Jonathan Malone-McGrew of Solimar Systems examines three common myths about workflow management systems, and explains why making the switch could benefit far more than your bottom line.
The efficiency-enhancing benefits of workflow management systems are proven to deliver many quantifiable advantages for print companies. Yet, there is no doubt that changing processes that may have been in place for many years, perhaps even since day one, can be daunting.
Resistance may spring from a desire to maintain the status quo — the ‘if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it’ school of thought. But more often than not it stems from genuine concerns, such as how the change might impact staff morale, or if it will interrupt existing processes.
Myth 1: new workflow processes will demotivate staff
One of the most common concerns we hear from companies who are considering upgrading to a workflow management system is how staff will react. A company’s greatest asset is its people and so it is absolutely right that the impact of new technology on morale is considered. However, when the transition is handled correctly, the introduction of new technology can actually have a hugely positive effect on staff: by freeing them from tedious manual processes and giving them opportunities to do more value-added tasks. This is supported by a report from McKinsey which examines workers’ attitudes to automation.
Nearly 60% of workers surveyed estimated that they could save six or more hours a week if the repetitive aspects of their jobs were automated, with nearly three-quarters (72%) saying they would use the time to do work that is more valuable for their organisation. Even more, 78%, would focus on the more interesting and rewarding aspects of their jobs.
Myth 2: we can’t afford new commercial software
Cost is, understandably, a key consideration when investing in any new technology. However, as with any investment, it is essential to look beyond the purchase price and consider how much extra revenue it could generate.
The right workflow management solution will be able to deliver a rapid Return on Investment (ROI). Based on feedback from Solimar customers, we know that typical benefits include: a reduction in onboarding time from 20 minutes to 20 seconds; increased visibility, tracking and reporting; a reduction in the cost of storage through better archive processes; and an added capability to accept additional work types while adding differentiated value-adds.
Myth 3: new workflow software won’t be compatible with existing systems
This is a common concern regarding workflow management systems, and it is not without foundation. Many of the software solutions on the market today rely on custom programming, requiring companies to employ highly-skilled programming staff to operate them, or employ the services of third-party programmers, which can be costly and may not provide the same level of responsiveness as in-house staff. This is often a deal-breaker for companies. At the very least it can negatively impact the solution’s long-term maintenance costs.
[sc name=”subscribe-socialmedia” ]
[sc name=”submit-newsvideos” ]
SOLIMAR
https://www.solimarsystems.com
