As consultants, the Engibots team feels fortunate to have the chance to support various clients, each with distinct technological ecosystems and strategies. Our experiences over the recent years have shaped the way we guide our clients, not only in process automation initiatives but also concerning digital strategy and information systems as a whole.
A recurring theme on technology leaders’ agendas is undoubtedly the issue of data scattering across multiple systems and devising strategies for their convergence. The range of systems available for an organization to adopt is vast. Without a clear strategy in terms of integration, architecture, and data management, a company can quickly become ensnared by numerous generic platforms offering limited customization and integration, leading to significant data dispersion.
If not properly addressed, this phenomenon tends to escalate, resembling a perpetually expanding universe. An imbalance in the systems “galaxy” can swiftly lead to chaos. Often, there’s a noticeable lack of a long-term strategic vision for the digital systems supporting the business, missing a clear roadmap aligned with the company’s growth objectives.
Technologies such as RPA (Robotic Process Automation) and the recent strides in AI democratization have allowed companies to optimize a significant portion of the so-called “Monday Work,” usually composed of repetitive tasks. However, many of these processes arise precisely due to the lack of integration between data and systems. Interestingly, some RPA solutions, like UiPath’s Clipboard AI, emerged to tackle this challenge, preventing highly skilled collaborators from getting bogged down in mundane tasks.
Along with other technological leaders in the automation field, we believe that RPA and AI can not only reduce the “Monday Work” but when thoughtfully implemented, can act as a genuine game-changer. Introducing these technologies can spark a paradigm shift in companies, fostering an “automation first” mindset. This means, before creating a process and assigning it to a human collaborator, there’s an initial assessment of its delegation to an automated solution.
Discussing the “automation first” mindset, it’s crucial to understand that it’s not just about indiscriminately applying technology. This mindset entails a thorough evaluation of each process, pinpointing efficiency areas and automation opportunities. It’s about recognizing that before allocating human resources to a task, one should consider if this job could be better performed by a robot or an automated system. It’s not about replacing humans but enabling them to focus on more valuable, less repetitive tasks.
The successful implementation of these technological “vaccines” requires time and strategic planning. However, numerous success stories across various industries showcase the enduring benefits for organizations that get it right, highlighting these technologies’ ability to reshape a company’s operational DNA.
To illustrate the successful application of these technologies, we can look at the banking sector. Several banks have adopted RPA solutions to streamline processes, from customer service to internal operations. One bank, for instance, leveraged RPA solutions to automate account-opening tasks, slashing processing time by over 50%. This not only enhanced efficiency but also improved the customer experience, offering faster, flawless service.
In conclusion, technology has the power to transform organizations, making them more efficient and agile. But it’s vital that this transformation is deliberate, with a clear strategy to prevent data dispersion and that values human resources. Automation and AI are here to support and empower humans, not replace them. The key is finding the right balance, and for that, vision and strategy are paramount.
