process automation
noun
Using software to carry out recurring steps in a business process based on agreed rules or events.
Process automation sends an approved order straight to the warehouse.
Copying data, sending a confirmation or checking whether an application is complete are tasks that software can often handle. Process automation connects these actions to an event or condition.
From event to action
Once a quote has been accepted, software can automatically create a project and a draft invoice. If several systems are involved, they need to exchange data, for example through an Glossary · In briefAPIAn API is a defined way for software to exchange data or call functions in other software without needing to know how that software works internally.Read more. Agreed rules for amounts, customer records and statuses still determine what happens.
Not every step needs to be automatic. An employee can assess an exception before the process continues. This keeps human judgement in the places where it is needed.
Make failures traceable
An integration may temporarily fail or receive incomplete data. The process should then show what went wrong and who needs to act. Retrying must also avoid creating the same order twice. Automation therefore needs error handling and a useful history of what happened.