Many organizations are familiar with the concept of digital transformation through automation. They are aware that process automation makes businesses more efficient, more profitable, and perhaps most importantly, saves organizations precious time. Yet, the fear of replacing familiar processes, as well as a lack of awareness about where to start, keeps many businesses owners from moving towards automation. In this article, we briefly look at digital transformation through the lens of process automation and why businesses do it, as well as provide some tips about where to get started with digitally transforming your business.
The process and reasons for automation
Digital transformation can be an intimidating concept for some organizations. Yet, at the most fundamental level, digital transformation simply means swapping out outdated processes with more efficient, digital ones. For instance, replacing manual, paper-based record systems with cloud-based software. To be sure, there are countless reasons why businesses, both large and small, look to automate their processes. Some of the more common reasons include:
- Reducing costs (i.e., reducing paperwork)
- Increasing organization
- Streamlining communications
- Improving customer communication and service
- Reducing human error
- Maintaining consistency
- Increasing accountability
Many of your competitors intend to or have already begun moving towards automation. According to a McKinsey report that surveyed 1,500 business executives across all industries and regions, some 66% responded that addressing potential skills gaps related to automation and digitization was a top-10 priority, while 30% said it was a top-5. Moreover, a found that 67% of participants identified implementing digital solutions as an important factor to remaining competitive. To remain competitive in the coming years, organizations will need to continually implement efficient and cost-effective processes to better serve their customers.
