3 Mistakes You’re Making With Approval Flows (& How to Fix Them)

3 Mistakes You’re Making With Approval Flows (& How to Fix Them)

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Let’s be real – approval flows can be a nightmare. They’re slow, they’re clunky, and sometimes it feels like you need a crystal ball to predict when you’ll get that final sign-off. But what if I told you that most of the headaches you’re experiencing come down to just a few common mistakes? And better yet, what if there was an easy way to fix them?

In this post, we’re diving into the top three mistakes you’re probably making with your approval flows and showing you how document automation can sweep in like a superhero and save the day.

Mistake #1: Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen

What’s Going Wrong?

Ever tried to coordinate dinner plans with a big group? It’s chaos. Everyone has different opinions, schedules clash, and before you know it, you’re stuck eating leftovers alone. The same thing happens with approval flows. When too many people are involved, the process drags on, and important details can slip through the cracks.

The Fix: Streamlined Automation

Document Automation can streamline your approval process by creating predefined workflows. Instead of every single person needing to give a thumbs up, you can set up tiers of approval. The right documents get to the right people at the right time, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks and no one is left waiting.

Mistake #2: The Dreaded Email Thread

What’s Going Wrong?

We’ve all been there – buried under an avalanche of email threads, trying to piece together feedback from half a dozen people. It’s inefficient, it’s confusing, and let’s face it, it’s very time consuming. Important feedback can get lost in a sea of replies, and tracking progress becomes nearly impossible.

The Fix: Centralized Communication

With document automation, you can centralize all communication and feedback in one place. Instead of scattered emails, comments and approvals are logged directly on the document. This not only makes it easier to track progress but also ensures that all feedback is visible and accounted for, reducing the risk of miscommunication.

Mistake #3: Manual Tracking Nightmares

What’s Going Wrong?

Keeping track of who has approved what can feel like a full-time job. Manually updating spreadsheets, sending reminder emails, and chasing down signatures is a huge time-suck. Plus, there’s always the risk of human error – one missed update and the whole process can stall.

The Fix: Automated Tracking and Reminders

Document Automation can take this burden off your shoulders. Automated tracking features can show you exactly where a document is in the approval process, who has approved it, and who still needs to sign off. Plus, automated reminders can nudge those who are dragging their feet, so you don’t have to.

Bonus: The Unexpected Perks of Document Automation

Beyond just fixing these common mistakes, document automation offers a host of additional benefits. Think faster turnaround times, enhanced compliance, and even better collaboration. When your team isn’t bogged down by clunky approval processes, they can focus on what they do best – creating amazing work.

So, What’s the Next Step?

If you’re ready to say goodbye to approval flow headaches, it’s time to consider document automation. It’s not just about making your life easier (though that’s a huge plus) – it’s about boosting efficiency, improving accuracy, and ultimately, driving better results for your business.

At Experlogix, we’re all about helping you streamline your processes and get more done with less hassle. Curious how we can help you automate your approval flows? Let’s chat.

About the author

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Ashana Joseph has diverse marketing experience across various roles and industries. Having worked at companies like Comcast, Nielsen, and The Real Yellow Pages®, she possesses extensive knowledge in marketing, sales, and training. During her tenure at Thryv, a SaaS company, Ashana assisted sales and client service teams in understanding the value of the small business CRM software. Currently, she serves as the product marketing manager for Experlogix.