with these objectives Validating that the business transformation objectives and proposed transformation changes will deliver the desired business benefits Executing a controlled rollout program Monitoring and reporting on digital innovation achieved against the expectations set out during the validation stage Benefits of Digital Transformation Automating processes in daily operations such as order management, fulfillment, invoicing, cash collection, and expense approvals enables businesses to eliminate manual data inputting and each system can utilize real-time data. This will boost the capacity of a business, as staff and business processes become quicker and more efficient. It will also enable businesses to redeploy staff to higher-value tasks to help the business grow. With full integration between systems, every department will have access to the most up-to-date information, which will enable them to perform their jobs better as well as explore new growth opportunities and improvements to procedures. This is particularly relevant for the marketing department which will be able to analyse all the data available to deliver effective campaigns and content that customers are looking for. Much of this can also be automated, thus improving response times and making sure that the message is timely and relevant. Digital Transformation Challenges Knowledge Most businesses–regardless of size–struggle with the strategic planning aspect of business transformation. In too many instances, businesses rush out and purchase business systems badged with ‘digital transformation’ with no clear objective, process-aligned plans, validation, or rollout, monitoring, and reporting plans. Existing Systems It’s important to understand that business transformation does not necessarily mean new systems. In many instances, software integration, process automation, or portal creation will enable you to leverage your greatest assets: your existing processes, data, people, and systems. Available Budget The availability of a budget is often the number one challenge you could face, but it really shouldn’t be. If you have planned your automation and digital transformation initiative correctly, this should remove any budget objections you may face. If the business benefits exceed the initial investment there really cannot be a case for not pursuing a business transformation strategy. Using BPA Platform to Transform Your Business BPA Platform offers a comprehensive solution for organizations looking to automate and optimize their operations. Here’s how it can support each stage of your digital transformation: Identify and Validate Your Goals Before diving into any transformation effort, it’s important to understand your objectives and validate your approach. The platform provides real-time data and insights to help you align your transformation goals with tangible outcomes. Create and Execute Your Plan Once you've identified your priorities, BPA Platform empowers you to design and automate workflows that integrate seamlessly across your organization. Whether you’re automating repetitive tasks, enhancing customer interactions, or improving back-office operations, the platform ensures that execution is streamlined and scalable, making the entire transformation process more efficient. Measure and Report on Success A key part of any transformation journey is tracking progress and measuring success. BPA Platform allows you to define and monitor critical KPIs, so you can assess how well your digital transformation is progressing. With built-in reporting tools, you can easily track performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that your transformation is delivering the expected results. Getting Started with BPA Platform Embrace the power of automation, optimize your workflows, and unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation. BPA Platform is your partner in driving sustainable digital transformation across every aspect of your business. By leveraging BPA Platform’s capabilities, you can not only survive the digital revolution but thrive in it. So, what are you waiting for? Start transforming your business today!

Automated ERP Integration with BPA Platform

By Nicole Laurier • November 20, 2024

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are deployed to consolidate diverse business processes, such as finance, human resources and supply chain into a unified platform. However, many businesses install and use multiple third-party applications and business systems to perform certain tasks or operations. ERP integration is therefore essential to facilitate real-time communication and data sharing between these systems and across departments, breaking down silos and enhancing collaboration. In this article, we delve into the core concepts of ERP integration, exploring its significance in optimizing resource utilization, improving communication across departments, and providing real-time insights for informed decision-making. What is an ERP System? At its core, an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system functions as a unified database that facilitates seamless communication and collaboration between different departments. This integrated approach eliminates data silos, where information is isolated within individual departments, leading to a more holistic view of organizational data. ERP systems are designed to break down traditional barriers, fostering collaboration and enhancing decision-making processes. The architecture of an ERP system typically consists of modules, each catering to a specific business function. These modules can include finance and accounting, human resources, procurement, manufacturing, and some of them incorporate sales, and customer relationship management. The modules work in harmony, sharing a common database and ensuring consistency and accuracy of information across the organization. One of the key features of an ERP system is its ability to automate and standardize business processes. By defining standardized processes within the system, organizations can ensure that operations are carried out consistently and in accordance with best practices. This standardization not only reduces the risk of errors but also enhances operational efficiency by minimizing manual intervention. ERP systems often include reporting and analytics tools, allowing organizations to gain valuable insights into their performance. These tools enable the generation of real-time reports and dashboards, providing management with the information needed to make informed decisions. The ability to access up-to-date data empowers organizations to respond promptly to changing market conditions and make strategic adjustments as needed. Using BPA Platform for ERP integration One of the primary benefits of using BPA Platform for ERP integration is its ability to overcome the challenges posed by diverse IT landscapes. In many organizations, different departments may operate on specialized systems, each with its own data formats, protocols, and communication methods. BPA Platform acts as a unifying force, providing a common language and framework for these systems to interact seamlessly. BPA Platform also enhances the agility of ERP systems by making it easier to adapt to evolving business requirements. As organizations grow or change their operational processes, it simplifies the integration of new applications. This flexibility is particularly valuable in dynamic business environments where the ability to quickly incorporate new technologies or respond to market trends is essential. Unlock the Full Potential of Your ERP System with BPA Platform! As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, integration platforms remain a key enabler for successful ERP integration, promoting collaboration, efficiency and innovation across the enterprise. If you’re ready to take your ERP system integration to the next level, Fisher Technology is here to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can assist in optimizing your ERP integration with BPA Platform for maximum efficiency and business success.

