How to Automate Business Processes and Save Thousands

Business process automation isn't just for big enterprises. Learn how SMEs can automate workflows, streamline operations, and save thousands annually with our expert resource guide.
May 12, 2025
Gross Margin
automate business processes

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are under increasing pressure to do more with less.
One of the smartest ways to boost efficiency, cut costs, and scale faster is through business process automation.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • What business process automation really means
  • The areas you should automate first
  • How to choose the right tools
  • A practical resource list to get started
  • How to request a free Process Audit

What is Business Process Automation?

Business process automation (BPA) is the use of technology to perform recurring tasks or processes in a business where manual effort can be replaced.

✅ It reduces errors.
✅ It saves time.
✅ It frees your team to focus on higher-value activities.

Examples:

  • Automating client onboarding forms
  • Automatically sending invoices
  • Scheduling marketing emails
  • Routing customer service tickets

Benefits of Automating Business Processes

  • Cost Savings: Reduce reliance on manual labour and repetitive administrative tasks.
  • Speed: Faster turnaround times for clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Accuracy: Less human error in data entry, billing, compliance, and reporting.
  • Employee Satisfaction: Free your team from repetitive tasks.
  • Scalability: Build a business that grows without proportionally growing your overhead.

Top Areas SMEs Should Automate First

1. Lead Capture and CRM Management

  • Automatically add new leads from your website forms into your CRM.
  • Trigger personalised email sequences.

Tools: HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Zoho CRM

2. Invoicing and Payments

  • Automate invoice generation, sending, and payment reminders.
  • Integrate accounting systems with payment gateways.

Tools: Xero, QuickBooks, Stripe

3. Email Marketing and Follow-Ups

  • Send automated sequences based on user actions (downloads, purchases, signups).

Tools: Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

4. Employee Onboarding

  • Automate contracts, welcome emails, and first-week checklists.

Tools: BambooHR, Gusto, Workable

5. Customer Support

  • Use chatbots and AI-driven ticketing systems to triage and answer basic queries instantly.

Tools: Zendesk, Intercom, Freshdesk

6. Document Management and E-Signatures

  • Automate document approvals and e-signing processes.

Tools: DocuSign, PandaDoc, HelloSign

7. Social Media Scheduling

  • Plan and automate posting across multiple platforms.

Tools: Buffer, Hootsuite, Later

Practical Resource List: Best Tools for SME Automation

  • CRM Automation: HubSpot CRM (free and scalable for SMEs)
  • Invoicing & Billing: Xero for accounting + Stripe for payments
  • Email Automation: Mailchimp for SMEs and startups
  • Customer Support: Freshdesk for ticket automation
  • Document Management: DocuSign for secure, fast contracts
  • Social Media Scheduling: Buffer for affordable, easy automation

✅ These are industry-trusted, easy-to-implement platforms ideal for growing businesses.

How to Start Automating Business Processes

Step 1: Identify Repetitive, Manual Workflows

Audit your operations to spot where time is lost and errors are frequent.

Step 2: Prioritise High-Impact Areas

Start with processes that:

  • Save the most time
  • Reduce the most manual touchpoints
  • Are prone to human error

Step 3: Choose the Right Tools

Match your business needs to tools from the resource list above.

Step 4: Build Simple Automation Flows

Use drag-and-drop automation builders before jumping into complex custom systems.

Step 5: Monitor and Optimise

Measure results (time saved, error rates reduced, faster turnaround) — and refine your workflows regularly.

Final Thoughts

Automation isn’t about replacing people. It’s about empowering your team to focus on what truly matters — building relationships, solving problems, and growing the business. Start small. Scale smart. Save big.

For a practical look at how AI agents can automate content, SEO, and operations tasks in real-time, check out Anjin Digital — a UK-based platform focused on intelligent automation for growing teams.

Boost your efficiency and scalability with these expert resources:

Discover the latest blogs

Stay informed with the latest health and wellness insights from our experts.