This is a part of our series that focuses on decentralised businesses.
As we bring our series on the distributed enterprise to a close, it’s worth considering the ongoing developments in blockchain technology that present a range of effective solutions for businesses. Automation is a crucial aspect of this advancement, and its possible uses are numerous, delivering significant benefits to a company’s daily processes.
Starting the Process
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between automation and artificial intelligence. Automation entails instructing a computer to complete specific tasks that were typically performed by a human in a more straightforward manner, freeing up staff to concentrate on other critical activities. Artificial intelligence, meanwhile, is a more abstract process in which a machine is taught to make decisions based on human input.
It’s clear that the automation process is entirely reliant on human input and decision-making. Those responsible for developing the automation system must determine which processes it is applicable to and carry out those duties. A lack of proper planning will result in subpar outcomes.
Enlisting the assistance of a seasoned professional is crucial when implementing automation strategies to achieve success. Not only will they be able to organize the process, but they will also be able to identify the most appropriate techniques for the job.
Automation processes can be employed for a variety of tasks, allowing businesses of any size to take advantage of automation without incurring significant financial costs. Importantly, productivity can be maintained while critical processes are automated.
Multiple Forms and Sizes of Automation are Available
IBM classifies four separate types of automation that businesses may employ, each with its own distinct features and uses.
Basic Automation:
Many businesses are faced with the task of automating routine yet critical aspects of their operations, such as generating tickets in project management software or scheduling regular events.Robotic Process Automation:
A robotic system is utilised to perform a specific set of tasks. The objective of automating these activities is to ensure that they are executed in a consistent manner. By eliminating minor inefficiencies, such as failing to alert an employee via email when a task advances, we may be able to improve productivity.Advanced Automation:
The incorporation of several technologies is necessary to facilitate automated processes, machine learning, and AI experimentation. Algorithms are employed to hasten tasks that would take humans a longer period to accomplish, such as data analysis for business intelligence.Cognitive Automation:
This approach utilises Artificial Intelligence to enhance and facilitate machine learning, and is regarded as the most sophisticated and complex automation process. It can be applied to automate customer service on a website, taking the shape of a virtual assistant, for instance.
It is frequently stated that there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution for technological initiatives. To achieve the most desirable outcomes, it’s essential to take into consideration not only the unique requirements of your business, but also the broader context.
Collaborative Efficiency
Our Distributed Enterprise Series delved into a variety of interconnected subjects. We started by explaining what Distributed Enterprises are and providing advice on successful implementation. Furthermore, we highlighted the critical tools and solutions businesses need to flourish when operating in a dispersed environment, as well as addressing the present challenges faced in safeguarding these organisations due to their distinct structure.
It is apparent that automation can be a useful strategy to employ in a distributed labour model. By eliminating geographic constraints, it becomes feasible to achieve the fundamental principles of this model, such as quicker, more efficient, and more agile work.
Conversely, the absence of a centralised base for critical operations necessitates the use of customised approaches. In this context, automation systems could be extremely valuable.
It is becoming more apparent that automation is the path forward for numerous businesses in terms of simplifying routine tasks and operations. Gartner has recognised this as one of the top strategic technology trends for 2023, emphasising the significance of hyperautomation at present. As a result, it’s sensible to combine the distributed model with automation when establishing a distributed business.
To simplify the lives of both you and your remote workers, it could be advantageous to automate and oversee processes such as scheduling, job allocation, agile platform ticket management, onboarding and offboarding, training and development, bookkeeping, and employee technical support (for routine queries and basic issues).
When centrally managed, automated processes can provide businesses operating in a dispersed model with increased productivity, better output quality, and greater overall business value.
Further reading on Works’ series about decentralised businesses.
