Workflow Automation

Workflow automation is a process of linking together different applications or functions. Output from a source is automatically processed and transferred as input to another application or function. This process continues until all actions have been completed.


	How it helps If you are unfamiliar with workflow automation you may not realize the potential benefits. Or you may be familiar with the concept but believe that your process is too complex to be automated. However, modern computing systems are capable of automating almost anything. Data can be moved between applications, files can be examined, renamed and transferred over a local area network or sent across the Internet. If someone in your organization is repeating the same steps throughout the month, week or day, workflow automation can help. Examples Simple A system in a hospital required the list of active physicians to be maintained. Physicians were added and removed from the list on a frequent, but sporadic basis. RCC implemented a solution where the physician data were transferred via ftp and imported into a system in the local environment. Complex A more complicated solutions was required for a stock photography agency. Images were being created in different resolutions and needed to be renamed and transferred to appropriate directories on various servers. A solution was developed that named the image files according to their resolutions and transferred the files to the appropriate servers, creating directories as needed. Selected image files were then embedded with IPTC metadata in preparation for distribution.		The Process Observation The first step is to gather as much information as possible about your current process. This involves directly observing the actions taken by various persons in your organization, examining printed or digital information and assessing your computing environment and resources. Analysis The information gathered in the observation phase is analyzed to determine areas where workflow automation can help. Every effort is made to design a solution that uses your current computing resources. Discussion / Proposal The results of the analysis phase are presented to you, outlining where and how workflow automation can enhance your business. This is a collaborative and iterative process, using this phase to include any newly discovered needs and tailor a solution for your organization. Testing Once the coding has been completed a testing phase will begin. While every effort is made during the coding phase to replicate the workflow and environment of your company, the actual environment will undoubtedly differ to a certain extent. This phase will handle any environment or data specific anomalies. Delivery When testing has been completed the tools are delivered and installed on your systems. Our goal is to deliver a product that will permit you to make minor modifications to your environment and workflow without requiring additional coding. Interfaces can be provided to facilitate changing IP addresses, server names, user names, etc. We want you to return to RCC in the future because you want to, not because you have to.

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