Archive - 2021 Business Automation Trends
The year 2020 has created significant changes in business. With COVID-19 shifting nearly, well, everything, it’s natural that businesses have had to adapt as well. As isolating at home became the norm across several countries, the population of the world moved online. As a result, digital tools and forward-thinking automation are in high-demand to simplify business processes and create a more stable, secure environment that allows the consumer to feel safe in their own homes.
As we edge closer toward 2021, it’s time for businesses to consider implementing automation strategies. Not only will automation provide more efficient opportunities, but it’ll allow employees to stay at home. This results in long-term savings on labor costs and a safer environment for mandatory in-house workers. Though adding automation technologies to your business may be a pricy investment upfront, it’ll save you dollars over the next several years and increase business efficiency. You’ll quickly see a return on your investment as you’ll see costs on labor, human error, and time.
Reduced operating costs and increased business efficiency aren’t the only benefits of using automation in your business. Automated operations are also more reliable than their human counterparts. Free up your human resources to manage jobs that require human connection, such as the management or marketing team. This allocates your resources and dollars more productively.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite automation trends that will provide the strongest long-term benefits. With COVID-19 altering the face of business, now is the time to shift your focus and processes to include new technologies. Consider optimizing your current business plan to provide better service to your customers and see a better return in the upcoming years.
These automation trends each offer something unique to business owners that will assist with growth in the upcoming years while providing a modern, unique technology to improve the process of getting work done.
Hyper-automation
Hyper-automation is an automation technique coined by Gartner that “streamline(s) and orchestrate(s) as many tasks, activities, and processes as possible”. The technique marries intelligent business process management (IBMP), machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotic process automation (RPA) to process information quicker than ever before.
RPA uses technology to complete repetitive tasks in the workforce. For example, structured activities that can be completed by the use of calculations and data can be a figure of RPA. AI, on the other hand, attempts to mimic human intelligence, as opposed to menial, routine tasks. IBMP teaches the hyper-automation technique, the unique business processes, and how to build the automation strategy. For successful hyper-automation, each working component must be carefully designed.
By implementing hyper-automation, business owners can determine what steps can be eliminated in a business process. Hyper-automation has allowed the eradication of human input in many areas where it was otherwise needed. According to Forbes, hyper-automation reduces errors and operating costs, creating an ideal work environment for businesses.
The purpose of hyper-automation is not to replace humans in the workforce. Instead, hyper-automation allows employees to fill higher-value positions while mundane work is performed by automated technology.
Not only does hyper-automation allow for increased productivity and ROI, but it also provides flexibility in the workplace. A comprehensive automation software allows the business to ebb and flow as operations grow.
Voice-Activated Automation
Voice-activated automation, though a simpler automation technique than hyper-automation, allows for great flexibility and enhanced productivity in the workplace. With technologies such as Amazon Alexa and Google Play becoming a household staple, it’s no wonder that voice-activated automation would grow to become a trend in the workplace as well.
With voice-activated automation, businesses can free up their hands and embrace multitasking. Whether it’s for a smaller task (such as turning off a light) or a larger job (such as sending an email), voice-activated automation allows busy employees to keep their eyes (and hands) on the prize. Furthermore, the average person can speak significantly faster than they can type, making voice-activated automation a no-brainer for those who spend a long time at the computer.
There are various benefits to voice-activated automation in business. Some of our favorite benefits are that it’s easy-to-use, convenient, and it saves time. Incorporating it in a more complex way is in the beginning stages, but it will provide excellent opportunities as the technology continues to develop.
As-A-Service (ASA) Automation
ASA automation, or as-a-service automation, refers to the lightning-fast, cloud-based automation that has dominated web platforms. ASA uses the infamous cloud to offer cost-effective and cutting-edge solutions to businesses.
For example, during the pandemic, Zoom has seen a vast influx of business due to their cloud-based performance software. Due to quick download speed and limited restrictions, there are few limits to the capabilities of Zoom. The software can meet the high demand of its users and is easy to access from anywhere.
ASA has provided the efficiency and user-friendliness of the internet that businesses have needed for years. Space and data storage have become a thing of the past, and business owners now have the freedom and flexibility to grow their businesses electronically.
Robotic Processes and AI
The future is now, and the robotic process and AI have made their way into the workplace. In particular, AI is one of the most booming trends. Over the past few decades, scientists and investors have worked tirelessly to hone their skills in developing artificial intelligence, and as we inch towards 2021, the technology has advantages towards success. Machines have begun to learn algorithms and sophisticated solutions, and AI is undoubtedly one of the most complex automation technologies on the market. Not only does AI offer productivity and consistency to your workplace, but it also eliminates errors and ensures the security of your business. AI is one of the most modern routes you can take as a business.
The purpose of AI is to mimic human thought and behavior. Using data collection and analytics, AI should spot connections and provide a detailed human analysis that correctly evaluates and estimates human behavior. On the other hand, robotics may include drones and vehicle automation. This simplifies the transportation of goods and services.
Both robotic processes and AI have been especially useful in the healthcare industry when preventing the spread of disease and minimizing the transmission of illness. Both solutions, though expensive, are sophisticated and may provide you long-term success and value.
Complete Replacement of Menial Repetitive Tasks and Jobs
Even at minimum wage, humans working menial, repetitive tasks begin to add up and result in a large expense for businesses.
When automated technology can replace humans for repetitive tasks, humans can provide value to positions that need a hands-on approach. Positions such as human resources and marketing require a team of forward-thinkers to complete the job successfully.
By allocating employees to these higher-value positions, not only will staff satisfaction improve, but company dollars are being spent more productively.
Instant Collaboration and Automated Meeting Reports
Connecting employees using technology that can aid in seamless team collaboration provides an excellent solution for remote work. With the pandemic shutting down offices (for many indefinitely), many businesses have had to shift their processes and adopt remote meetings as a new norm. Stormboard has provided an excellent solution for remote meetings with the addition of automated meeting reports that provide a summary of the meeting to the entire team that can be used as presentations, meeting minutes, and more.
Though business automation is sweeping the workforce, human interaction and employee connection will always play a vital role in companies. Having staff interact and brainstorm is essential for companies to plan, develop, and execute new ideas. Stormboard has closed the gap to provide a sustainable connection option that allows team members to still collaborate effectively remotely.
Stormboard also offers a place to connect with other teammates to discuss other automation strategies and how to implement them in the new year.
Conclusion
Determining what areas of your business model can be simplified and improved with the use of automated technologies is an excellent way to enhance your productivity, improve your product consistency, and increase your profits. Automation is a relatively new technology and can pose some fear to old school business owners; however, its benefits far outweigh the initial investment and the fear surrounding an unfamiliar territory.
With 2021 around the bend, staying on top of automation trends and being a thought-leader in your industry is essential to staying on top of the competition and providing your customers with premium solutions to their pain points. By investing in automation, you can improve your employee satisfaction and all-around run a more successful business.
About the Author
Celina Dawdy is a freelance writer in Edmonton, Alberta. When she isn’t writing, she’s volunteering and spending time with her three dogs.
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