Robotics, machine learning, big data, and the Internet of Things - they all contributed to a rapid technological revolution. Automation significantly impacts businesses and how they handle orders and finish projects. It includes machine learning and software robots performing recurrent tasks that humans tend to avoid. But robots can't only replace humans in this type of work - they can also perform data entry more rapidly. And perhaps the greatest benefit is that incorporating automation into your workflow gives employees more time to work efficiently.
Automation is here to free up resources and boost consistency. As resources like Festo.com show, automation is used in numerous industries, from food manufacturing to life sciences, and there is no doubt that it will transform workplaces and the economy to a significant extent. Let's dive deeper into the concept.
What is workplace automation anyway?
When hearing about automation, people usually associate it with robotics. However, it isn't limited only to that. Automation also involves a set of tools included in business software programs. Simply put, automation means implementing a system to perform recurrent tasks that are easily replicated without requiring human labour.
Automation takes different forms for businesses, freeing employees for more valuable tasks than machines can complete just as efficiently. Some time ago, automation wasn't easy to incorporate, as it required a team of professionals to maintain them and costly servers. This made it impossible for small businesses to think about using automation. However, things have now changed, and automation tools have also become accessible to smaller enterprises due to the development of cloud-based platforms. Companies like Festo work towards enhancing the workforce's productivity and making workplaces more sustainable through innovative automation solutions.
Can automation replace the human workforce?
Automation doesn't impact every industry the same way since they are all different. One thing is for sure: this innovation is changing how people work. It reduces the need for employees to handle rote tasks and increases the demand for those with problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Here are some industries where automation is significantly used:
Healthcare. Robotics and automation are common in the healthcare sector. They are used in surgery, training and managing patients' records and data. However, patient care also requires experience and empathy, which smart tech cannot give. This proves that machines can't replace the human workforce, no matter how efficient they are.
Service industries. While it's true that machines can effortlessly perform tasks, they can't take care of the emotional and social side of things. Automation is effective in dealing with customer data, engaging clients and ensuring they get adequate information when shopping. But the human element is still required to pull all the things together.
Insurance. The insurance industry has also embraced automation for claims intake. Automated robots can quickly fill data entry roles; however, human involvement is still essential in actual decisions.
Accounting. Automation is prevalent in this industry, replacing CPAs and bookkeepers. This technology is changing the accounting field and how people attend to their finances and taxes.
Predictions show that automation will impact the global workforce - it is estimated that by 2025, automation will already replace 12 million jobs. The industries that are most likely to be disrupted by this technology include administration, warehouse, and customer service. This is because they are highly repetitive jobs that machines can easily duplicate. However, automation won't eliminate all types of work. Machines may be smart but can't include the genuine human touch. So, it's likely that automation won't replace hourly workers - instead, it will enhance them.
How does automation technology benefit your business?
Implementing innovative technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotic process automation is critical to a solid business strategy. Here are the benefits these technologies bring.
Enhanced productivity
Repetitive tasks that human workers find dull are perfect for automation. Robots don't get bored; therefore, it's easy for them to perform quick work of multiple pages - humans could spend a whole day doing that. Supposing your workflow process starts with customer data, there will likely be delays at the beginning of the project if you need to enter a significant amount of information.
Human operators take longer to input everything and handle the processing or any tasks they need to complete at an early stage. Automating these tasks allows you to enhance the workflow's speed. That way, your team will be able to tackle more projects yearly, which translates into enhanced productivity.
Improved accuracy
Automated systems are suitable for processes that require accurate figures and information. This is because robots don't get bored or tired, and thus, they don't misread words. This means your 1000th entry is guaranteed to be as reliable as the first.
An automated system's accuracy ensures your data is precise, reduces frustration, enhances customer experience and improves the team's efficiency.
Easier collaboration and progress monitoring
Without automation, team members must input data accurately, perform tasks and then alert their co-workers to complete crucial duties. On the contrary, automating tasks means they will be completed swiftly, and the right teams will be notified immediately. This ensures a smooth process without worrying that employees don't handle tasks efficiently and in due time. An automated system can effortlessly update and track progress and keep track of all the changes and progress.
Moreover, automation enhances collaboration. Collaboration becomes easier when team members can access files or projects instantly and know that the information is correct. Employees can complete projects confidently, knowing that the information about the client or the project is 100% accurate. This shows that automation enhances human workers' roles and makes their jobs much more efficient and straightforward.
The bottom line
Automation technology is revolutionising the business landscape, increasing productivity and efficiency, boosting accuracy and ensuring a smooth tracking process. While these new capabilities may pose risks for some jobs, it's undeniable that they are beneficial for companies and provide them with excellent resources.
Automation saves time, decreases costs and boosts productivity, which translates into significant profits for businesses, whether they are small or large.
