Business process automation (BPA) has skyrocketed in recent years—a trend massively expedited by the pandemic. Many companies realized the vulnerability of exclusively relying on human labor to complete essential tasks when they abruptly shifted to a remote workforce. Employers had to adapt and familiarize themselves with automation to remain operational, and many quickly realized its value.
Industry Expert Predictions for Business Automation
Cobots, Not Robots
People almost universally think of robots when asked about automation. It’s unsurprising given that robots are already in the workplace to take over repetitive tasks for humans and free up their time to focus on more important project elements. However, humans and robots do not work side-by-side. It’s always been an interaction exchange moving from one step to the next rather than a coordinated tandem effort.
Robots can’t perform alongside people for the simple reason that they are rigidly inflexible. Manufacturers program them to perform a repetitive task without deviation. Collaborative robots, shortened to cobots, are an innovative technology that can enhance human capabilities. Companies can equip cobots with numerous tools to teach them several tasks, including grippers, range extenders, safety systems, end of arm tooling (EOAT), and more. They have the precision of robots with enough flexibility to adapt to changing project situations and work alongside humans.
Hyperautomation of RPA
Robotic process automation (RPA) was a significant digital trend in 2022. RPA performs simple processes automatically, such as the automated business responses to social media users that tag a company in their posts. Hyperautomation takes this to the next level with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
They can hyperautomated workflows and trigger complex processes depending on incoming documents, emails, and other data sources. They learn through natural language processing and optical character recognition, which allows them to understand written and spoken words—including images of text. Hyperautomated RPA can then extract the relevant data to initiate a new process or next step in the workflow.
Improving IT Security
Cybersecurity often struggles to keep pace with rapid technological advancement. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, as their cybersecurity is typically weaker than large corporations. Successful cyberattacks can bankrupt smaller companies, as successful attacks can cost well over $100,000. Automated security is a high-tech cybersecurity solution that isn’t prone to human error. Automated technology can streamline security processes, rapidly identify hacking attempts, and incorporate machine learning to grow and evolve with cyber risks.
Businesses in all industries are harnessing the power of automation. From better customer service to improved workflows to unparalleled cybersecurity. Contact Windermere Insurance Group to learn more methods to enhance and protect your business interests.