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What’s new in Wrike: February 2024
Wrike Tips 3 min read

What’s new in Wrike: February 2024

Discover the latest updates to Wrike features, from refreshed use case templates to a new calendar widget.

Enterprise workflow automation: What a large organization needs
Project Management 10 min read

Enterprise workflow automation: What a large organization needs

As a large organization, you’ll have complex and evolving needs when it comes to workflow automation. Here’s your full guide to automating enterprise workflows.

2024 Predictions: The Year of Intelligent Work Management and AI Integration
Leadership 5 min read

2024 Predictions: The Year of Intelligent Work Management and AI Integration

Wrike VP of Product, Alexey Korotich, forecasts that the rise of intelligent CWM tools and AI applications will redefine efficiency and drive innovation in 2024.

Wrike Automation: Innovative AI for Intelligent Process Discovery
News 7 min read

Wrike Automation: Innovative AI for Intelligent Process Discovery

Discover how Wrike’s automation solution sets it apart from competitors, enhancing efficiency and productivity in project management.

Pioneering AI In Work Management
Leadership 7 min read

Pioneering AI In Work Management

Our VP of product, Alexey Korotich, explains how Wrike is blazing a trail in AI with our Work Intelligence® solution.

An Epic Change: How the Odyssey Hotel Group United Operations in Wrike
Project Management 10 min read

An Epic Change: How the Odyssey Hotel Group United Operations in Wrike

Discover how the Odyssey Hotel Group used Wrike to unite disparate teams, streamline processes, and create a single source of truth for multinational operations.

A Product Manager’s New Friend: AI Has Entered the Chat (GPT)
Wrike TechClub 10 min read

A Product Manager’s New Friend: AI Has Entered the Chat (GPT)

Wrike’s Zosia Szczech explains how product managers can make the most of AI, including the pioneering Work Intelligence® solution.

Driving Efficiency with Business Process Automation: A Primer for IT Managers
Project Management 7 min read

