Hi, I am Maxim Belyakov founder of sailet.kz development studio. For 7 years we have been automating business processes for companies with the help of the most modern IT solutions. Today I will talk about the problems of automation on the simplest examples. Even if you have never dreamed of automating processes in your company, read to the end (there's a gift there).
Many people think that automation solves all problems instantly. Yeah, well, it doesn't! In fact, the process of implementing automation can turn into a real quest with many pitfalls and frustrations.
In this article, we will analyze 6 problems that every entrepreneur faces on the way to automation, and, of course, offer solutions to avoid "falling into the swamp"
Problem 1: The desire to automate everything at once
Situation:
A logistics company decides to automate its processes. They try to cover all processes at once, from warehouse operations to marketing.
Problem:
Trying to automate everything in one go is like trying to eat the whole cake in one sitting: expensive, complicated, and not necessarily delicious.
Solution:
Start small. Choose the most important processes that bring profit and automate them step by step. Evaluate the results, and only then move on.
Problem 2: Expecting quick results
Situation:
The company thinks that automation will immediately save a lot of money. But after 3 months, they are disappointed: costs are not reduced, and the results are not impressive.
Problem:
Quick miracles only happen in fairy tales.
Solution:
Set realistic goals. Automation takes time to pay off your investment. Set your sights on the long-term benefits and don't expect an immediate effect.
Problem 3: Trying to automate the chaos
Situation:
The company has problems with inventory control and sales processes. No one knows how the goods get to the customer, or what steps are needed at all.
Problem:
Automation does not work with chaos. Disorderly processes are simply transferred to the automated system and continue to be disorderly.
Solution:
Get things in order first. Audit and organize your processes to understand exactly what needs to be automated.
Problem 4: Automation without integration
Situation:
The company automated its order management system, but forgot that it needed to "friend" it with existing systems. As a result, employees have to enter data manually into the old systems.
Problem:
Incomplete integration creates more problems than it solves.
Solution:
Plan integration from the beginning. Understand how new systems will interact with old systems and prepare a detailed integration plan.
Problem 5: Automation of rare processes
Situation:
A company suddenly feels the need to automate some minor process that happens once a month.
Problem:
The investment doesn't pay off because the process is too infrequent to justify automation.
Solution:
Use the formula:
(Time cost x Resource cost) / Output result
If the value is high, the process can be automated. If not, leave it "as is".
Problem 6: Failure to recognize your processes
Situation:
Entrepreneurs want to automate everything, but they themselves don't fully understand how their processes work.
Problem:
Fuzzy understanding leads to confusion, poor decisions and wasted resources
Solution:
Examine all processes before automating. Consult with experts to identify weaknesses and proceed with automation without surprises.
When is it a good idea to start automating?
Growing volume of operations:
When a business scales and the volume of transactions grows, automation can help bring order.
Process Optimization:
If you can standardize something and get it done faster, automation is your best friend.
Cost Reduction:
Fewer people means fewer errors and costs.
Regulatory Compliance:
If the rules get more complex, automation can help keep things under control.
Data Analysis:
Automated systems will gather all the numbers and help make strategic decisions.
Automation is not a panacea, but it can be a powerful tool for business growth if done wisely. Don't try to automate everything overnight and don't forget about integration. Most importantly, be realistic in your expectations and prepare for the long term game.
And now the promised gift, SECRET link. Go to the page and fill out the free consultation form. Automation starts with one click!"
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