Due to the rapid changes caused by the pandemic, companies have been pushed towards the remote working model. However, the remote working configuration combined with existing traditional technologies fails to bring out the full potential of the company. In other words, they do not offer long-term sustainable development. This is where process optimization through RPA technologies comes into play, which provides operational reliability and process improvement for the company, and makes it easier to adapt to new working realities.
But automation doesn’t always do the right thing, and not because of the tool. According to a study by Ernst & Young, between 30% and 50% of robotic automation projects fail globally.
When automation is implemented in a strategic way, following all the necessary objectives, it helps companies reach their desired goal. In other words, it is important to understand why automation fails, so you don’t repeat the same mistakes.
So, what are the reasons that cause most automation failures?
- You have not set a CLEAR end goal
If you automate a process without a clear purpose, then you end up wasting a lot of resources, such as money and time, and worst of all, the opportunity to evolve from a business perspective. That’s why the first step is to identify SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) business goals. If you don’t have a clear understanding of the workflow and which processes need improvement, you will automate the wrong ones and encounter difficulties in implementing the project, which will require indefinite extension.
The aim of automation is to save time and optimise performance. So, you need to focus on the objectives that would bring an optimal result to your company. Because, if you automate just because other companies do it, then the results will not be what you expect.
- Task-based rather than people-based approach
If you only consider automating the process, without considering the people that it will help, then the process will fail and the myth that robots are meant to replace people will be true. Process automation is about helping employees and making repetitive tasks easier, giving way for creativity and productivity. So, if you focus on the benefits that automation will bring to your team, then the results will be excellent.
- No properly implemented change management
Often, riding the wave of benefits, companies do not implement a proper change management process. Therefore, change can be too sudden and misunderstood by employees. Properly implemented change management should include several essential steps, such as: educating employees, aligning departments towards the goal, getting approval from the executive department and demonstrating benefits. When everyone realizes the benefits of the implementation, then acceptance will be easier.
- Automating the wrong processes
Not all processes need to be automated, and when this happens, the results will be disappointing. That’s because simple, infrequent processes, as well as those that require human analysis, should not be automated. So, managers should only consider those employees who perform repetitive tasks that require a lot of time and just a little human intervention.
- Individually automated processes, without considering their interconnection
In a company, all processes work in a complex circuit, and automating one of them, without considering the consequences for the others, can destabilise the balance between them.
How to get automation right?
The most important step in getting automation right is to identify the workflows, as well as the links between processes and the teams that carry them out. Once you have clarified these issues, automation can be done efficiently, not only to reduce costs and increase profits, but also to increase customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction.
Automate your processes the right way with BeeDigital!