7 steps to integrating backend systems
About Services Print Room as a Service Managed Print Security Visitor Management Accreditations Insights Contact About Support Contact Menu 7 steps to integrating backend systems June 8, 2023 Share this story Learn more Process Automation Solutions Contact us Most businesses will have unconnected, disparate backend systems operating in isolation and unable to speak to each other. The result is loss of time, productivity and a greater margin for error as manual handoffs and data entry become necessary to bridge the gaps. Many of our customers know that automated workflows can fix this problem but aren’t sure how to start. Here are our tips drawn from working with small and medium-sized companies on integration projects: Step 1: Assess your backend systems Start by identifying the key systems and processes to link to enhance efficiency as well as any gaps or bottlenecks that prevent smooth data flow. This assessment will give you a clear view of which areas will most benefit from process automation. Step 2: Define data integration points Once you have identified the systems to be linked, clearly define the integration points where data and tasks need to flow between systems, as well as the desired frequency and triggers. This step will help you outline the scope of automation and set clear objectives for the integration process. Step 3: Select an automation platform The next step is to evaluate automation tools that can effectively connect the workflow systems. Consider factors such as compatibility with existing systems, ease of implementation and scalability. At Ethos, our developers quickly connect your existing systems using an IPaaS tool with over 1,400 existing connectors and custom development if there aren’t connectors for your systems. Step 4: Map and design workflows Mapping and designing the workflows is the next step to determine how different data entities, such as customers, orders, or invoices, will be synchronised across systems. This involves understanding the data structures, formats and any required transformations to ensure seamless data flow. Step 5: Test systems integration Before going live, we recommend starting with smaller, less critical backend workflows to validate the integration process before moving on to more complex ones, ideally in a sandbox testing environment. Identify any issues or discrepancies and make necessary adjustments. Step 6: Monitor and optimise Once the new workflow is live, monitor data transfer, task execution, and system interactions to identify any anomalies or bottlenecks. It’s important to leverage analytics and reporting features to gain insights into workflow efficiency and identify areas for further optimisation. Step 7: Expand workflow automation Automation and integration are ongoing processes. Once you have established the effectiveness of integrating backend systems, look for opportunities to expand integration capabilities to other isolated systems. Customer success stories By following these 7 steps, you can say reduce manual handoffs and data entry. If you want a tech partner to support you, we can help. We develop bespoke automation solutions to bridge gaps between your disparate backend systems For inspiration, here are two real-world stories of companies that have linked their backend systems to create automated workflows. In the legal sector solicitors Roythornes is saving staff time and reducing process complexity, and in the construction sector, Ground Construction Limited is making operational and productivity gains. Get in touch to book a consultation with our automation and integration team. Related Stories Process automation for small and medium-sized enterprises How document conversion can save you time Device as a Service Adoption Workflow Automation in the Corporate World Hyperautomation: Revolutionising Your Business from the Inside Out 2023, the time to refresh and review. The time to take action. Careers Corporate Responsibility Global Presence Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Privacy Policy Sustainability Terms & Conditions Ethos Head Office, 72 Leadenhall Market, London, EC3V 1LT Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin
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Process automation for small and medium-sized enterprises
About Managed Print Services Print Room as a Service Managed Print Security Visitor Management Accreditations Insights Contact About Support Contact Menu Process automation for small and medium-sized enterprises May 5, 2023 Share this story Learn more Process Automation Solutions Contact us Download Report From talking to customers and understanding your pain points, we know there is interest in process automation. And with good reason – there are clear business cases for automating manual workflows, with benefits ranging from better staff satisfaction and output, less human error, improved customer experience and to more compliant processes. So, what is stopping many small and medium-sized enterprises from getting the automation ball rolling? We surveyed IT directors to better understand reasons for holding off on automation projects and their responses may ring true for many. A lack of in-house capacity to develop custom solutions was one, along with concerns about security and identifying a suitable workflow to start with. Value of process automation for SMEs This research prompted the creation of the report – The SMEs guide to process automation – How to transform manual legacy processes into time-saving, efficient workflows. In the document, you will find a list of benefits – in case you or a senior colleague