As technology continues to grow and the cost to access it shrinks, organizations of all shapes and sizes are looking for innovative ways to improve their business. Especially in 2019, there are a few buzzwords that come to mind; with AI and machine learning topping that list. However, automation, a development that seemingly first appeared in 1948 has experienced a resurgence in the wake of digital advancements.

Defining Process Automation

Process automation is a relatively easy concept — it allows systems to perform and trigger a series of tasks without human intervention. By mimicking human action and connecting separate systems together, automation provides businesses the opportunity to streamline processes and increase efficiency. With all the benefits process automation offers, it’s no wonder why organizations everywhere seem eager to automate as much as they can to save both time and money.

Automation comes with a laundry list of advantages – minimizing errors, streamlining processes and reducing costs are just the tip of the iceberg. However, before going ahead and automating every process at your disposal, you may want to consider the following statement from Bill Gates:

“The first rule of any technology used in business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency”

Don’t Automate Inefficiencies

Before automating any business processes, you must first understand the process itself. Analyzing and mapping out your business processes will assist in determining the overall efficiency of them. Without a firm understanding of a process’s complexities, automation is likely to cause more issues than it solves.

To ensure that you can capitalize on the full potential of automation without magnifying inefficiencies, eliminate unnecessary process steps. Also, try to answer the following questions outlined by the American Productivity and Quality Center:

1. Do we need to improve or streamline our processes beforehand?
2. Do we develop the automation internally or work with a vendor?
3. What capabilities do we need to ensure the success of our automation efforts, including post-implementation?
4. What type of automation is the best fit for what we are trying to accomplish?

Answering these questions will better position you to leverage and take full advantage of automation technologies.

If you automate inefficient processes, you increase the likelihood of an inefficient outcome – plain and simple. At CoreSolutions, we obtain a thorough understanding of your business and your processes before developing any solutions, ensuring your efficiencies are magnified, instead of vice versa. Contact us to help you effectively implement automation technology in your business today!