Automation in Workplace: Designing the Future of Work
Automation is the current trend in technology. Researchers are improving automated systems relentlessly to save more time and physical work. The aim is to have a seamless digital transformation and process in every aspect of life and business.
One popular display of automation is a smart home. Devices are connected and can be controlled by a phone. With one command, you can control the lights, door locks, televisions, and other things. Because the world is packed with busy people, automation would be very convenient.
However, automation is also invading workplaces and businesses. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robots is setting the norm as companies achieve productivity and high quality in lesser time and resources.
What is Workplace Automation?
Workplace automation is the use of systems using software or hardware to accomplish a repetitive and predictable task while eliminating manual work. This will increase productivity, efficiency, and the speed process. Statistics show that the use of AI will contribute to a 40% increase in productivity by 2035.
When automation first entered the business, it was exclusive. Small businesses cannot afford it because of the cost of servers and their maintenance. However, it became widely accessible when workplace automation became software-driven. It involves cloud-based platforms, Application Programming Interface (API), AI, and other software tools.
Digital transformation is evolving at a rapid pace and directly affecting companies around the globe. When a company wastes time on a mundane and repetitive task, it will not keep up with other companies and eventually will produce fewer sales. Automation in the workplace will be ideal for businesses to continuously innovate and make better strategies for success. According to McKinsey and Co., 66% of businesses applied workplace automation in at least one of their business functions last 2020.
Benefits of Automation in the Workplace
Employee Satisfaction and Engagement
Statistics show that 90% of employees feel burdened in completing monotonous processes. Workplace automation frees up the employees from these and allows them to be involved with more valuable priorities. This helps the employees to see their contribution to the advancement of the business making them more satisfied. This also lowers their stress levels which increases productivity and innovation.
When this happens, more employees will choose to continue working for the company. Best talents can spring up among them helping the company to compete with larger corporations.
Reduction of Costly Errors
Some potential errors in completing manual tasks are entering misspelled information onto a customer relationship management program and forgetting to include the due dates in invoices. Applying workplace automation will decrease the error margin by 34%. Factors that contribute to the mistakes are a distraction, miscommunication, and duplication of work.
Save Time and Resources
Automation in the workplace can change the dynamics of most occupations. Job descriptions and salaries will be redefined. For instance, an employee has to read and respond to countless emails in a day. The time spent doing this can be used for higher-value work instead through the use of AI analyzing and responding to the emails. This will also ensure that there will be no delays and errors in the process.
Increased Safety and Protection
Some industries involve hazardous procedures. Usually, in manufacturing industries, AI robots do the work promoting a healthier environment for the employees. Some industries involve hard labor such as cleaning the floor and windows of a building. Workplace automation increases the safety and protection of employees by replacing them with such procedures.
What are Examples of Automation in the Workplace?
More companies are becoming forward-thinking by adopting automation in the workplace. The benefits can be experienced by nearly all departments. If you are aiming for positive transformation in your company, there are a lot of ways to start implementing this; however, there are some considerations before choosing workplace automation software for your company.
What are the major things you want to accomplish with workplace automation? Can this software solve these issues? Can your team handle using this software for a specific period? Your decision also includes the support and training available, the cost and sustainability of using the software, and its compatibility with the company’s system.
To give you an idea, here are some examples of automation in the workplace and its applicable software.
Hybrid Workplace Automation
Because of the new normal, employees are expected to return to the office for a few days a week. Even with this hybrid setup, companies are ensuring a safe environment by cleaning and optimizing the employees' spaces.
Smart Cleaning: Data is put into a dashboard where the cleaning team can view their tasks when they start their shift. For instance, motion sensors in the meeting rooms and workplaces can inform the cleaning team whether the space has been used or not after the last time it was cleaned. They do not have to manually check the spaces anymore.
Smart Delivery: Enable service providers to deliver packages to the employees when working in the office.
Software: PlaceOS
You can integrate devices, sensors, databases, building systems, and corporate software into one platform. It is commonly used for desk and room booking, space utilization, and occupancy management.
Smart Spaces with Digital Tags
Smart spaces are facilities equipped with sensors for data collection and analysis for better service and customer care. Workplace automation will increase sales for retailers, manufacturers, and businesses through the use of digital tags and electronic shelf label solutions. This can automatically update your pricing and can be fully graphic to influence the buying decision.
Software: SES-imagotag
You can have electronic tags and digital solutions for the physical retail industry. Because of this, you can improve your store by being connected with your brands and customers in real-time. It helps you with pricing, product information, and marketing campaign.
Smart Spaces with Asset Tracking
Through smart-tracking technologies, you can automate your logistics and supply chains for more efficiency and accuracy.
Inventory Management: Track and organize stocks, supplies, and sales in one platform to save time and make wise decisions for your business.
Pharma and Biotech Compliance: An active wireless track and trace technology for automated and efficient operations through the logistics lifecycle. It allows you to view location and real-time analytics through the barcode.
Software: Tag-N-Trac
It is a supply chain solution mainly for multi-modal logistics, packaging, and manufacturing. It can organize your inventory, monitor your products' condition, and track regulatory compliance at a very low cost. Now, there is transparency and real-time alerting throughout the supply chain process.
Marketing automation
The demands of customers are personalization and relevance. When done manually, it will not be scalable. Automation can analyze customers' behaviors or triggers and respond appropriately to attract them to purchase an item.
They gather your demographic and behavioral information to build better customer profiles. It will be analyzed to create strategies for enhanced customer experience.
Software: Purple
Through the use of guest WiFi and analytics, you can have a better understanding of your customers and their behaviors. The data will help you improve customer experience and increase revenue through customer profiles and advertisements.
Through your marketing campaign and personalized customer engagement, you will increase their retention, loyalty, and expenditure.
Final Thoughts
Digital transformation is necessary for the success and growth of companies. Thus, there is a need for a shift to workplace automation. Companies must educate and prepare their employees on adapting to this future of work. Automation does not necessarily mean an increasing unemployment rate. On the contrary, more opportunities will arise while focusing on higher-value jobs. This will drive more employees to innovate constantly for the company's advancement.
