However, automation isn’t a sure path to success. Several challenges can limit an organization’s ability to realize a return on its technology investment.
Common Automation Challenges
Setting the Right Expectations. Many organizations make the mistake of believing that automation is the answer to all their problems. Today’s automated tools are at their best when applied to fairly simple, repetitive tasks. Organizations that expect automation tools to handle overly complex tasks or resolve all the issues related to a process are less likely to be successful.
Streamlining Processes. There’s an old saying: If you automate a mess, you’ll get an automated mess. For automation to be effective, organizations must streamline multistep processes to ensure that they are consistent and repeatable with no bottlenecks or workarounds requiring human intervention.
Managing Data. Unreliable data can lead to inefficiency and incorrect outcomes. If data inputs are incorrect or incomplete, the automated system will not be able to perform tasks properly. Inaccurate outputs will require human intervention and cause users to mistrust the automated system.
Relying Too Heavily on Technology. Organizations that are fully dependent on automated tools will face operational disruption if the technology fails. Similarly, users will make bad decisions if they rely too heavily on the outputs of automated tools. Organizations should take a “trust but verify” approach and have manual backup processes to minimize downtime.
Maintaining Flexibility. Automated tools that are designed to maximize productivity may limit flexibility. They may also operate in a “black box” without human input or feedback. Meanwhile, processes and objectives may change, causing the organization to struggle with automated tools that are unable to adapt.
Overcoming Employee Resistance. Some employees are naturally going to resist automation. They may have concerns about being displaced by technology and the learning curve involved with the automated tools. Some may simply be reluctant to change. They may not immediately recognize the benefits, such as minimizing the amount of repetitive busy work.
Ensuring Effective Communication and Training. Automation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. All stakeholders must discuss and analyze the processes to be automated to ensure success. Once the automated tools are implemented, users must be adequately trained, and team members must collaborate regularly to ensure that everything is functioning properly.
Addressing Automation Challenges
Take an Incremental Approach. Organizations should resist the idea that they can automate everything at once. Automation technologies are complex and can be difficult to implement and learn. It’s better to start small by automating manual administrative tasks that will offer the biggest gains in efficiency and productivity. An incremental approach will allow users to become acquainted with the technology before moving on to automate more complex workflows.
Acknowledge Successes. When executing an automation strategy, organizations should acknowledge progress in achieving long-term goals. Business leaders should inform employees of cost savings, customer service improvements and other metrics so that they will maintain their support of automation technology and be invested in its success.
Balance Training and Outsourcing. It is essential to provide employees with effective training so that they can make the most of automated tools. However, it’s also a good idea to outsource where there are significant skills gaps. A technology solution provider such as Technologent with specific expertise in automation can help you accelerate the time to value and get the most from automated tools.
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