Finding ways to be efficient and save money is more important than ever. That's where low code platforms, like those in the Microsoft Power Platform suite, come into play.
These tools are a real game-changer for Business Process Management (BPM). They help you streamline operations, cut costs, and boost productivity—all without needing to be a coding expert.
Imagine being able to create and automate workflows with just a few clicks. Well, hopefully, soon, you won’t have to imagine it.
In this blog, we’ll go over what is low code BPM, the benefits, Microsoft solutions you can use, and some examples to get your ideas flowing.
Low code BPM refers to the use of visual development environments to design and automate business processes. These platforms enable users to create workflows, integrate systems, and manage data with minimal hand-coding, making it accessible to a broader range of employees.
Low code Business Process Management (BPM) automation is transforming how businesses build and manage workflows. By minimizing the need for complex coding, low code platforms empower teams to design, deploy, and update applications faster and more efficiently. Let’s look at the key benefits of low code BPM automation, along with practical examples for each one.
Low code platforms drastically reduce the time and resources needed for development by eliminating the need for extensive coding. This leads to significant cost savings in the development phase. Additionally, with fewer lines of code, applications are easier and cheaper to maintain and update, further reducing overall maintenance costs.
Example
A company needed to develop a custom CRM system to manage customer interactions and sales processes. Traditionally, this would have required hiring a team of developers and several months of coding.
By using a low code BPM platform, the company’s business analysts were able to build the CRM system themselves using drag-and-drop tools. This reduced development costs by more than half and cut the project timeline from six months to just six weeks.
Additionally, when the sales team requested new features like automated follow-up emails and customizable dashboards, the changes were implemented in days rather than weeks.
This agility not only saved on development costs but also reduced maintenance expenses, as the platform allowed in-house teams to handle updates without needing external developers.
Applications and workflows can be developed and deployed much faster compared to traditional coding methods, leading to quicker implementation of solutions.
Automating repetitive tasks also streamlines processes, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic activities that add greater value to the business.
Example
An HR department used low code BPM automation to streamline their employee onboarding process. Previously, new hires had to manually fill out multiple forms, which were then reviewed and entered into various systems by HR staff. This manual process was time-consuming and prone to errors.
By implementing a low code solution, the HR team created a workflow that automatically collected new hire information, verified the data, and entered it into the HR management system. The workflow also triggered notifications to IT for setting up email accounts and to finance for payroll setup.
This automation reduced the onboarding time from several days to just a few hours, freeing up HR staff to focus on employee engagement and strategic initiatives.
Low code platforms allow for quick adjustments and iterations, enabling businesses to respond swiftly to changing market conditions. These solutions are also highly scalable, meaning they can easily grow with the business, ensuring long-term viability and adaptability to future needs.
Example
A retail business used low code BPM automation to manage its inventory and order fulfillment processes. Initially, the system was designed to handle a single storefront’s inventory. However, as the business expanded to multiple locations and launched an online store, inventory management became more complex.
Using a low code platform, the company quickly adapted its workflows to accommodate new sales channels and store locations. The platform’s drag-and-drop tools allowed the operations team to modify workflows to include new inventory checks, order routing, and fulfillment processes without any coding.
When the company ran seasonal sales, it scaled the system to handle higher order volumes, ensuring seamless customer experiences. The flexibility of the low code platform allowed the business to rapidly respond to market demands and growth opportunities, proving its long-term scalability and adaptability.
The following are 3 Power Platform applications you’ll use, Power Automate, and most likely use, Power Apps and Power BI:
Here is a list of real-world applications that help organization save time and money with BPA:
1. Customer Service
2. Human Resources
3. Sales and Marketing
Low code BPM automation, particularly with tools like Microsoft Power Platform, offers a powerful solution for businesses looking to save time and money.
By reducing development costs, increasing efficiency, and providing enhanced flexibility, these platforms empower organizations to stay competitive in an ever-evolving market. If you’re looking for an organization to help you implement and improve BPA, we’re happy to help.
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