Challenges in data preparation: Data preparation is a time-consuming and tedious task that plagues many data users. In my case, my company had multiple data sources that were not fully integrated. Every week, I found myself manually extracting data from different databases and merging them for my dashboard. Additionally, I had to invest considerable time in cleaning the data. These repetitive steps were not only time-consuming but also prone to human error, potentially leading to inaccurate information being distributed across the organization

Introducing workflow automation: To address these challenges, I discovered Power Automate, a user-friendly workflow management tool developed by Microsoft. With its intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, I could design automated routines that streamlined my tasks effortlessly. By setting up rules and logic within the automation tool, I significantly reduced the risk of human error and ensured that my data was clean, reliable, and readily available for analysis.

Applying workflow automation with PowerAutomate: PowerAutomate empowered me to create and design workflows seamlessly. Within these workflows, I could choose various action steps such as automated data extraction from databases or websites, storing data in specified folders, and even triggering email notifications for dashboard distribution. With a single click, I eliminated the need for manual data retrieval, saving valuable time and effort. While setting up the workflow initially required some time for debugging and testing, the long-term time savings were well worth the initial investment.

Benefits of workflow automation: Workflow automation offers numerous benefits in the field of data analysis, delivering profound advantages for businesses. Firstly, it significantly reduces the amount of time spent on extracting and cleaning data. Tasks that previously consumed several hours now take just a few minutes to check the results. By implementing workflow automation, I have been able to save 20 hours every month, enabling me to generate a weekly report more efficiently. Just imagine if this report needed to be prepared on a daily basis – it would save a staggering 100 hours, equivalent to almost a full-time employee. Additionally, workflow automation enhances overall working accuracy by eliminating the risk of human error. This ensures that data extraction proceeds flawlessly, preventing any inaccuracies that may arise from manual processes. Ultimately, the introduction of workflow automation has been a true game-changer, allowing me to save valuable time, enhance the quality and efficiency of my work, and ultimately deliver increased value to stakeholders.

Author: Siratun Rungmongkolsup, 19 June 2023