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🔁 Best Practices for Laserfiche Business Process Automation

Written by JPI Team | Apr 18, 2025 2:00:00 PM
 

Laserfiche Business Process Automation (BPA) is your backstage pass to more efficient, consistent, and paperless operations. But great automation doesn’t start with a click—it starts with strategy. Whether you're just getting started or scaling across departments, these tips will help you build workflows that actually work.

Here’s your step-by-step guide—with a few fun icons along the way. 🎉

🧭 1. Start with the Process, Not the Platform

Before you jump into Laserfiche Forms or Workflow Designer, take a step back.

✔️ Map out the process
✔️ Identify pain points
✔️ Clarify who does what and when

📝 Use flowcharts or swimlane diagrams to get everyone aligned.

🎯 2. Focus on One High-Impact Use Case

Don’t try to automate everything at once. Start small but mighty.

🚀 Pick a process that’s:

  • Repetitive 🔁
  • Time-consuming ⏱️
  • Measurable 📊

Examples: Invoice approvals, employee onboarding, or service request routing.

🤝 3. Get Users Involved Early

Your best insights come from the people who actually use the process.

👂 Ask for feedback during:

  • Requirements gathering 🧠
  • Form mockups 📄
  • Workflow testing 🧪

Happy users = higher adoption = long-term success.

⚙️ 4. Build for Real-Life Exceptions

Processes are rarely linear. Plan for what could go wrong.

🔄 Add logic for:

  • Missing data ❌
  • Out-of-office approvers 🏖️
  • Rejected submissions 🙅‍♀️
  • Manual overrides 🛠️

Laserfiche’s routing rules and timers have your back.

🧼 5. Keep Forms Clean & Friendly

Good form design = fewer mistakes and faster submissions.

✨ Best practices:

  • Group related fields 🧩
  • Use dropdowns or radio buttons where possible 🔘
  • Pre-fill fields with lookups 🔍
  • Validate inputs (no more typos!) 🧠

And yes—make it look good on mobile! 📱

🏷️ 6. Leverage Metadata Like a Pro

Metadata powers everything in Laserfiche. Use it to:

  • Route documents intelligently 🗂️
  • Track progress ✅
  • Trigger retention rules 📁
  • Simplify search 🔍

Standardize your templates and naming conventions early on.

📈 7. Measure What Matters

Once your process is live—don’t ghost it. 👻

Track:

  • Completion times ⌛
  • Bottlenecks 🚧
  • Errors or rejections ⚠️
  • User satisfaction 👍

📊 Use Laserfiche dashboards or connect to Power BI to turn data into decisions.

📚 8. Document (Everything!)

Your future self will thank you.

🗒️ Keep notes on:

  • Process flows 🌀
  • Workflow rules 🧾
  • User roles & permissions 🛡️
  • Integration steps 🔌

Documentation makes scaling and troubleshooting a breeze.

🔐 9. Stay Secure & Compliant

Automation should strengthen compliance, not complicate it.

✅ Make sure your process:

  • Logs all activity (audit trails) 📜
  • Restricts access by role 🔐
  • Follows HIPAA, FERPA, or other standards 🏥
  • Applies retention rules 📆

Laserfiche gives you the tools—just use them wisely.

📦 10. Build with Growth in Mind

Even if you’re starting small, think big. 🌱

🌐 Ask yourself:

  • Can this be a template for other departments?
  • Are naming conventions scalable?
  • Should I delegate ownership with Laserfiche Teams?

Automation isn’t a one-time project—it’s a long-term strategy.

💡 Final Thoughts

Laserfiche BPA doesn’t just digitize paper—it transforms how your organization works. When you follow these best practices, you’re not just building workflows. You’re building a better, smarter way to work. ✨

Ready to automate like a pro? Let’s team up to plan your first—or next—workflow!