We've been reading about the incredible impacts you've made with automation for years so we know what makes an award-winning entry. Here you can find a few simple tips and tricks to help you shape a clear and confident submission for the 2026 Customer Excellence Awards that really shows off your work. And we're here to help you showcase it with confidence!
Whether you're starting from scratch or adding the finishing touches to your entry, these pointers will help you tell your story, highlight the impact you've made, and shine a spotlight on the people behind the success.
Think of this as your starting point for turning your great work into a winning entry.
Tell us a clear story to bring your strategy to life
Think of your submission as an executive-level snapshot rather than a technical document. Start by highlighting the issue:
- What business challenge or opportunity were you addressing?
- Why was it important to the organization?
- How did automation fit into the wider strategy?
Focus on the strategy behind your work and the process you followed from problem to solution, without getting lost in unnecessary detail. Judges want to understand your thinking, your goals, and how your work aligned with broader business priorities.
A strong entry usually has a simple, logical flow:
Challenge → Approach → Automation Solution → Measurable Outcome → Future plans
Judges are looking for clarity and purpose. This approach helps them quickly grasp the impact of the work and the real business value it created.
Keep it focused and let your results speak for themselves
Great entries are clear, focused, and supported by facts. Support your key points with data, metrics, and real-world evidence. Bullet points can help you present information quickly and clearly. Focus on the outcomes and the difference your work made to the business, your teams, or your customers.
Ask yourself:
- What numbers best demonstrate your success?
- What has improved since your automation programs started?
- What evidence proves the impact?
Even simple before-and-after comparisons can be powerful. If you have internal testimonials, audit results, or performance dashboards, use those insights to strengthen your story. Every strong entry includes at least 3 - 5 concrete metrics.
Show how your work made a meaningful difference
If possible, connect your results back to strategic goals such as digital transformation, cost optimization, or improved customer experience. Showing a clear link between your objectives and your outcomes makes your entry much stronger.
Consider the wider impact:
- Did you free-up employees for higher-value work?
- Were customer response times improved?
- Have you reduced risk or improved compliance?
- Did automation enable new services or growth?
Don’t forget to highlight the human side of your automation. The most powerful entries also look beyond cost savings and efficiency to reveal the real impact on people and society.
You're welcome to add supporting material to your entry. Anything from presentations and videos to team photos or whatever else you feel best brings your story to life.
If you're looking for more inspiration for your entry, download the submission guidelines and submission templates here. Or contact us at Bpm-awards@sscinc.com with any questions.
