What exactly is "end-to-end automation"? At its core, it's the ability to comprehensively automate an entire business process or processes by unifying all systems and solutions under one seamless operation. OxyGen is an all-encompassing workflow platform that offers simplistic to advanced automation to each of your applications, and across them. Just the concept of end-to-end automation seems complex, and it inherently can be. The goal of OxyGen is to make your automation easier and not have your BPM solution add to the complexity of your projects.
A modular approach is helpful in accomplishing that goal. The canvas is completely free of clutter. The tools are easily accessible and neatly organized to be extremely intuitive. You can choose which tools you wish to use from a list accessed through the "Add Module" button or by simply right clicking and choosing "Insert Module".
Many users choose to plan their workflows prior to configuring them, quickly setting the individual cards on the canvas, labeling each, and choosing the appropriate logic and error responses.
Let’s take a look at the current OxyGen modules:
Trigger Modules: Setting Things in Motion
Schedule: Enables workflows to initiate based on flexible, custom schedules. Use Case: An eCommerce store automating its inventory checks every morning before the day commences.
Web Hook: Receives calls from external applications to initiate a workflow. Use Case: Online booking system, upon receiving a new reservation, pings OxyGen via a Web Hook, triggering a workflow to process the booking.
Flat File Upload: Manually launch workflows by uploading flat files.
Use Case: HR department uploading monthly attendance sheets, starting an automated payroll process.
Directory Monitoring: Monitors directories and initiates workflows when new files are added.
Use Case: Marketing firm automatically processes new client artwork files dropped into a shared directory.
Data I/O Modules: The Gateways for Data Interaction
SQL: Establishes connections to SQL databases for data interactions.
Use Case: A retail chain that connects to its central SQL inventory database, reflecting sales from various branches.
API: Integrates with applications via APIs for seamless data exchange.
Use Case: This enables SaaS companies to do things like fetch usage metrics from its platform through APIs, feeding its billing system.
Stored Procedure: Executes stored procedures in databases. Use Case: A bank may automate its end-of-day reconciliation by running specific stored procedures.
Processing Logic Modules: The Thinkers in the Process
Data Transformation: Transforms data formats.
Use Case: A healthcare institution collects patient information from various departments, each using its own software system and unifies and transforms this data into a standard format.
Logic Branching: Directs workflow paths based on preset conditions. Use Case: An insurance firm could process claims differently based on claim types.
Composition Modules: Crafting the Detailed Outputs
Automated Reports: Generates automated reports through its Crystal Reports integration.
Use Case: A utility company auto-generates monthly consumption and billing reports for each sector.
CSV Generation: Creates comma-separated value (CSV) files.
Use Case: An e-commerce company exports sales data for a particular month.
Word Merge: Merges your data into a Microsoft Word template, automating the process of filling Word documents with specific data.
Use case: A real estate agency automatically fills out property agreements.
PDF Processing: Offers tools to create, edit, and manipulate PDF documents. Use Case: A legal firm can merge multiple PDFs into a single file for easier distribution.
Bar Code: Enables the generation and processing of barcodes. Use Case: A retail store can generate barcodes for new products.
Output Modules: Streamlined Communication and Data Delivery
Email: Automatically sends emails from your existing email systems.
Use Case: A travel agency could automatically send out personalized travel itineraries to clients.
FTP: Upload and download files via FTP, sFTP, SCF protocols. Can upload entire staging folder and extract files from FTP site.
Use Case: A broadcasting firm transfers daily media schedules to its regional stations.
SMS: Send an SMS message utilizing an API call to a SMS provider such as Twillio.
Use Case: An event management company sends ticket confirmations and event reminders to attendees.
While each module plays its role perfectly, the real magic happens when they're used in tandem. Imagine a workflow that starts with a customer order on an eCommerce platform, updates the inventory, notifies the warehouse, and then sends a confirmation SMS to the customer; all while updating each integrated system in real-time. That's OxyGen for you; it doesn’t just offer individual automation solutions. It provides an integrated, end-to-end platform.
What really stands out in the use cases above is the variety of industries and applications that can be automated, and not only within your organization, but between organizations. As an example, one could use OxyGen to connect with an outside printing center and all of their invoices and statements are uploaded automatically to an FTP and then that print center retrieves that information and processes the print jobs.
In future blogs we will be taking a closer look at each individual module, how to utilize it and the possibilities each feature offers. Our goal is to hopefully spark ideas of how you can automate your business.
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