How software automation can help your business
Using software to automate key tasks provides some significant opportunities for businesses to be more efficient, reduce costs, improve accuracy, and get things done more quickly. Automation software can:
- Eliminate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing employees to focus on more valuable activities. Automating manual processes also means businesses can reduce labour costs associated with routine tasks.
- Reduce the risk of human errors that can occur during data entry, calculations, and other repetitive tasks. This can lead to improved accuracy and consistency in processes such as financial reporting. It can also provide real-time data and insights, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.
- Create savings in areas like paper and printing, postage, and manual data entry.
- Support scalability to accommodate business growth. Whether you have 10 customers or 10,000, automation tools can handle increased workloads without a commensurate increase in staffing needs
Below is a selection of some of the specific tasks that can be automated, or where element of automation can support achieving the objectives.
Data management
Automation can improve data management by automatically collecting, organising, and storing data. This means better data accuracy and ability to access data and reporting more quickly and easily, which is crucial for decision-making. Solutions Review has a comprehensive guide to the leading software available, but you should have some background in databases / data management to help inform your selection.
Task scheduling and reminders
There are a range of software tools and apps that can schedule and manage tasks, send reminders, and prioritise work, ensuring that important activities are not overlooked. This is now a common feature of many office software packages, and this guide from TechRadar recommends some of the best, including those from Microsoft and Google.
Marketing and sales
Automating elements of your marketing, particularly in relation to your online channels, can allow you to more easily deliver personalised marketing campaigns, track customer interactions, and nurture leads, helping you to improve conversion rates and customer retention. Zapier have a run-down of some of the top software packages for different sizes and types of business.
Stock or inventory management
Stock or inventory management systems can use automation to help you manage stock levels, contributing to reducing overstocking or understocking, provide up-to-date information on inventory status, and even re-order automatically. Forbes has a list of recommended software providers.
Financial processes
It is getting easier to automate financial processes like bookkeeping, accounts payable, invoicing and accounts receivable, tax compliance, payroll, and expense management. Much well-known financial software includes these features already, such as Quickbooks and Xero. See StartUps for a suggested list of recommended financial software.
Workflow automation
Workflow automation tools can automate entire processes, from initiation to completion, ensuring that tasks are completed in a logical sequence and without manual intervention. Technology Advice has a list of recommended software to help you get started with finding a solution.
Predictive analytics
Predictive analytics can be used to anticipate customer behaviour, market trends, and operational needs, helping your business make better informed decisions. Automation tools can provide valuable insights into operational performance, helping businesses identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Tech Target recommends some of the best pieces of software, but some training or familiarity with the concepts and processes can be helpful to get the most from this type of software
In summary, automation software offers numerous opportunities for businesses to optimise their processes, reduce costs, and drive growth. By strategically implementing automation in various aspects of their operations, businesses can become more efficient, agile, and competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Learn more
Articles
Business Essentials – VAT
VAT (Value Added Tax) is added to most products and services sold by VAT registered businesses. The main rate of VAT in the UK is currently 20%, although some goods and services are vatable at the reduced rate of 5% or are zero rated. There are also goods and services that are exempt from VAT or fall outside of scope for VAT.
Business Essentials – Associated Companies
From April 2023 the Corporation Tax rules changed, with the headline being an increase in the main rate of Corporation Tax to 25%. From this date, companies whose taxable profit was less then £50,000 would be subject to the small profit rate of 19% Corporation Tax. Companies with profits between £50,000 and £250,000 will pay a gradually increasing effective rate of taxation due to something known as marginal rate relief.
Empowering Neurodiverse Entrepreneurs from Day One
By recognising and supporting neurodivergent talent, we help create a more inclusive and innovative business environment for all. Everyone benefits when different ways of thinking are welcomed and supported.
Events
31st March 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Workshop: Social Mission (repeat)
So, you’re starting a social enterprise. What difference will this make? What is the problem you want to solve? How will you know if anything has changed. This session will introduce you to setting out your vision and measuring your impact, making sure you are having a positive impact on your community and providing a market solution to a social need.
01st April 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Webinar: Employing People
Employing people for the first time can be daunting. There are so many rules and responsibilities to understand, some of which you may be aware of, but be unsure how to apply them, and others may be totally new to you.
02nd April 20259:30 am - 11:30 amFREE
SCARBOROUGH: Growth Hub Roadshow
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? The Growth Hub roadshow is heading to Scarborough Rugby Club , on Wednesday 2 April.
Resources
Making Values Pay: Webinar Series
Each session is designed to provide practical insights and actionable takeaways whether you’re looking to strengthen your procurement strategy, enhance your marketing, or boost employee engagement.
DIY Health Check For Your Website
Ever wondered how to check how healthy your website is? In this session, we’ll explain step-by-step how to run your own 'website health check' using free and low-cost tools. We’ll cover the fundamentals of your website, including quick checks and easy wins in UX, SEO, and accessibility.
Business Basics Series: Webinar Recordings & Blogs
Delivered by Jo Tomlinson of Business Works UK, these resources provide a guide to key subjects such as bookkeeping, pricing, VAT, company structure, and the responsibilities associated with owning a business.