Most understand when we talk about automation in the workplace we mean computers are performing tasks that normally need human participation so that the humans can work on more strategic matters. Automation tools include workflow systems and enterprise content management systems like Laserfiche, which utilize AI and machine learning.
However, automation doesn’t just eliminate garden variety manual, repetitive processes it eliminates errors also. Hence, it’s not about replacing manpower, it’s about supporting and empowering them using workflow tools.
Human Resources
Experts cite that the replacement of a salaried employee costs the organization roughly between six and nine months of that employee’s salary. That’s a painful bite from your budget. It is exactly this type of problem that automation can solve. Forms can be developed for applicants, which trigger notifications from keywords inputs, ranking the desirability of the candidate. Workflow can also be used to route the resume among HR staff and the hiring manager(s). Once hired, on-boarding, training, and certifications can be automated as well as reviews, raises, and termination.
Better Citizen or Customer Service
Customer service has been one of the major competitive advantages for the private sector. Agencies have also stepped up in this area proclaiming citizen service to be a major component of their charter.
This, too, is an area that can be positively impacted by automation in the workplace, for instance freeing up the time of human customer service agents to focus on those matters that actually require their immediate attention, but it’s also a great way to cut costs that can then be funneled into other areas of the business where they can do the most good, too. Governments can also free up tasks like records requests or licensing payments.
Automate Finance
Automation can also be a critical tool in terms of financial process management — something that is a leading cause of stress for most organizations. Financial process automation can be used for essential tasks like accounts reconciliation, journal entries, preparing financial statements, PO requests, invoicing, and more — all in a way that virtually eliminates the risk of human error.
But automation can also be used to automatically send out invoices to customers after work has been performed, and to periodically check in with those customers to make sure they pay as soon as they’re able to. Every minute that an employee doesn’t have to spend hunting down an invoice is a minute they can focus on more important tasks for your business. Likewise, this is also a great way to ensure invoices are actually paid when due, leveraging possible on-time-payment discounts.
By using technology to augment your workers, they’re free to do better work and create stronger relationships with clients and constituents. Organizations that understand this and embrace automation in the workplace soon will be the ones that create a foundation of success that will propel them forward. The ones that don’t — who still think workplace automation is a trend — will soon find themselves left behind.
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