Driving Efficiency with Business Process Automation: A Primer for IT Managers

Organizations are constantly looking for ways to streamline their processes, increase efficiency, and ultimately drive growth, and one approach that has gained significant traction in recent years is business process automation (BPA). By automating repetitive and manual tasks, businesses can save time, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity. In this primer, we will explore the various aspects of business process automation and its role in driving efficiency. Specifically, we will discuss what BPA is, the responsibilities of IT managers in automation, the benefits of BPA, and the steps to implement it successfully.  Understanding Business Process Automation BPA refers to the use of technology to automate repetitive and rule-based tasks that were previously performed manually. This could include anything from invoice processing and data entry to customer onboarding and employee leave management.  Moreover, it involves the use of software applications, such as workflow management systems, to streamline and optimize business processes. By automating these processes, organizations can reduce human error, eliminate bottlenecks, and free up valuable resources to focus on more strategic initiatives. The Evolution of Business Process Automation Business process automation is not a new concept. In fact, it has been around for decades, evolving and adapting to the changing needs of businesses. Initially, BPA focused on automating simple and repetitive tasks, such as data entry and invoice processing. These early automation efforts aimed to improve operational efficiency and reduce the time and effort required to complete these tasks. However, with advancements in technology and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the scope of BPA has expanded significantly. These technologies can analyze data, learn from patterns, and make intelligent decisions, which will save departments valuable time and effort. The Role of IT Managers in Business Process Automation With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing demands of the modern business landscape, organizations are recognizing the need to automate their processes to stay competitive. This is where IT managers step in, leveraging their expertise to streamline operations and improve efficiency. They are responsible for verifying that the right technology solutions are in place, managing the automation projects, and aligning the automation strategy with the overall business goals. Responsibilities of IT Managers in Automation IT managers have several key responsibilities when it comes to business process automation. Assess the automation needs of the organization and identify processes that are prime candidates for automation via conducting thorough evaluations and analysis of existing workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and determining areas where automation can have the greatest impact. Collaborate with other departments to determine the specific requirements and objectives of each automated process.  Select the appropriate automation tools or platforms by evaluating them based on factors such as scalability, integration capabilities, and user-friendliness. Verify that the chosen solutions comply with relevant industry regulations, such as data privacy laws, to safeguard the organization's sensitive information. Develop comprehensive project plans, allocate resources effectively, and oversee the execution of automation projects by coordinating with cross-functional teams, monitoring progress, and resolving any issues that may arise along the way.  Skills Required for IT Managers in Automation To effectively manage business process automation initiatives, IT managers need a range of skills. Solid understanding of business processes and the organization's operations, along with data management and security. Ability to identify areas where automation can bring the most value and inefficiencies in the workflow.  Technical expertise, which is essentially up-to-date knowledge on the latest automation tools, platforms, and technologies. Strong communication and leadership skills to effectively communicate the benefits of automation to stakeholders and gain their support.  Benefits of Business Process Automation As organizations strive to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape, the benefits of business process automation become evident. Let's explore some of the key advantages that automation brings. Increased Efficiency and Productivity Automating repetitive tasks can significantly increase a company's operational efficiency and productivity. Employees can focus their time and energy on more strategic and creative tasks, leading to better outcomes and higher customer satisfaction. Organizations can also achieve faster turnaround times and reduce the risk of errors caused by manual intervention. Cost Savings and ROI Implementing business process automation can result in substantial cost savings for organizations. By automating time-consuming and error-prone tasks, businesses can reduce the need for manual resources. This leads to lower labor costs, as well as decreased operational expenses associated with paper-based processes. Additionally, automation can enable companies to achieve a faster return on investment (ROI) by improving process efficiency and reducing time-to-market. Improved Accuracy and Compliance Manual processes are prone to errors, which can have severe consequences for organizations. By automating these processes, businesses can guarantee a higher level of accuracy and minimize the risk of human error. Automation also helps organizations maintain compliance with industry regulations, as it eliminates the potential for manual oversight or non-compliance. Implementing Business Process Automation Now that we understand the benefits of business process automation, let's explore the key steps involved in implementing it successfully within an organization. Steps to Implement Business Process Automation Identify key processes for automation: Begin by identifying the processes that will benefit the most from automation. These could be high-volume, repetitive tasks or processes with a high error rate. Analyze existing processes: Conduct a thorough analysis of the existing processes to understand their intricacies, dependencies, and pain points. This will help in designing the automated workflows effectively. Select the right automation tools: Choose automation tools or platforms that align with the organization's requirements. Consider factors such as scalability, integration capabilities, ease of use, and vendor support. Design and implement automated workflows: Work closely with process owners and stakeholders to design the automated workflows. Confirm that the workflows are intuitive, efficient, and meet the desired objectives. Test and refine the workflows: Before deploying automation across the organization, thoroughly test the workflows and identify any potential issues. Refine the workflows based on feedback and fine-tune them for optimal performance. Train employees and monitor adoption: Provide comprehensive training to employees on the new automated processes. Monitor adoption and address any challenges or resistance to change. Monitor and measure performance: Continuously track the performance of the automated processes and measure key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure that the desired outcomes are being achieved. Identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments. Choosing the Right Automation Tools The success of business process automation heavily relies on selecting the right automation tools or platforms. When evaluating different options, consider factors such as the specific needs of your organization, the complexity of the processes to be automated, the scalability of the tool, and the availability of support and updates from the vendor. Engage with potential vendors, ask for demos, and seek feedback from other organizations that have implemented similar automation solutions. Overcoming Implementation Challenges Implementing business process automation can present certain challenges, and it is essential to be prepared to overcome them. Some common ones include resistance to change, lack of employee buy-in, and integration issues with existing systems. To address these challenges, organizations should communicate the benefits of automation to employees, provide training and support, and work closely with IT teams to ensure seamless integration with existing systems. Overall, business process automation is a powerful tool for driving efficiency and optimizing operations. By automating repetitive and manual tasks, organizations can save time, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity. IT managers play a crucial role in successfully implementing automation projects and ensuring alignment with business goals. By understanding the benefits of automation and following the key steps for implementation, organizations can unlock the full potential of business process automation and gain a competitive advantage in today's dynamic business landscape. Drive efficiency in your IT projects with Wrike's advanced business process automation features. Sign up for a free trial and experience the power of automation. Note: This article was created with the assistance of an AI engine. It has been reviewed and revised by our team of experts to ensure accuracy and quality.

Do More With Less: How To Cope With the Hidden Cost of Layoffs
Productivity 5 min read

Do More With Less: How To Cope With the Hidden Cost of Layoffs

If your company has experienced layoffs, you may be asked to absorb projects and tasks. Here’s how you can create the capacity to take on more.

