Despite years of digital transformation, many organizations still rely on manual business processes to run critical operations. Email/folder-based approvals, spreadsheet-driven reporting, and repetitive data entry remain common — even though business process automation tools are widely available.
These manual workflows don’t just slow teams down. They increase errors, reduce visibility, and prevent organizations from scaling efficiently.
The good news is that many of these processes are ideal candidates for workflow automation using modern low-code automation platforms.
Below are five manual business processes that are still shockingly common — and easy to automate.
1. Approval Workflow Automation (Time Off, Purchases, Expenses)
1. Approval Workflow Automation (Time Off, Purchases, Expenses)
- Request Intake: Microsoft Forms or Power Apps
- Data Storage: SharePoint list
- Workflow Automation: Power Automate routes approvals based on rules
- Notifications: Email and Microsoft Teams
- Tracking: Centralized approval status and history
2. Repetitive Data Entry and System-to-System Automation
2. Repetitive Data Entry and System-to-System Automation
Manual data entry across systems is one of the biggest drains on productivity. Teams often copy the same data into spreadsheets, CRMs, accounting systems, or internal tools.
High-Level Data Entry Automation Example
- Single Data Capture: Form or Power App
- Primary Data Store: SharePoint or Dataverse
- Workflow Automation: Power Automate syncs data across systems
- Validation Rules: Reduce errors and rework
By automating this business workflow, organizations eliminate duplicate work and improve data accuracy.
Estimated Setup Time: 6-12 hours
Typical Time Saved: 3-5 minutes per entry | ≈ 60-100 hours saved per year
3. Document Automation and File Management
3. Document Automation and File Management
Many organizations still rely on manual document creation for proposals, contracts, letters, and internal documentation. These manual workflows often lead to inconsistent formats and version control issues.
High-Level Document Automation Example:
- Data Input: Power App or Form
- Document Automation: Generate Word or PDF files from templates
- File Management: Store documents automatically in SharePoint
- Notifications: Automated sharing and alerts
This form of document automation ensures consistency while reducing manual effort.
Estimated Setup Time: 6-12 hours
Typical Time Saved: 10-20 minutes per document | ≈ 85-170 hours saved per year
4. Automated Reporting and Workflow Automation
4. Automated Reporting and Workflow Automation
Reporting is still one of the most manual business processes in many organizations. Data is exported, cleaned, and reassembled in spreadsheets before being shared with stakeholders.
High-Level Automated Reporting Example
- Data Sources: SharePoint, Dataverse, or line-of-business systems
- Workflow Automation: Scheduled data refresh via Power Automate
- Reporting: Power BI dashboards with automated updates
- Distribution: Automated report sharing
This approach to automated reporting ensures leaders always have access to up-to-date information.
Estimated Setup Time: 8-16 hours
Typical Time Saved: 2-5 hours per reporting cycle | ≈ 25-60 hours saved per year
5. Business Process Automation for Onboarding
5. Business Process Automation for Onboarding
Employee and vendor onboarding often spans multiple departments and systems, making it one of the most fragmented manual workflows in an organization.
High-Level Onboarding Automation Example
- Intake: Onboarding Form or Power App
- Workflow Automation: Automated task assignment and reminders
- Tracking: Central SharePoint list or app
- Communication: Automated status updates
This type of business process automation improves consistency while reducing onboarding time.
Estimated Setup Time: 8-14 hours
Typical Time Saved: 1-2 hours per onboarding | ≈ 25-50 hours saved per year
Ready to Automate the Work That Slows Your Team Down?
Ready to Automate the Work That Slows Your Team Down?
Learn how Bauer Automate helps organizations replace manual business processes with secure, scalable workflow automation using Microsoft Power Platform.
Whether you’re looking to automate approvals, reporting, document management, or system integrations, we focus on practical automation that delivers real ROI — fast.
