In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies are constantly striving for ways to improve efficiency and productivity. One approach that has gained popularity in recent years is process automation. By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, companies can utilize their employees to focus on higher-value activities.

However, implementing process automation is not without its challenges. According to McKinsey, an astonishing 70% of business transformation projects fail. Additionally, Ernest & Young reports that 50% of initial Robotic Process Automation projects fail.

To increase your chances of success, our expert implementation team has identified 5 golden rules for task and process automation. While there are other several important factors to consider, these are the ones that we believe are essential for success.

1. Keep your plans realistic: 

It’s important to set realistic goals when implementing process automation. Rather than aiming for 100% automation, focus on achieving specific business outcomes. In some cases, a mix of services and automation may be a better approach than full automation.

Also when planning your automation project, consider starting with low-hanging fruits – tasks that are easy to automate and will provide quick wins. This will help build momentum and support for the project. From there, you can move on to more complex tasks in a phased approach.

2. Transformation isn’t just about software: 

A successful transformation project involves more than just implementing new software. It requires a holistic approach that takes into account people, process, and technology.

When implementing process automation, it’s important to consider the impact on your employees. Will their roles change as a result of the automation? Will they require training to adapt to the new processes? These are important questions to consider as you plan your project.

In addition to people, it’s also important to review your existing processes. Are they efficient and effective? Can they be improved before automation is implemented? By taking a critical look at your processes, you may be able to identify areas for improvement that will enhance the success of your automation project.

3. Improve the process first: 

Before automating a process, it’s important to ensure that it is as efficient and effective as possible. This means embracing standardization and process best practices.

Automating a broken or inefficient process is a missed opportunity. By improving the process first, you can ensure that the automation will deliver maximum value.

4. Manage the change: 

Implementing process automation is a significant change for any organization. As such, it’s important to manage the change carefully. This means project managing the transformation from idea to business as usual. If you don’t have the skills in-house, consider partnering with a company that can support and guide you through the entire journey.

Effective change management involves clear communication, training, and support for employees as they adapt to the new processes. By managing the change carefully, you can increase the chances of success for your automation project.

5. Get everyone on board: 

Change can be unsettling for employees. However, it is necessary for growth and evolution. To ensure the success of your automation project, it’s important to get everyone on board. This means gaining buy-in from both management and operational levels.

One way to do this is by involving employees in the planning process. Ask for their input and ideas on how automation can improve their work. By making them part of the transformation journey, you can reduce resistance and increase support for the project.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, implementing process automation can deliver significant benefits for companies looking to improve efficiency and productivity. However, it’s not without its challenges. By following these 5 golden rules you can increase your chances of success.

Transformation and operational change isn’t easy but it can be made easier with a structured approach backed by experts. At Aarav Solutions, we have worked with many companies on their automation journey. Contact us to learn more about process automation or to discuss your specific challenges and ideas.