If you’re still processing orders manually, you’re paying a price; andnot just in dollars.
Manual order entry drains time, inflates costs, and invites mistakes. According to McKinsey, businesses that rely on manual processing spend 30% more on operational costs than those that automate. That’s money lost to inefficiency — time spent on repetitive tasks, corrections, and rework.
And it’s not just the cost. It’s the risk. Manual data entry has an average error rate of 3% — that’s 3 mistakes for every 100 orders. In fast-moving sectors, those mistakes ripple out: botched deliveries, frustrated customers, and lost trust. In a market where speed is currency, even one wrong digit in an order can turn into a reputation problem.
Automation doesn’t just reduce errors — it rewrites the entire process. One manufacturer, for example, cut their order processing time from 2–3 days down to just 1–2 hours using AI automation. That’s not just faster. It’s transformative — freeing up team bandwidth, increasing order accuracy, and accelerating cash flow.
And speed isn’t optional anymore. 90% of B2B customers now expect an immediate response when they submit an inquiry or support ticket. That means the bar for responsiveness isn’t being set by your industry. It’s being set by Amazon, Uber, and AI-driven service.
Manual processes were built for a different era. In today’s market, they’re a liability. If your customers are waiting hours — or days — for confirmation, updates, or delivery timelines, they’re already looking elsewhere.
Order entry is one of the easiest places to start automating. The ROI is fast. The lift is light. And the upside is enormous.
If you’re still on the fence, consider this: doing nothing is no longer neutral. It’s a decision to stay behind.
About apHarmony
apHarmony is a Chicago-based software development firm specializing in custom automation, workflow optimization, and real-time operational tools for manufacturers and industrial businesses. With over a decade of experience and 400+ successful projects, we help teams eliminate manual tasks, reduce errors, and dramatically increase efficiency through tailored solutions like order entry automation, customer portals, and production dashboards. If you’re still relying on manual processes, it’s time to explore what automation can do for your bottom line. Contact us to talk about how we can help.