need further convincing of the merits of automating manual workflows. We also offer tips from our experts on how to quantify the value of automation to see how you can tap into your ‘hidden margins’ – the cost to your business of not using staff’s time effectively. We have also included two case studies from Ethos customers, who have both started their digital transformation journey by automating a manual legacy workflow. Roythornes, a mid-market law firm, has made “significant savings” while construction company Ground Construction Limited has reduced costly operational errors. The message from their IT directors is to start your automation journey by identifying one labour-intensive workflow – such as one that uses the most paper and number of steps to complete – allow teams to see success and then expand from there. The guide finishes with tips from Ethos experts on how to plan for a process automation project to ensure success. Bespoke workflow automation Ready to take the first step to automating workflows? Talk to us about how we can support your journey. Our team builds bespoke process automation solutions to retrieve and collect unstructured data sending them into your IT systems for faster processing. Related Stories How document conversion can save you time Device as a Service Adoption Workflow Automation in the Corporate World Hyperautomation: Revolutionising Your Business from the Inside Out 2023, the time to refresh and review. The time to take action. Accelerated Digital Transformation Careers Corporate Responsibility Global Presence Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Privacy Policy Sustainability Terms & Conditions Ethos Head Office, 72 Leadenhall Market, London, EC3V 1LT Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin
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How document conversion can save you time
About Managed Print Services Print Room as a Service Managed Print Security Visitor Management Accreditations Insights Contact About Support Contact Menu How document conversion can save you time March 29, 2023 Share this story Learn more About Ethos solutions Contact us What is document conversion and how can it save you time? Running an office efficiently is challenging, particularly when staff leave and everyone’s workload expands as a result. Finding ways to get time back for you and your colleagues results in better productivity and job satisfaction. One task that can drain time from your working day is changing documents into the most useable formats so they fit with internal systems and employee needs. Think of the marketing materials to convert into an editable file so you can update them. Or the handwritten notes from a meeting to type up. Or the team members who want to listen to a document for convenience or accessibility needs. Manually converting documents from one format to another takes time, which is why using document conversion software is a great solution for any size company. Machine translated documents Consider the situation where you’ve made a great newsletter but need language versions to distribute internally to customers or community members. You may use a translation agency or ask a colleague to help with the wording. The time hassle for you is to manage the translation process, then copy and paste the translated text into your template. With machine translation coupled with data extraction technology, you select the languages you need, upload a formatted document and receive the file back already formatted with first pass translation accuracy. Text to speech software Text to speech is an interesting conversion solution for team members who listen to documents. Powered by AI, the software extracts the content of a document and generates speech from it with a near humanlike voice. Transcription software works in reverse and turns audio captured from a meeting or presentation into digital text. Centralised conversion platform While using software to save time on daily tasks is important, so is document and data security. It’s important therefore to know how your data is protected while being processed from one format to another. This is particularly important if staff members set up their own subscriptions without IT approval or use personal devices to convert company documents. Best practice is storing files using best-in-class encryption standards (we use AES-256 bit) and deleting once the workflow finishes. Document security Although there are benefits to AI-enabled document workflows, if you are the person managing multiple annual subscriptions, you may detect a hassle factor. That’s why Ethos has created a single, secure platform for document conversion. Ethos Hub is a set of document productivity tools that allows unlimited people in your company to convert, edit, redact, translate, and transcribe – all in the same place and with less manual input from you. Once installed on your office multi-function device or work desktop PC, laptop or mobile devices, you get the time-saving benefits of AI-powered conversion with end-to-end data protection. Related Stories Process automation for small and medium-sized enterprises Device as a Service Adoption Workflow Automation in the Corporate World Hyperautomation: Revolutionising Your Business from the Inside Out 2023, the time to refresh and review. The time to take action. Accelerated Digital Transformation Careers Corporate Responsibility Global Presence Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Privacy Policy Sustainability Terms & Conditions Ethos Head Office, 72 Leadenhall Market, London, EC3V 1LT Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin