Microsoft has developed a number of tools to improve the efficiency of the processes within your business. One of those tools is SharePoint, a collaboration and document management solution. Businesses globally are now using SharePoint because of its numerous features that help to streamline different business operations.
There are several other tools out there that businesses can use to gather, organize and even analyze data but none of these tools are as good as SharePoint. Businesses that are already using SharePoint can attest to how this tool has greatly improved the way their employees work. Apart from the sharing of data, documents, and even calendars, SharePoint can be used to create workflows that are well automated.
While every business has its own processes that are unique to them, the adoption of new technology can greatly enhance each business’s operations and enable them to adapt to changing operational situations. You can utilize Microsoft 365 to automate various processes such as SharePoint workflows and so on. In this post, we discuss in detail SharePoint workflow automation and how it works.
What is SharePoint workflow automation?
SharePoint can be used to create workflows that are crucial to the efficiency of a business. These workflows include approval workflows, feedback workflows, signature workflows, publishing workflows, and the three-state workflows. In addition, users can use SharePoint to create custom workflows to help them with various processes like tracking inventory.
These workflows can be automated leading to the creation of workflow mailboxes where all emails related to a workflow are stored. Additionally, workflow notifications will be sent to users when changes have been made to a workflow. SharePoint Workflow Automation also allows for workflow task management where managers can assign tasks to employees clearly stating the start date for the task and the expected completion date. This allows employees properly plan their activities and work on tasks that are required to be completed first.
How SharePoint workflow automation works
Approval of documents manually can be cumbersome and time-consuming as it requires users to send constant emails containing the same document back and forth until a document has finally been approved. Using SharePoint workflows, you can create a workflow and automate it, allowing every user within a network to be notified once a document that requires approval has been shared.
In most cases, a document that has to be approved will have to go through 3 or more people. The administrator decides how many people are needed to approve a specific document and then configures this information when designing the workflow. A document can be approved or rejected by the approver and once this is done, an email will automatically be sent to all those involved in the workflow.
How SharePoint workflow automation can benefit your business
Enhanced communication
One of the reasons why your business might be getting undesirable results might be poor communication between employees. However, with SharePoint workflow automation, your employees are accorded a clear way in which they can communicate. Any communication made is also stored for any future reference if required.
Reduces human errors
Sometimes there are various tasks in a business entity that are required to be completed which can be overwhelming. The more the tasks are, the greater possibility of an error to be made. Using SharePoint workflow automation, errors that can lead to loss of revenue or resources are eliminated.
