MAKE: A Workflow Automation Tool

How can we automate repetitive tasks without coding? 

MAKE offers a visual integration platform that allows you to create automated workflows through a simple drag-and-drop interface. You can select from thousands of pre-built templates or create custom workflows by connecting your apps and services. This process doesn't require any coding skills, making it accessible for users with any level of technical expertise.

Can we integrate different applications and services, even if they don't have a direct integration?

Yes - MAKE allows different online tools and services to work together, even if they weren't originally designed to do so. Imagine you have two different apps you use for your business, but they don't "talk" to each other. MAKE acts like a translator, helping these apps communicate and share information.

It does this through something called HTTP/SOAP and JSON modules. This means you can set up automatic tasks that use information from both apps, making your work smoother and more connected, without needing to understand the technology behind it.

How can we ensure that our data is transferred securely during automation?

MAKE prioritises security in its automation processes. It uses secure connections (HTTPS) for all data transfers, and when handling sensitive data, it offers options for encryption. Additionally, MAKE complies with GDPR and other major data protection regulations, ensuring that your data handling practices meet global security standards.

Is it possible to automate complex workflows that require conditional logic and multiple steps?

Absolutely. MAKE supports complex workflows with conditional logic, multiple branches, and numerous steps. Its Scenario designer allows you to create multi-step automations that can include if/else branches, loops, and filters. This enables businesses who have more complex requirements to automate intricate processes that depend on specific conditions being met.

How can we monitor and manage the automated workflows? 

MAKE provides detailed logs and monitoring tools that allow you to track the execution of your workflows in real-time. You can see the status of each operation, debug issues, and receive notifications if there are any errors or failures. This ensures that you can quickly address any problems and maintain oversight of your automated processes.

Can workflow automation help in reducing operational costs?

Yes, by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, businesses can significantly reduce manual labor costs and minimise errors, which in turn reduces the costs associated with correcting those errors. MAKE's efficient automation processes also free up employees' time, allowing them to focus on other tasks.

Does MAKE use AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the automation process?

Yes, MAKE uses AI to support the automation workflows. In simple terms, AI allows MAKE to be smarter in how it automates tasks, making the process of connecting different apps and creating workflows easier and more efficient for its users. This means MAKE can learn from the workflows you create, suggest improvements, and help you automate tasks with less effort. 

What kind of support does MAKE offer for businesses implementing workflow automation? 

MAKE offers comprehensive support through various channels, including a detailed knowledge base, community forums, and direct support from their team. They also provide educational resources, such as tutorials and webinars, to help you understand how to best utilise the platform for your specific needs.

Let's go through some business examples of AI Workflow Automation to see the benefits.

Without Automation:

• You finish a project for a client.
• You manually create an invoice using a template in a word processor.
• You email it to the client and wait for payment.
• Once payment is received, you manually update your records and send a thank-you email.

With AI Workflow Automation:

• You mark the project as complete in your project management tool.
• The system automatically generates an invoice using the project details and sends it to the client's email.
• When the payment is made (and detected by your payment processing tool), the system automatically updates your records and sends a thank-you email to the client.

Benefits:

• When you automate invoice payments, you save time creating and sending invoices.
• Reduce the chance of errors in invoices.
• Ensure timely updates to your records and communication with clients.

 Without AI Workflow Automation:

• You plan to post on various social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) about daily specials, events, or promotions.
• Every day, you manually create posts, adjust them for each platform, and publish them at times you think your audience is most active.
• You check each platform separately to respond to comments and messages.

With AI Workflow Automation:

• You create content for the week's posts and schedule them using a social media management tool.
• The tool automatically publishes your posts on all platforms at the best times for engagement, based on data analysis.
• The tool also consolidates messages and comments from all platforms into one dashboard, where you can respond more efficiently.

Benefits:

• Saves time spent on daily posting and platform management.
• Increases engagement by optimising posting times.
• Simplifies interaction with followers by centralising communications.

 Without AI Workflow Automation:

• Each time a new employee is hired, you manually send them welcome emails, forms to fill out, and documents to read.
• You schedule orientation sessions and training manually, coordinating times via email or phone.
• You keep track of the onboarding process with spreadsheets, manually updating each step's completion.

With Automation:

• When a new employee is added to your HR system, an automated workflow kicks off.
• The system sends welcome emails, necessary forms (for direct deposit, tax information, etc.), and essential documents automatically.
• Orientation sessions and initial training are scheduled through an automated system that finds suitable times based on the new hire's and trainers' calendars.
• The system tracks the onboarding process, sending reminders for incomplete tasks and updating you on the progress without manual input.

Benefits:

• Saves Time onbaording new staff. Eliminates manually sending emails, scheduling sessions, and updating spreadsheets.
• Reduces Errors: Minimises the risk of human error in sending out documents.
• Offers Real-Time Updates: Automatically tracks the onboarding progress and sends reminders for incomplete tasks, keeping both HR and the new employee informed without manual follow-up.

•  APIs and Webhooks: MAKE uses APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to communicate with other software services. For actions that need to be triggered in real-time, webhooks can be used. A webhook is a way for an app to provide other applications with real-time information. MAKE supports both pulling information from services at regular intervals and receiving information via webhooks for immediate processing.

• Customisation and Logic: Within MAKE, you can define custom logic, such as conditions that must be met for an invoice to be created or a payment to be processed (e.g., only for orders over a certain amount, or only for customers with a specific status). This allows for highly tailored automation workflows.

• Security: When dealing with financial transactions and sensitive customer information, security is paramount. MAKE ensures secure connections to APIs and services and follows best practices for API key management and data handling.

To set up these automations, you need access to the relevant accounts (e.g., your accounting software, payment gateway, and any other systems involved), and you would configure each step in MAKE's visual editor. While no coding is required for basic integrations, a deeper understanding of the platforms you're integrating and their API capabilities can help you create more sophisticated and powerful automations.