Prioritising automation in 2018

  • Written by Laura Wheatley
  • Published on 9 May 2018
  • Blogs
It is true to say that most businesses function just fine the way they are – so why is automation so important? The International Society of Automation (ISA) defines automation as “the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services.” In short, automation makes processes more efficient; and who can honestly say that their business would not benefit from increased efficiency?

Benefits of automation

As with many other aspects of digitisation, automation is quickly being adopted throughout the industry, and the benefits are in no way limited. 

Communication

Real-time communication was a trailblazer in terms of automation. After letters, came faxes and then emails but despite great technological advances, even email has its disadvantages. If you can wait a few hours (or maybe a few days) for an answer, then email works fine but what if you need an answer now? Then email is too slow. The digitisation communication methods allows for real-time communication and synergic working.

Reduced risk of human error 

Humans are great, but we do have our downfalls. The problem with humans, is that we are prone to errors. As Real Business explains, when a business runs using spreadsheets, just one manual errorcan cause a whole load of issues. On top of that, it can be difficult to identify the cause of the error. Not only does this complicate processes but it wastes time and potentially causes deadlines to be missed.

Competitive advantage

The problem when a new process is quickly being adopted is that you are at risk of falling behind the times. 51% of supply chain and logistics professionals believe that automation will provide them with a competitive advantage. 

Data management

One key advantage of automation is better data management. Data management as a whole is pretty broad: it can be internal or external. Internally, an online HR hubcan be used for holding personal information, employee and holiday management. 

Automation creates the opportunity to harness and collect big data, bringing its own set of business benefits:

  • The ability to measure improvements in supply chain efficiency
  • Faster and more effective reaction times to supply chain issues
  • Improved traceability
  • Increased operating margins of up to 60% 
  • Cost reduction

Cloud technology gives us access to extremely qualified professionals, products and services. And by outsourcing some of your day-to-day admin tasks, you’ll have more time to focus on growing your business.

Helen Goldberg
Founder of Legal Edge

Whilst your business may function just fine as it is, the increased implementation of automated systems in the industry may be putting you on a backfoot. To maintain a competitive advantage and reap the many other benefits, automation needs to be a priority in 2018.

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