A 10-person SME loses an average of 15 to 20 hours per week on repetitive tasks: data entry, sending emails, generating reports, updating dashboards. Automating these processes frees up these hours for high-value activities.
1. Automated Client Follow-ups and Invoices
Payment follow-ups are time-consuming and uncomfortable. A simple automation with tools like Make (ex-Integromat) or Zapier can automatically send payment reminders at 7, 14, and 30 days after the due date, with progressively firmer tone escalation.
Time saved: 3-4 hours per week for an SME with 50+ active clients.
Recommended tools: QuickBooks or Xero + Zapier, or a custom solution integrated with your ERP.
2. Automated New Client Onboarding
Each new client triggers a sequence of tasks: creating a file, sending the contract, configuring access, scheduling a kick-off meeting. Without automation, this sequence takes 2 to 3 hours per client and often results in oversights.
An automated onboarding workflow can:
- Automatically create the client file in your CRM
- Send contract documents for electronic signature (DocuSign/YouSign)
- Notify the relevant team via Slack/Teams
- Automatically schedule the kick-off meeting
Time saved: 2-3 hours per new client.
3. Automated Performance Report Aggregation
How much time do you spend Monday morning consolidating last week's numbers from different sources? Google Analytics, your CRM, your invoicing tool, social media... An automated dashboard consolidates everything in real time.
Recommended tools: Looker Studio (free) connected to all your sources, or a custom BI solution developed by a partner like SOLVYNOR.
Time saved: 2 to 4 hours per week.
4. Automated Incoming Lead Management
Every lead arriving via your website or email must be qualified, assigned, and followed up. Without automation, leads often fall through the cracks. An automated workflow can:
- Automatically enrich lead information (industry, company size)
- Score the lead based on predefined criteria
- Automatically assign to the right sales rep based on scoring
- Send a personalized confirmation email within a minute
Time saved: 1 to 2 hours per week + 20-30% increase in conversion rate.
5. Cross-Tool Data Synchronization
Your CRM doesn't talk to your invoicing tool? Your e-commerce orders aren't syncing with your inventory? These data silos cost dearly in manual data entry and generate errors. An API integration between your tools can synchronize everything in real time.
Where to Start?
The classic mistake is trying to automate everything at once. Start with the process that consumes the most time and is the most standardized. Measure the gain, then move to the next one.
SOLVYNOR conducts automation audits for SMEs. In one day, we identify the 5 most profitable processes to automate, estimate ROI, and propose an implementation plan.
