A workflow management system allows you to coordinate between a static station at a given location (the “base”) and mobile units, such as vans, in the field. An example of a workflow management system is the 911 operator station. First, a call comes in to the 911 emergency response center and the operator is informed of a problem. The operator updates the problem on the computer, which can then summarize the disturbance into a full report that can be sent to a police unit, fire station, local hospital, or other team that can appropriately address the situation. Although this is an extreme example, you can actually implement a workflow management system within your organization or business, for little cost.
The JobFlow workflow management system enables a company to centralize invoices, manage receipts for later use, and move service vans to their proper destination at a specified time. With various capabilities like instant messaging and electronic worksheet signatures, JobFlow makes doing business so much easier.
An efficient workflow management system has a few key components that make it a success for thousands of establishments around the world. First, you must help manage your people. Staff must be able to mark entry and exit, and their whereabouts are always known through tools such as GPS. JobFlow, for example, has the ability to integrate with TomTom for convenient vehicle tracking. Two, it should obviously help your cash flow. A workflow management system like JobFlow does this by allowing your employees to have digital signatures provided by the customer upon service delivery, instantly. That means if you have a field worker from 8 to 5, you can process payments and account for generated revenue on the go, without waiting for the end of the business day when the unit returns to base. Three, it should allow for growth within your organization. Whether it’s efficient links to different customer accounts or NICEIC support, it should work with your business and for the benefit of your business.
A major disadvantage of a workflow management system is undoubtedly the fact that it requires maintenance. Any update your business receives that involves technology will inevitably require attention, be it hardware or software, it could spell expenses on your behalf. Another minor downside is that there is a learning curve for anything new, so your staff would need to be trained to use the newly integrated tools. However, the long-term benefits of implementing a workflow management system in an organization that does not yet have a FAR outweigh the opportunity cost of NOT having one.