You think that there are process automation opportunities in your business… but you aren’t sure where to start looking. Sound familiar? Well, don’t worry – that’s very normal because there are so many things to consider. But to give you some insight: where there’s data, there’s an opportunity to automate.

What should I automate first?

There’s 4 steps to figuring out which task you should automate first. Process automation, perhaps unsurprisingly, starts with a process. One small thing before we start: the steps outlined here are a lot easier with the help of an expert.

Step 1
Look at the current processes in your business that take up a lot of time – or those that are easily prone to error. It’s unlikely that you’ll have many processes completely mapped out, but there will likely be things you already know aren’t quite right.

Step 2
ROI is the name of the game. What are the benefits of using process automation in the areas you’re interested in? For example, is it going to save one person 4 hours a week, or is it going to improve quality? Whatever process you choose to automate, the impact of it needs to be measurable.

Step 3
Now that you’ve picked out the job you want handled by a bot, you need to think about how to build that robot so it’s fit for purpose. There are a variety of different technologies available – including Robotic Process Automation and Cognitive Automation. The former is for very basic tasks, while the latter uses AI and machine learning to handle more complex functions.

Step 4
Last, but certainly not least, you need to understand how you’re going to implement this new bit of tech. This means thinking about whether you are going to completely switch from human to robot on specific data, or use a phased approach. Then there are training considerations, whoever is overseeing the bot’s work needs to understand how to work with it.

Who’s responsible for implementing intelligent automation?

Making a shift to automation requires a cultural fit for the new robot. This type of company-wide change begins with a business’ leadership. Changing attitudes must start at the top. From there, nominating departmental leaders to take ownership of the project shows that responsibility is held by the entire team and that it is important to all. Your IT and innovation departments are likely to run with the day-to-day project management.

What’s your best advice for a business that wants to start automation?

There’s a good chance that you didn’t understand every part of the 4 step process automation guide. That proves the most important point for us – you need to work with an expert. Simply put, an expert gives you the knowledge to confidently understand and implement automation.

At PAteam we build tailored automation solutions, specifically customized for your business needs. Check out how we’ve already helped businesses with their automation. We help you combine your workforce’s talent with the power of intelligent automation.

The expert in automation is right here – contact PAteam today.