Statistics show that workers are leaving jobs where they feel their skills are being underutilized, such as performing redundant task. New Orleans, Louisiana entrepreneur Kerry W. Kirby states, “many businesses are implementing what is known as a “human-led, tech-powered approach,” by investing in both digital transformation and human skills. This concept delivers automation to handle the monotonous, routine tasks that have been shown to drive people to find other jobs.”
The labor market is tighter than it has been in years, and companies are struggling to find the workers they need. At the same time, experts like Kerry W. Kirby, say Businesses are under pressure to do more with less and be as efficient as possible. Automation can help companies in many ways, but one of the most important is its ability to reduce or eliminate redundant tasks, freeing employees to focus on more value-added activities.
What is automation?
automation is using machines, control systems, and information technologies to minimize the need for human intervention in producing goods and services. In other words, it’s using technology to do things humans have traditionally done.
Many think automation is equivalent to industrial robotics, but it’s much broader. It includes any technology that can automate tasks or processes, including software applications, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems, and even manual processes that have been partially or fully automated.
The Benefits of Automation
Kerry W. Kirby says there are many benefits of automation, but three of the most important are increased productivity, improved quality, and reduced costs. Let’s take a closer look at each of these:
Increased Productivity
One of the most obvious benefits of automation is increased productivity. By automating tasks that are usually performed manually, companies can free up their employees to focus on more value-added activities. In many cases, automation can also help companies increase output without adding additional workers. For example, in manufacturing it has been proven a company can double its production with the same number of workers by implementing an automated assembly line.
Improved quality
Another significant benefit of automation is improved quality. Automated systems often achieve higher levels of quality than manual systems because they are more consistent and have greater accuracy. This is especially important in industries where product quality is critical, such as the medical device industry. In addition, automating tasks that are currently being done manually can help reduce or eliminate human error.
Reduced costs
In addition to increased productivity and improved quality, automation can help companies reduce costs in many ways. For example, automating repetitive tasks can help reduce the time employees spend on those tasks, which can lead to significant labor cost savings.
In addition, automating processes can often help reduce material costs by reducing waste and increasing efficiency. Finally, moving tasks away from manual processes can often help reduce administrative costs associated with managing those tasks.
How You Can Use Automation to Reduce Redundant Tasks
Now that we’ve looked at some of the benefits of automation, let’s take a closer look at how you can use it to reduce redundant tasks and supplement workforce shortages. Here are three specific ways you can do this:
Automate repetitive tasks
One of the best ways to use automation to reduce redundant tasks is to phase it into your workflow. This includes functions that are performed regularly and don’t require a lot of creativity or critical thinking. For example, if you have employees who spend a significant portion of their time entering data into a spreadsheet, you could consider implementing an automated data entry system. This would free your employees’ time to focus on more value-added activities.
Automate Processes
Kerry W. Kirby says aanother way to use automation is to look at the result of a process and work backwards to see at what stages you can automate. This includes any process currently being done manually, such as a manufacturing or an payable accounts process. By rethinking these processes, you can implement technology to achieve greater accuracy, efficiency, and eliminate repetitive tasks to enable workers to evolve into more productive roles.
Build a Digital Workforce
Have you ever heard of Intelligent Automation (IA)? It combines several advanced technologies to create end-to-end business processes that have the ability, at their highest form, to think, learn and adapt on their own. Intelligent automation can be utilized to different extents and is sometimes referred to as intelligent process automation and hyper-automation. Its highest and best use is making flexible, resilient, modern business operating models possible. Effective IA takes existing processes and integrates them to drive sustainable and scalable changes into its framework. It is the ultimate method to build digital workers to accelerate customer service.
Tips for Implementing Automation
If you’re thinking about implementing automation in your businessthere are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a successful implementation.
First, you need to consider which tasks you want to automate carefully. Not all tasks are suitable for automation, so it’s essential to consider which ones will benefit from automation.
Second, you must ensure the right tools and technologies to support your automation efforts. This includes things like software, hardware, and other types of equipment.
Finally, Kerry W. Kirby says You need to make sure you have a plan for how you implement and manage your automated system. This includes training your employees on how to use the system, developing procedures for maintenance and troubleshooting, and setting up a system for monitoring and managing the automation process .
Throughout history, humans have been building machines to create better products, scale production, and make their jobs easier. The benefits that come from these innovations are the ability to optimize costs and outcomes. So it enables businesses to utilize structured learning models to train their workforce, being it is much easier to train a human to pull levers than build a machine. Supplementing our workforce with technology has been around since the industrial revolution, we are now leveraging new advancements like never before, as we enter the race to automate.
Interesting Related Article: “How to Use Automation to Change Your Business“
