Automation is revolutionizing companies in many different ways. From streamlining complicated processes to eliminating expensive manual systems, automation technology impacts businesses regardless of size or industry––and we shouldn’t expect to see the pace of change slow down any time soon.
In fact, in a recent CanAm Research commissioned by Pantheon Inc, 60% of respondents said automation and process optimization would be their main priority in the year ahead.
However, many organizations get overly excited at the thought of implementing automation in their business processes. While automation does have the ability to increase productivity, reduce costs, and provide deeper insights into how your business is run, it only does so when implemented correctly.
Getting the most from your process automation means you need to understand how the automation world is changing, what that means for your business processes today, and how it will impact your organization in the future.
The Still-Developing World of Process Automation
Automation has been a hot topic in the business world for years. But while the desire to streamline processes and automate tasks isn’t new, the technology is still developing––and will continue to in the years to come.
Today, process automation is used for a number of tasks, including managing communication and eliminating human error for mistakes you can’t afford to make. However, as automation and digital transformation grow, we can expect to see these technologies taking on more significant and more complex tasks.
We can also expect to see newer forms of technology becoming more mainstream. While automation for most companies today is done through software and digital platforms, new forms of technology are expected to make a more exponential impact on automation in the years to come. This can be a real game changer for certain industries.
How to Optimize Your Business Process Automation Today for a Better Future
When many companies first bring process automation to their organization, they add it in wherever it “fits.” However, they rarely undertake any real analysis into their processes to see if there is a better way to achieve the results they’re after through automation. While they might see an improvement in cost or productivity, they’re very likely leaving the bigger picture opportunity on the table.
To make the most of automation, you want to fine tune your processes before introducing the new technology, as well as continue to reimagine how your processes work while using automation. This can include both eliminating or adding extra steps, precautions or checkpoints to create a more efficient business process.
For example, let’s say before automating a process, there was a need to manually input data from one tool to another. To ensure there were no errors in this data, another employee needed to check and approve the data. Not only would the swivel-chairing process become unnecessary, so would the second checkpoint.
On the flipside, automation can also help you manage steps that you may not have had the manpower to control before. For example, with the help of a process automation tool, you can refine a customer service communication sequence to be more comprehensive because the tool can take on some of the additional work for you.
The right tool makes efficient automation easy. A comprehensive business process model (BPM) builder can help you map out process flows with simple-to-use click-and-drag technology. With the click of a button, you can set workflow automations in motion, as well as efficiently monitor and track processes to ensure everything is running smoothly.
While automation will continue to develop and change, we can definitely expect it to stick around. You need an automation tool that can provide the support your organization needs to continuously adjust to those changes in the years to come.
The Odyssey Platform provides users with the ability to continuously improve, change, or build upon their current practices and processes, helping them navigate technological shifts as they come. Through supporting continuously developing technology, Odyssey allows your team to make the most of automation today and into the future.