What Is Process Automation?

Process automation is the automation of an existing (business) process. A business process is an organized collection of human activities related to the production of services and/or goods. Many of these human activities can now be replaced by workflow automation tools.

By automation, we mean replacing human labor with machines, computers, and software. Everything that was once done manually can now be handled by technology.

When you combine “process” with “automation,” you get process automation: replacing human tasks with software in a structured set of activities. In everyday language: you let technology take over repetitive tasks and processes from your employees.

How Does Process Automation Work?

There are countless ways to automate (business) processes. Curious about the details? Check out our article on the different types of process automation services.

In general, almost all business processes involve software systems. Sometimes one system is used, sometimes multiple. If only one system is in play, workflow automation tools ensure that certain manual actions within that system are executed automatically.

When multiple systems are involved, they are connected. That’s what we call system integration. This ensures processes are automated and streamlined across platforms.

For example: connecting an HR system to a CRM system so the two exchange information automatically. No more manual work required. In the world of process automation solutions, system integration is essential.

Process Automation and System Integration: Same or Different?

Is system integration the same as process automation? Not exactly.

By connecting two or more systems, you contribute to automation. But process automation services go beyond just linking software. It also includes internal protocols, workflows, and the routes you define between systems.

In this article, we focus on automating processes within your company that rely on software systems. That includes system integration—automating connections between software systems — which ultimately leads to smoother communication and optimized processes.

Business Process Automation: A Real-Life Example

Processes that are suitable for process automation solutions are usually rule-based and repetitive. Think of inventory management, leave requests, or HR workflows. Let’s look at a concrete example: onboarding a new employee.

First, we recommend setting up workflows to automate repetitive tasks. Thanks to workflows, processes always follow a fixed structure.

Here’s how onboarding can work step by step:

Step 1: The recruitment system signals HR with all the information needed to draft a contract.

Step 2: The contract is automatically sent for digital signing, then added to the employee file.

Step 3: Salary administration is notified so payments are set up.

Step 4: Access rights are automatically generated for the relevant systems.

Step 5: An automatic flow requests a work phone.

Step 6: A welcome gift is ordered from the florist and delivered.

Other flows include promotions, role changes, or department transfers. Thanks to workflow automation tools, it all happens seamlessly.

The Benefits of Process Automation

The benefits of process automation services are numerous. Here are the most important ones:

✔️ Time savings

Repetitive manual work is automated, freeing up time for HR, customer service, or innovation.

✔️ No stress

Machines and software don’t burn out. Automated processes run 24/7 without downtime.

✔️ Cost reduction

Lower labor costs and fewer error-related expenses.

✔️ Error prevention

Manual tasks are error-prone. Automated processes significantly reduce mistakes.

✔️ Efficiency

Automated workflows ensure data flows smoothly across systems.

✔️ Improved service delivery

Streamlined processes increase employee and customer satisfaction.

✔️ Human focus

Employees gain more time for the human side of business.

✔️ New services

Freeing up capacity allows room for new products, services, and innovation.

✔️ Sustainability

Digital automation means less paper use—better for the environment.

👉 Pro tip: map and improve processes before automating them. That way, you’ll optimize and automate in one go.

The Disadvantages of Process Automation

Of course, process automation solutions also come with challenges. First, it requires investment in time and money. Not every company has those resources.

Second, without proper know-how, risks like information security issues may arise. That’s why it’s essential to work with experienced process automation services providers or internal experts.

Who Is Process Automation For?

How do you know if your company is ready for automation? Consider these factors:

👉 Process complexity – Complex workflows are harder to manage manually.

👉 Scale – The more work you do, the more automation pays off.

👉 Organization size – More employees means more need for structure and fewer errors.

👉 Risk profile– In some industries, mistakes are unacceptable.

👉 Capacity – If staff can’t keep up, automation is the only solution.

Which Processes Do Companies Automate Most?

Almost every part of a business can benefit from automation. The most common areas are HR, Sales, and Marketing.

Popular process automation solutions include HR-core, ATS, screening, and learning management integrations. For Sales & Marketing, CRM systems, Google Ads, and feedback tools are top choices.

The Biggest Challenges in Process Automation

Even though robotic process automation (RPA) and other automation methods are widely applicable, challenges exist.

-Defining exactly which processes should be automated.

-Avoiding overcomplication by automating exceptions.

-Safeguarding data security and privacy.

How Harmonizer Approaches Process Automation Services

You’ve seen how workflow automation tools lead to more structure, time savings, and higher quality. But how does Harmonizer handle automation projects in practice?

We follow six clear steps:

Step 1: Free orientation call – We discuss your process, goals, and requirements.

Step 2: Tailor-made solution – We design the best approach and send a proposal.

Step 3: System access – We request access to the necessary software.

Step 4: Integration – Our developers implement the solution within 2–4 weeks.

Step 5: Testing – We test extensively, fix bugs, and fine-tune.

Step 6: Monitoring & support – We monitor for weeks, then provide long-term support.

That’s the ease of worry-free process automation services.