What Can Text and Data-Driven Workflows Really Do?

Modern companies are already seeing the benefits of data-driven workflows, including the elimination of manual and double data entry. Learn how integrating SMS texting goes hand-in-hand with these considerations.

Manual data entry and redundant data are two big challenges faced by large organizations in any industry. According to Affinity, more than 40% of employees spend at least a quarter of their work time on manual tasks, and almost 60% say they could save at least six hours a week if some of their repetitive tasks were automated.

However, these pain points can be eliminated quickly by integrating texting and data into workflows and processes across the organization. Texting is now being incorporated in a range of tasks to streamline processes. Using data and automation in workflows that integrate texting allows teams to free up time, save money, and increase productivity.

Here are the benefits of text- and data-driven workflows and examples of these concepts in action.

Benefits of text- and data-driven workflows

First of all, what does a data-driven workflow look like? Here are some key characteristics:

• Methods are put in place to collect and track data in all teams and departments
• Dashboards are implemented to provide teams with accessible and readable snapshots of important data
• Business decisions are made based on data collected and analyzed
• Executives and managers communicate the value of data across the organization
• Data-related goals are set and assessed on an ongoing basis, including eliminating double or manual data entry and improving processes at all levels

When organizations and companies can avoid manual data entry, they reap several key benefits:

• Time savings and increased productivity: When teams aren’t spending all their time entering data manually or dealing with redundant data, they have a lot more time to focus on other important tasks.
• Money savings: Not only are employee costs lower with more streamlined workflows, but companies can also save a lot by avoiding redundant and bad data. One Gartner study showed that bad data can cost an organization $15 million annually.
• More accurate data: Manual data entry leads to a lot of mistakes caused by human error. Automation ensures that data is accurate.

Texting and data now go hand-in-hand for companies across industries. According to the 2020 State of Texting Report from Zipwhip, 68% of businesses use some form of texting, and 91% of consumers say they’ve received a text from a business.

Texting is no longer just for personal communications, and businesses can take advantage of the many benefits it brings:

• Faster response times
• More avenues to connect with users and customers
• Offers another way to track and analyze business and consumer data
• Complements other avenues in marketing strategies
• Accommodates the preferences of modern audiences
• Offers an effective format for gathering more feedback

When implementing a data-driven strategy, incorporating a texting platform will round out collection and analytics efforts, helping improve workflows in many different departments.

For example, marketing efforts can be greatly improved with a focus on text and data. Marketers are now tasked with reaching consumers across multiple channels, and texting is an efficient way to reach people in real-time at the right moment.

For general operational tasks, for example in a customer service setting, texting can provide instant data and communication opportunities. When a new ticket is created, for example, team members can receive a text and the customer can receive texts as the situation is updated, eliminating the amount of time either party needs to spend on the phone or checking in on status.

3 Ways these workflows can impact your organization or businesses

Now let’s look at how these improved workflows can help businesses in three different sectors.

Example 1: A large enterprise

A large enterprise has decided to gather a lot of inbound data. To improve their workflow, they set up an advanced survey, which they share via SMS.

When a user responds to the survey, the information is automatically integrated with the organization’s CRM. All data gathered from that one instance is stored and transferred to a dashboard, providing the team with valuable insight quickly and efficiently. Now, anyone who needs to see that information can view it in the dashboard, the user’s information was automatically uploaded, and little work was required from team members to make these updates.

Example 2: A government entity

A government entity decided to integrate data collection by sending updates to specific targeted groups. Workers in the unemployment office were able to better manage inbound help requests with the implementation of automated responses sent based on survey responses from users.

Example 3: A healthcare provider

A healthcare organization integrated texting into its data-driven workflows by setting up SMS messaging to automatically text doctors when a certain trigger is initiated. For example, if something is updated in the electronic health record (EHR) for a patient, the physician receives a text message instantly.

This helps doctors provide updates to patients faster, stay up-to-date on what’s happening with records, and eliminate a lot of unnecessary communication and data entry.

These three examples show how integrating SMS into data-driven workflows helps streamline processes, creates more satisfied users, and increases productivity.

Mobilize Comms offers a competitive platform for real-time text message communication in mass quantities. Our team believes that SMS is an integral component of data-driven workflows, where it improves communication for our customers. Contact us to learn more about our platform and how it can take your data-driven communication to the next level.