Business process automation is repeatedly hailed as the technological future of business. Over and over again we hear the same battle cry: that business process automation, AI integration, and VR will dominate the future office. Such predictions often hold weight. For example, do you recall the 1980’s obsession with the Satellite Office? It may have taken the working world 40 years to get there, but remote work is now the new normal.
So, what do you need to know about business process automation to prepare you for the coming global reliance on it? Let us review what it is, what it means to business, and how you use it. First, though, we will start with how you already use it.
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You are Already Automating Business Processes
Business process automation is the umbrella term we use to describe any process related to business, which we go on and automate. If your business has an automated telephone answering system which directs users to the right number – you are already automating some of your processes.
Other current examples of how we automate business processes include video training sessions during onboarding, or your accounts system, depending on whether it automatically updates facts or not. Even the way we receive analytical data for searches and online stores is an automated process.
What You Need to Know About Business Process Automation and You
You can learn about business process automation software from HelpSystems, here. Otherwise, the things you need to concern yourself with are basic… for now.
You see, business process automation cuts down on the tasks you or your employees need to do by yourself. It is a useful tool for better office productivity. If you have an AI that accurately delivers emails to the correct departments, you save an employee the time and trouble. Business process automation could be used to achieve excellence in your industry.
If you work in retail and install self-checkouts, you can save time and money. Ultimately, automating processes trims overheads and frees up staff to improve the consumer experience. A customer that feels valued because of the undivided attention they get, is a loyal customer.
Ways Automation Will Affect You
All this means is that your future office, store, or business, will have as many automated processes running as possible. From order placement to packaging and delivery, we will start to see incremental changes in the way things are done. We are entering Industry 4.0, so the complete digitization of every aspect of the supply chain is upon us. Given a few decades, the only physical involvement in the creation of goods will be the goods created.
Automation is not something to fear. It is not something to dread. Automation is not taking jobs away from real people. It is here to make our lives and our businesses run more smoothly. The more we use it, the more we will realize that it is a tool, just like a computer or a phone. Automation is your friend. Embrace it because times are changing.