Find Wrike in More Places and Reduce Work Complexity Fast
News 5 min read

Find Wrike in More Places and Reduce Work Complexity Fast

Wrike announces agreements with HubSpot, AWS Marketplace, and Miro, designed to consolidate apps and improve productivity.

What You Need to Know About ChatGPT and How It Can Help You Create Content
Project Management 7 min read

What You Need to Know About ChatGPT and How It Can Help You Create Content

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that can generate answers to prompts and questions. You can use it to write outlines, song lyrics, poetry, and more.

How Wrike Uses AI to Transform the Future of PMO
Project Management 7 min read

How Wrike Uses AI to Transform the Future of PMO

Wrike is pioneering artificial intelligence in project management offices, harnessing the power of machine learning to connect strategy with execution.

What Is Wrike AI?
Wrike Tips 3 min read

What Is Wrike AI?

Want to eliminate project delays, manual tasks, and unnecessary admin? Meet Wrike AI, your new BFF for work.

The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Automation in 2023 [With Examples]
Project Management 10 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Automation in 2023 [With Examples]

What is digital marketing automation and how can it help marketers reduce their stress and workloads? Our guide to marketing automation tools explains it all.

Why Your Team Needs Social Media Automation in 2022
Marketing 10 min read

Why Your Team Needs Social Media Automation in 2022

Social media automation can help streamline and optimize your digital marketing efforts. Learn everything you need to know about social automation with Wrike.

Harnessing the Power of Automation: How Leading Marketers Make It Work
Marketing 5 min read

Harnessing the Power of Automation: How Leading Marketers Make It Work

Automation may feel like magic, but any marketing team can make it happen. Learn how to use Wrike’s automation capabilities today.

The Now Tech Forrester Report on How To Select the Right Project Business Automation Software
Project Management 7 min read

The Now Tech Forrester Report on How To Select the Right Project Business Automation Software

See how Forrester labels the three project business automation market segments and where Wrike for Professional Services fits into the equation.

Automations to Increase Project Management Productivity
Project Management 7 min read

Automations to Increase Project Management Productivity

When it comes to project management, productivity tools can be a lifesaver for your sanity and your bottom line. Platforms like Zapier allow you to automate a wide range of tasks by connecting one application to another and indicating what operation must be accomplished. These automations are called "zaps," and are composed of a trigger and a corresponding action. In this article, we'll look at a few zaps that agencies or consultants can use to save time when managing client projects. To get started, you'll need accounts with both Zapier and Wrike. Both services allow you to create free accounts, so you have nothing to lose. Once you're set up, you can try the following zaps:   1. Create New Clients For those that bill prior to beginning work with a client, you will want to create a zap where whenever a new client is created in FreshBooks (or any invoicing software supported by Zapier), a new client folder is automatically created in your Wrike account. Once you've connected both FreshBooks and Wrike accounts, you will be able to filter customers based on specific criteria if needed, and then match fields from FreshBooks to your new folder in Wrike. You can use multiple fields from FreshBooks to add in the optional description field for your Wrike folder.   After you've configured a zap, you get the option to test it and make sure it works. If everything is fine, click Continue, name the zap (make it unique), and activate it. 2. Review New Files Do your clients send you files using Dropbox, Google Drive, or other online filesharing apps? If so, create a zap that adds a new task to your client's folder as a reminder for you to review the new file.  First, you select your client's directory in Dropbox (or folder if you are using Google Drive). Then, you match fields from the Dropbox or Google Drive file to the new task in Wrike. I like to include the "direct media link" to the file in the description, making it quicker to access. After you've configured your zap, test it. As usual, click Continue, name the zap, and activate it. This zap will ultimately help you manage files you receive from multiple clients using multiple file sharing applications. 3. Manage Client Communications If you're not using a CRM, you can mimic the feature of tracking conversations related to your projects inside Wrike with a zap. Start by creating a Communications folder under your client's main folder. Next, add a zap that creates a new task in the Communications folder whenever you receive a new email from your client. Here's how to set it up if you use Gmail: Once you connect your Gmail account, set a filter to specify emails from your client. You can do that by using your client's email address (from:[email protected]) or by using the label that your client's emails are organized under (label:your client).  Next, turn your emails into Wrike tasks. You will need to match fields from your email to format the new task in Wrike. I like to match the title of the task to the subject line of the email, and the description of the task to the body of the email message. You can also add additional options for task type, importance, and assignees for those who should reply to the email. After you've configured the zap, test it. You will need an email from your client in your inbox — doesn't have to be new, but it does have to be in your inbox (unless you specified another location in the Mailbox or Tag Name field during setup). If everything works, click Continue, name the zap, and activate.   You can even expand the process further by creating new tasks in your client's Communication folder whenever your client sends a Twitter update. The setup is similar, except you start with a new tweet instead of a new email.  If you use Mention, you can also have any mentions of your client across social networks, forums, etc. added to your client's Communication folder. For those helping with reputation management, or who simply want to stay on top of the latest news about your client, the Mention zap will turn any new mention into a task that can be assigned to the appropriate member of your team for further action or review. 4. Simplify Task Management What if your client likes using another project management system, but you would prefer to keep everything in Wrike? That's not a problem. Let's say that your client uses Trello. You can create a zap that creates a new Wrike task in your client's project folder whenever you're assigned a new card in Trello.  You can set this up using any board you have access to in your Trello account. Just connect your Trello account, specify the board, list, and a custom filter to separate your assignments from other member's assignments. To get only your assignments you will need to filter by ID Member — you'll also need this number when you test your zap - but for now, just use your name. From here, you will match the Trello card fields with those for your new task in your client's project folder. Then click Continue and test your zap. Click on the "See trigger sample link" to find a card that has been assigned to you and scroll through to find your ID Member number. Go back up to that filter in Zapier and replace your name with your ID Member number. If everything works, click Continue, name the zap, and activate. You can set up similar zaps for clients using several other project management applications as well so no matter what programs your clients use, you can still keep track of all your tasks in Wrike. But Don't Stop There... I hope the zaps above have given you some ideas on how to use Zapier's automation to optimize your work within Wrike. Be sure to explore the list of apps you can connect with Zapier to discover additional ways to streamline the tools and platforms you already use. About the Author: Kristi Hines is a freelance writer, ghostwriter, and professional blogger who develops high-quality blog content for businesses. You can follow her on Twitter at @kikolani.

