What are the common challenges and risks of workflow automation and how can you overcome them?

1 Data quality and security

One of the main challenges of workflow automation is ensuring the quality and security of the data that is used, processed, and stored by the automated systems. Poor data quality can lead to errors, inconsistencies, and inefficiencies in the workflow outcomes. Data security can be compromised by cyberattacks, unauthorized access, or human error. To overcome these challenges, you need to implement data validation, verification, and cleansing procedures, as well as data encryption, backup, and recovery mechanisms. You also need to follow data governance and compliance standards and policies, and train your staff on data protection and best practices.

2 Change management and adoption

Another challenge of workflow automation is managing the change and adoption of the new systems and processes by your staff, customers, and stakeholders. Workflow automation can cause resistance, confusion, or anxiety among some people who may fear losing their jobs, skills, or control. It can also require significant investment, training, and support to ensure a smooth transition and integration. To overcome these challenges, you need to communicate the benefits, goals, and expectations of workflow automation clearly and frequently, and involve your staff, customers, and stakeholders in the design, testing, and feedback of the automated workflows. You also need to provide adequate training, guidance, and incentives to help your people adapt and embrace the new ways of working.

3 Scalability and flexibility

A third challenge of workflow automation is ensuring the scalability and flexibility of the automated systems and processes to meet the changing needs and demands of your organization. Workflow automation can sometimes create rigidity, complexity, or dependency on the existing systems and processes, which can limit your ability to respond to new opportunities, challenges, or requirements. To overcome these challenges, you need to design your automated workflows with scalability and flexibility in mind, using modular, reusable, and adaptable components and logic. You also need to monitor, evaluate, and update your automated workflows regularly, using data analytics, feedback, and testing tools, to ensure they are performing optimally and meeting your objectives.

4 Technical issues and maintenance

A final challenge of workflow automation is dealing with the technical issues and maintenance of the automated systems and processes. Workflow automation can encounter glitches, bugs, or failures due to software errors, hardware malfunctions, network disruptions, or human mistakes. These can cause delays, disruptions, or losses in your workflow outputs and outcomes. To overcome these challenges, you need to establish a robust technical support and maintenance system, with clear roles, responsibilities, and procedures for troubleshooting, fixing, and preventing technical issues. You also need to ensure your automated systems and processes are compatible, interoperable, and updated with the latest software, hardware, and security standards and features.