With almost 90% of SMBs considering or already using a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for their IT services, one thing is certain: MSPs are a critical part of the business IT sector. 

The growing need for outsourcing aside, MSPs can provide even more value beyond their core functions. In fact, by introducing workflow automation to their everyday tasks, MSPs are positioned to streamline deployment for common business processes, generate recurring revenue, and drive profits. 

Dispelling Workflow Automation Myths

Oftentimes, MSPs are called into hybrid environments that require them to manage remote workplaces, mobile devices, servers, and communication. As such, many companies rely on their MSPs to identify advances in technology that can turn IT services into a strategic advantage and unlock new efficiencies in everyday tasks.

One such technological advance is the growth of workflow automation. However, many MSPs have been slow to adopt automation as part of their core offering. This is because they believe it requires a sophisticated and expensive skill set to create custom workflows that unite processes across an entire enterprise. With Symphony by Paperwise, however, MSPs can benefit from speedy deployment through advanced automation tools that make the process as seamless as ever.

The Benefits of Workflow Automation for MSPs

Thanks to Symphony by Paperwise, MSPs are finding it very easy to add workflow automation to their portfolios with three main advantages:

Cut Back on Development & Deployment Significantly

Symphony already has prebuilt process automation templates based on industry best practices that can cut development and deployment time by 90-100% depending on the needs of the client. Right out of the gate, clients can begin using workflows for common procedures like AP invoice processing, employee onboarding, maintenance requests, and other high ROI applications while dramatically reducing time spent on manual tasks. 

Leave It to the Experts 

Paperwise provides you with a team of experts, so you don’t need to have trained process management engineers on your team to get started. Of course, many MSPs see the value in starting a process automation practice built around Symphony, but you can start immediately while you get up to speed.

Easy Workflow Deployment

Low-code automation tools allow MSPs to customize solutions for clients without learning a new programming language or environment. This, combined with robust document management, analytics, and security, make it very easy to deploy new workflows.

The Competitive Advantages of Automated Workflows for MSPs

Lower margins and overall profitability are common challenges for MSPs. Unfortunately, most service businesses struggle with margin improvement because they rely on experienced staff with high salary ranges while facing steep fixed costs regardless of utilization rates. 

Margins on hardware sales are often as low as zero depending on their relationships to clients and vendors. IT services are commoditized offerings with many competitors in each metro area further driving down pricing and profit. 

However, workflow automation offers a way to add new competitive advantages that can drive new profits and recurring revenue to an MSP portfolio. 

• Differentiate Your Offering: MSPs can significantly differentiate their offering with workflow automation. Instead of providing commoditized support and service, you can completely customize solutions that exactly match your clients’ needs and business. You will stand out from the crowd with innovative tools and high ROI.
• Improve Profitability: Thanks to the advantages we mentioned above like prebuilt templates and access to a team of experts, MSPs can offer workflow automation with very little investment. There is no increase in your fixed cost, salaries, or overheads so the money you make is at a very high gross margin. You simply add a new service without adding new overheads.
• Generate Recurring Revenue: Building a base of recurring revenue is the only way for MSPs to grow in a predictable fashion. This is due to the fact that workflow automation provides a high ROI solution for clients that is deeply ingrained in their business processes. This represents a win-win for MSPs and their clients as it creates a consistent, dependable source of recurring revenue for MSPs.

How MSPs Can Drive Client Loyalty 

Perhaps most importantly, workflow automation software improves client retention and loyalty for MSPs. Because custom workflows are not commoditized, they cannot be easily replaced by competing MSPs. They also present very high ROI for your clients, so they will place a higher value on your overall offerings. In fact, studies show that workflow inefficiencies cost companies as much as 30% of their revenue each year. So, if you can create such a high return on your services, you will have much better client retention rates. 

Additionally, many MSPs apply workflow automation to their own businesses to create new ways to service clients. This might include integrated online forms, deployment or purchase requests, new client employee onboarding, security management and more. You improve your customer service and satisfaction while increasing your own efficiencies. Your team can spend less time on manual data and processes and more time interacting with clients.

Paperwise Partners with MSPs to Drive Greater Workflow Efficiency 

Symphony by Paperwise offers MSPs a unique advantage when it comes to deploying workflow automation and reaping its many benefits. Our team of experts can help you customize solutions for your clients, while our advanced tools make it easy to deploy new workflows quickly and seamlessly. When MSPs partner with Paperwise, can add a valuable and high-margin service to their portfolio, driving greater efficiency and profitability for both themselves and their clients.

Get Started with Symphony’s Workflow Automation Today

If you’d like to learn more about how easy it can be to add workflow automation to your MSP offering, get in touch with us today and we can get started right away.