Wrike Collaborate, Day 2: Disruptive Growth, AI and Automation, and Wrike’s Product Roadmap
News 7 min read

Wrike Collaborate, Day 2: Disruptive Growth, AI and Automation, and Wrike’s Product Roadmap

Driving disruptive growth, automation, and Wrike's product roadmap: Day 2 of Collaborate, Wrike's first user conference, was full of surprises.

Stressed Out Creative Teams Can Find Help from Automation
Marketing 5 min read

Stressed Out Creative Teams Can Find Help from Automation

In order to remain competitive, creatives must either create more or more effective content. We surveyed more than 1,500 creative managers and individual contributors, both agency and in-house, to better understand the current state of creative teams and investigate their key challenges.

Wrike Integrates with Zapier for a World of Automation
News 3 min read

Wrike Integrates with Zapier for a World of Automation

Wrike always strives to keep all your work information connected. Which is why there is an ongoing effort to integrate it with all your favorite apps and project management automation tools. Meet our latest great integration: Zapier.  Zapier is an action automation cloud tool that makes it easy and effortless to pass data between two separate apps. So effortless that once you set up your account you won't have to lift a finger! You create customizable actions that send information of your choosing from one app to another, freeing you from tedious housekeeping tasks. When paired with the productivity power of Wrike, it means one thing: you get your work done faster. Say you want every new reminder logged in Evernote to create a task in Wrike. You create a "Zap" in Zapier connecting the two. Zaps are automated processes made of two parts: a trigger and a resulting action. In this case, creating an Evernote reminder is the trigger, and creating a new task in Wrike is the action that occurs once the trigger is sensed by the system. Every new reminder automatically becomes a Wrike task, and you didn't even have to think about it. Or you could create a Zap wherein every new Google Calendar event automatically creates a task in Wrike, bypassing the need to go into Wrike and do it manually. It's all about convenience and saving time — which gets our thumbs up. Wrike's integration with Zapier even allows you to fine tune the details of the resulting action, for example: • Choose task type (planned, backlogged, or milestone) in order to differentiate urgent to-do items and goals from reference material. • Set the start and due date for tasks using expressions like "tomorrow" and "next week". If you create a Zap to transfer your support tickets or other date-sensitive tasks to Wrike, they'll be tackled in no time! • Add rich text task descriptions — say a new email is turned into a Wrike task, the text formatting will remain the same. • Select a subfolder so your automated tasks are housed by email sender, originating source, month created, and more. Watch our video to learn more helpful Zaps you can create for your team: Using Zapier with Wrike To create your own Zaps from scratch, simply designate Wrike as either the trigger or the action. But if you're starting out, it may be more convenient to make use of one of the many Zaps that other users have created, and use one as a template for creating your own custom Zap. Step-by-Step Instructions for Using Zapier with Wrike: 1. Sign up or log into your Zapier account. 2. Click the "Make a New Zap" button. 3. Choose Wrike as the trigger or action. 4. The first time you create a Zap with Wrike, you will be asked to log into your Wrike account. 5. Make a Zap or explore pre-made Zaps. Have you already tried our Zapier integration? Tell us about your useful Zaps in the comments! Image Credits: Photo by Chris Isherwood. Some rights reserved.

