Did you receive a request for approval lately? Is that request lying on your inbox unattended? Is there any further clarification (or worse – a series of clarifications) required to process that request – perhaps a policy consideration which might require intervention of a super senior resource? What if you are required to take out all requests he has sent in?
Isn’t that’s a pain in the neck?

The term is Un-automated Workflow Syndrome / Un-computerized Workflow Syndrome.

Think about intuitive intelligent IT systems that track each activity and enables users to take out relevant (and authorized) information at a click of mouse? Collaborative automation is about creation of intuitive systems made possible with IAM technology and that is undoubtedly one of the biggest benefits that translates into reduced business cost. Mostly IAM technology appear as a liability since most discussions focus on cyber security and enforced via regulations for business establishments. But there is more to it, which is often buried deep and does not attract the attention of readers. Among those benefits is robust automated collaboration, which is synced to a business model, industry requirements and the strategic vision.

With the help of Cloud Technology – automation is possible beyond defined geographical limitation. This includes Mobile Based Access Certifications, IDaaS and IAM – Plus automation benefits can be extended to partners by harnessing Federated Access Management.

Listed below are the benefits of automation for collaboration:

1. Create an Accountable Work Environment
   – An automated work environment enables enforcement of accountability. All information exchanges are available right in front of you – and any spurious action, unauthorized access requests can be noted in no time. Any official initiation, approval, rejection, input are recorded and available for audit. Such level of knowledge transparency in business processes enforces accountability on each employee.

2. Business Process Streamlined Through Communication
   – Beyond what is termed as a priority – it is humanly impossible to retain information we receive through the day. Automating work flow brings in efficiency – in communication, keep all members of the team on one common platform in terms of work progress and task assigned. Create a streamlined mechanism to approve requests, feed required information and let the work flow!

3. Manual shortcomings, errors and inefficiencies go out – Many tasks are forgotten – payment due dates, approval deadlines, reports and presentations, team meetings, company trips. Being notified about various deadlines is a way to tackle this shortcoming. This brings in efficiency, reduces delays and keeps the system agile brings down the cost of manual errors and inefficiencies.

4. Intuitive systems that evolve business process – In scenarios of never seen before situations, automated systems ensure that the process adopted to resolve such situation are fed into policy structure. Whenever such situations repeat – an automated system dig in history and adopt that approach. Additionally, as communication is streamlined and data is accumulated centrally, automated workflow provides insights that ensure any policy does not contradict with existing set of policies.

5. Chain of authority and hierarchy embedded into the system – The chain of authority may not be the same as approval hierarchy for business processes. It may require inter-departmental intervention. Strategically implemented business process workflow tools focused at right identities and access ensures that the chain of authority and hierarchy are distinctly acknowledged in a system.

This robust system bring all under same platform. Also attending to same set of policies in a homogeneous IT system. Identity and Access Management (IAM) plays a crucial role in this.