Revolutionizing Business Efficiency with ERP and CRM Integration

By Nicole Laurier • October 23, 2024

Companies are constantly seeking tools that can streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive growth. Enter ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems—two powerful technologies that, when integrated effectively, can revolutionize business efficiency. Many businesses operate with ERP and CRM systems in silos. While each system provides its unique advantages, combining them can unlock substantial benefits. This blog explores the integration of ERP and CRM systems, highlighting its importance for seamless business operations and offering practical insights on executing a successful integration strategy. Introduction to ERP and CRM Systems ERP and CRM systems serve distinct yet complementary purposes within an organization. An ERP system is designed to manage business operations and facilitate data flow between different departments. It handles functions like accounting, supply chain, manufacturing, and human resources, providing a central hub for company data. On the other hand, CRM systems focus on managing and enhancing customer relationships. They are essential for tracking customer interactions, sales processes, and marketing campaigns. A well-implemented CRM system can help businesses nurture leads and convert them into loyal customers. Despite their individual strengths, ERP and CRM systems often operate separately. This separation can lead to inefficiencies, such as duplicated data entry and missed opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration. Integrating these systems can address these challenges, offering a unified approach to business management. The Benefits of Integrating ERP and CRM with BPA Platform Streamlined Data Management Integrating ERP and CRM systems creates a single source of truth for data within an organization. Instead of maintaining separate datasets, integration allows for centralized data management. This reduces the need for redundant data entry and minimizes the risk of errors. Furthermore, streamlined data management facilitates better collaboration between teams. Sales, marketing, and customer service can access the same up-to-date information, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding customer interactions and business processes. Improved Customer Engagement ERP and CRM integration empowers businesses to provide superior customer experiences. With a comprehensive view of customer data, companies can tailor their interactions to meet individual needs. This personalized approach fosters stronger customer relationships and increases satisfaction. Additionally, integration streamlines communication between front-end and back-end operations. When a customer questions delivery times or product availability, support teams can quickly retrieve accurate information from the ERP system, providing timely and accurate responses. Enhanced Analytics for Informed Decision Making Integrated ERP and CRM systems offer powerful analytics capabilities. By consolidating data from various sources, businesses can gain deeper insights into their operations and customer behaviors. These insights are crucial for making informed decisions and developing effective strategies. Advanced analytics also allows for predictive modeling and forecasting. Businesses can anticipate future demand, allocate resources efficiently, and plan for growth. This proactive approach helps organizations stay ahead of competitors and adapt to changing market conditions. Best Practices for Successful Integration A successful ERP and CRM integration requires careful planning and a well-defined strategy. Before embarking on the integration process, organizations should conduct a thorough assessment of their existing systems and workflows. This evaluation will identify areas that need improvement and set clear objectives for the integration. Next, creating a detailed project plan is crucial for managing the integration process effectively. The plan should outline specific tasks, timelines, and responsibilities, providing a roadmap for the implementation team. Regular progress reviews and adjustments to the plan can help keep the project on track. Lastly, it's essential to involve key stakeholders from different departments. Cross-functional collaboration ensures that all perspectives are considered, leading to a more comprehensive integration strategy that aligns with business goals. Work with Fisher to Transform your Business! The integration of ERP and CRM systems is a game-changer for businesses seeking seamless operations and enhanced customer experiences. By streamlining data management, improving customer engagement, and harnessing advanced analytics, organizations can achieve greater efficiency and competitive advantage. If you're ready to take your business operations to the next level, consider integrating your ERP and CRM systems with BPA Platform. Fisher Technology offers expert guidance and solutions tailored to your unique needs. Reach out today to schedule a meeting with our sales team and discover the potential of seamless business integration.