How Automation, Mobile, and BYOA are Changing the Way We Work
News 5 min read

How Automation, Mobile, and BYOA are Changing the Way We Work

CIO.com recently interviewed Wrike Founder and CEO, Andrew Filev, on the nine forces shaping the future of IT. The article identifies automation, collaboration, and agility as three of those forces -- and they're the very forces that inform and power our work here at Wrike. But what exactly is changing in the current landscape -- not just in information technology, but across every industry? And what factors are already at play today that will influence how business gets done in the future? Current Trends Affecting Work The Growth of Cloud Services and SaaS The growth of cloud services is one trend that's impossible to ignore. Gartner says the cloud services market will grow by 18% in 2017 to almost $250 billion, and SaaS (Software as a Service) applications make up a sizable part of that. SaaS makes IT lives a little easier in some ways, but also presents new challenges. On one hand, it's easier and costs less to deploy than on-premise solutions, and it's also much easier for a business to scale the deployment as the organization grows. But IT has to find a balance with SaaS and determine how to empower employees without losing control of intellectual property and other data. The Boom in Remote and Mobile Work Another benefit of SaaS is the ease with which it accommodates remote work and mobile work, saving employees from working out from home without equipment. These two huge factors are leading many IT leaders to think not only in terms of cost and security, but also in terms of mobility when procuring and deploying new solutions for workers. The Widespread Use of BYOA BYOA (AKA Bring Your Own App /Bring Your Own Access) is another trend that IT has been facing since the rise and ubiquity of smart mobile devices. In essence, BYOA is about workers moving away from typical corporate IT stacks and instead choosing their own array of apps, based on more efficient user experiences, functionalities, and the promise of synchronization across devices. And this all occurs without the consent of IT. BYOA is now the norm for most functions within a business, and this is actually essential for a few competitive reasons: in MarTech alone, there are now 5,381 solutions, and BYOA lets teams field-test new technology on a small scale and deploy further only when it drives adoption and results. Like anything, it has its good points. One being: mobile devices increase worker productivity and enable quick collaboration in ways that were once considered science fiction. On the other hand though, the ways that workers collaborate are not always optimized for speed or security. A keen IT professional is someone who can recognize the opportunity to scale these solutions across a larger business so that these apps can increase worker productivity while complying with every security measure in place for the enterprise.   The Popularity of Automation And finally, the big trend that has us all talking chatbots and self-driving cars. Automation has a huge opportunity to improve IT and business in general. Its power lies in the ability to improve the repeatability and just as importantly, the predictability of work. When considering how AI will impact professional services market, there's no underestimating the importance of readying your business for automation. McKinsey estimates that for 60% of occupations, 30% of the tasks are "automatable" and 45% of those tasks can be automated using technologies already available today. Automating these tasks will allow workers to shift their efforts towards work that is more strategic, more cognitively engaging, and drives a higher ROI. As our CEO said in the CIO article: Automation can produce more visibility, and faster communications. Together with automation, AI and work management are opening doors for improved processes within companies. Read More on Automation: Why Automation is an Opportunity Not a Threat for Creatives 9 Forces Shaping the Future of IT (CIO.com)

Low Code & No Code Development: What You Need to Know
Leadership 7 min read

Low Code & No Code Development: What You Need to Know

Low code no code platforms make software development easier. Learn how these tools can improve internal processes and workflow automation in your business.

Pluralsight Fuels Rapid Growth with Work Automation
Leadership 7 min read

Pluralsight Fuels Rapid Growth with Work Automation

Business is increasingly digital, and systems generate mountains of data every day. Smart leaders know they can use this data to their advantage, but it’s a rare few who actually know how.