Automation in business is becoming the norm. It’s a widely debated topic, as will any new technology capable of carving out new avenues in business. While some experts recommend that we use automation with caution, there are plenty of ways in which businesses can harness it responsibly to improve efficiency in the workplace, relieving employees from mundane, manual tasks. Here’s how you can use it to boost productivity and profitability in your business.

What is automation? 

In a nutshell, automation uses technology to execute tasks without the need for human input. Businesses can leverage automation in a number of ways. A more specific term for this evolving concept is ‘Business Process Automation’, otherwise known as ‘BPA’. 

Current trends include the ability to approve contracts, handle payroll responsibilities, implement workflow duties and automatically send emails. In other words, it can be used to digitise repetitive tasks. Automation is extremely versatile and can therefore be applied in different ways across several industries. 

Factories

Electrical power and industrial cables are used to supply automated factory equipment, including technologies that facilitate the likes of robotic arms to pick up many of the manual tasks that would otherwise be conducted by workers. In turn, speed and efficiency can be applied to factory workings, with employees overseeing the machines as opposed to doing the work themselves. 

Other examples include hydraulic systems, chemical manufacturing processes, as well as painting and coating automation processes. Automation can be used in simple forms, utilising signals or sensors for example, or more complex forms such as for supervisory control or planning and operations systems.

Reporting

Reporting is a notoriously laborious task within workplace environments, taking up lots of time out of an individual’s daily work responsibilities. 

Automation can be used to pull together recent reports and any associated data in a matter of seconds, leaving only the analysis and commentary to the individual. This can also reduce any delays when it comes to reporting, as well as the possibility for human error.

Finance

In finance, time can be lost to tasks such as invoicing, order purchasing, expensing and more. Automation can be used to handle these typically data-heavy tasks, removing the responsibility from the workforce and allowing them more time to focus on other projects. 

Repetitive tasks

Almost every industry and workplace will experience repetitive tasks in some shape or form. There can be a tendency for mundane tasks with little stimulation to leave employees feeling unmotivated and disconnected from their job. 

From handling spreadsheets to sending out repetitive marketing emails, certain tasks can be time-consuming. But with automation in the picture, it can remove this burden and make processes more streamlined, allowing people to focus on more stimulating and productive tasks.