Our process automation capabilities are one of the most popular features of the Cloud Concinnity platform. With just a bit of planning, your team can automate tasks that used to take hours of manual time to complete. But, before you decide how and what processes and documentation you can automate, you analyze your current manual processes. Here are six tips to guide your analysis and documentation of your current state.
How to Prepare For Automating Documents and Processes
Identify Your Efficiency Gaps
Start your automation process by analyzing your current workflow processes and identify areas where there is room for improvement and where there is inefficiency. This will not only make the automation process smoother (as you can identify the immediate impact of automation), but also help streamline and optimize your overall workflow.
We would also recommend involving team members in this process for their insights and suggestions on potential efficiency gaps. By addressing these issues beforehand, you can set yourself up for success with automation and ultimately improve productivity and performance within your organization.
Understand Which Processes or Documents Will Benefit Most from Automation
As you identify inefficiencies and correlate impact, it'll become clear which processes and documentation would benefit the most from implementing automation. Let this insight help to establish your priority roadmap.
At the same time, starting to put a monetary value on these automation (in terms of reduced errors or labor hours saved) can help determine a budget that would make fiscal sense to support these automatons.
Take Into Account The Needed Complexities
Not all workflows are created equal. Some take minutes to set up, while others may involve more time and energy to get set up. It is crucial to consider the needed complexities when setting up a new project or task. This will ensure that all steps and processes are adequately accounted for, preventing potential roadblocks or setbacks in the future.
Additionally, considering the complexities can lead to more efficient and streamlined workflows, ultimately saving time and resources. So before diving headfirst into a new project or task, take a moment to assess any possible complexities and plan accordingly. Your future self will thank you.
Organize Your Critical Information
One of the benefits of automating processes is streamlining and organizing critical information. However, to successfully do this, it is critical to clearly understand what information is necessary for your processes and how it should be stored.
First, identify the key pieces of information needed for each process. This could include patient and protocol data, project details, deadlines, etc..
Next, determine the best method for storing this information. This could mean using a designated software program or physical filing system.
Finally, consistently update and maintain this system to ensure all necessary information is easily accessible and up-to-date.
By properly organizing your critical information, you can improve efficiency in your automated processes and ensure your data's accuracy and security.
Test. Test. And Test.
Pro-tip, don't publish your automations and then walk away. Automated workflows can quickly become outdated if a software update changes how it functions, or a small mistake in the initial setup can cause major errors down the road. You need to continually test and optimize your automation to ensure they are completed as intended.
Regular testing also allows you to catch and fix any small hiccups before they turn into bigger problems. Plus, testing gives you the opportunity to review your automation and see if there are any additional enhancements or improvements that can be made.
In short, regular testing of your automation helps to ensure its success and effectiveness in helping streamline your clinical trial processes and documents. So don't skip this crucial step – test those automations!
Use The Right Tool For the Right Job
Using the right tool for the right job in automation can save time, effort, and money. For example, using a screwdriver to hammer a nail may work temporarily, but it is not the most efficient or effective method.
The same concept applies to automation tools. Using a tool that is not suited for the task at hand can lead to errors and delays in completing the task. On the other hand, using the appropriate tool can increase productivity and improve accuracy. In addition, using the correct tool can also reduce strain on equipment and potentially prevent damage.
We built Cloud Concinnity to support the specific clinical trial needs of Sponsors, CROs and oversight committee members (DMCs, DSMBs Safety Review Committees, etc.) This includes support for best-in-class automation. Using our suite of purpose-built automated workflows, your teams can confidently eliminate labor-intense interactions and documentation while reducing the risk of errors, delays, or noncompliance.
A Case For Automation
Automation in clinical trials can improve efficiency and accuracy, leading to more reliable data and quicker trial completion. It can also reduce human error and save time and resources. Implementing automation technologies can streamline data collection, analysis, and reporting processes, allowing for smoother trial operations.
Additionally, automation can help ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and reduce the risk of noncompliance issues. Overall, incorporating automation into clinical trials can lead to more successful and timely results.
To learn more about Cloud Connity's automation capabilities, click here to schedule a demo.