What is Automation? While automation has been around since the 1800s, it wasn’t until recently that it became a buzzword in the business world. Be it customer service, cybersecurity, or manufacturing, automation is now an essential part of numerous business processes.
Based on Precedence Research’s data, the automation industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.59% and reach a whopping $412.8 billion by 2030.
But do you know what automation is or the benefits that it entails? In this blog, we will explore all that you need to know about automation.
What is Automation?
Automation is the term used to describe technologies that reduce human inputs in processes. Simply put, automation technologies can help in producing and delivering products and services with minimal human interventions.
Any industry dealing with iterative tasks can use automation. But, it is prevalent in robotics, IT, and manufacturing industries the most.
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The aim behind automation is to achieve higher productivity, efficiency, time-saving, and reliability in the market. Even in manufacturing plants, assembly line robots are responsible for carrying out repetitive tasks that humans used to do.
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Automation involves technology that relegates tasks to software or hardware, reducing the work and stress of a team.
Whether it is installation, integration, maintenance, marketing and sales, procurement, or analysis, automation is thriving within all industries’ functions.
Types of Automation
Here is the list of 6 different types of automation.
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Business Automation
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Process Automation
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AI Automation
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Robotic Process Automation
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Industrial Automation
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IT Automation
Business Automation:
Also known as digital transformation, Business Automation refers to the type of automation that deals with streamlining and automating complex, repetitive business processes.
Process Automation
It refers to the use of technologies and software for automating functions and processes of a business to achieve predetermined goals.
AI Automation
Also known as Intelligent Automation, Artificial Intelligence Automation refers to the use of AI, Robotic Process Automation, and Business Process Management to scale decision-making in the business network.
Robotic Process Automation
It is a type of automation, used to build, deploy, and manage software robots to perform labor-intensive tasks.
Industrial Automation
It refers to the control of processes and machinery in different industries using automated systems such as software or robotics.
IT Automation
This type of automation describes the process of creating software systems that can carry out repetitive tasks in cloud deployment and data centers to reduce manual workload.
Why Automate?
Today we are witnessing major technology disruptions like Advance Virtual Reality, 3D printing, Big Data, Cloud Services, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. These disruptive technologies are creating challenges for organizations in providing innovative solutions, reaching new customers, and backing their stakeholders and employees.
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If organizations want to be disruptive in their industries and digitally transform their businesses then automation can be the key aspect they need to look for.
Benefits of Automation to an organization
Some of the major benefits that automation can bring to an organization are:
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Better Productivity
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Higher Performance
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Easier Governance
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Great Reliability
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Optimized Interoperability & Integration
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Scalability and Flexibility
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Cost-Efficiency
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Minimized Errors
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Employee Upscaling
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Streamlined Processes
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Better Communication
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Improved Accountability
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Enhanced System Availability
Top 5 Trends in Automation
Here is the list of top 5 trends in the Automation industry.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Robotics
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Internet of Things (IoT)
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Cloud Computing
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Augmented Reality (AR)
The impact of automation can be felt in different industries, be it healthcare, IT, or customer support. But what are the trends that are going to further improve the automation industry?
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a groundbreaking force in automation. By assimilating data, recognizing patterns, and arriving at decisions autonomously, machines can now operate with little or no intervention from human beings.
The finance, healthcare, and logistics industries have harnessed the power of AI to streamline their processes, achieve heightened precision, and accelerate operations. In finance, for instance, AI-powered chatbots proficiently field customer inquiries and grievances, enabling human employees to channel their energy toward more intricate undertakings.
Robotics
Automation has made notable headway in Robotics, another arena where significant strides have been made. Robots are now being deployed in manufacturing, construction, and agriculture to carry out repetitive, hazardous, or precise tasks.
In manufacturing, robots assemble products, inspect quality, and package goods. In agriculture, they have taken up the mantle of planting and harvesting crops, drastically reducing reliance on human labor.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an interconnected network of devices that communicate with each other and exchange data. The technology is being used across various fields, including healthcare, transportation, and energy, to monitor and regulate systems in real time. For instance, in the healthcare sector, IoT devices enable medical professionals to remotely monitor patients and intervene when necessary.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has been a game-changer in the way businesses function. It empowers businesses to store and access data from any location at any given time, and its security measures have earned it widespread adoption in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and education. In finance, cloud-based accounting software enables efficient financial management and the automation of bookkeeping tasks.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality (AR) defines the technology overlapping digital information onto the physical world. It enhances the user experience in numerous sectors, including retail, education, and entertainment. For example, in retail, AR is used to enable customers to virtually try on clothes before making a purchase.
Conclusion
That was all about automation. With automation, a business can easily save time, effort, and money. While you may think that automation will lead to unemployment, it is far from the truth. Automation is here to reduce the workload of the team and help them focus on more crucial, non-repetitive tasks.
If you too want to bring automation to your business process through developing automated IT solutions, then get in touch with our experts, share your needs, and acquire a customized quote!
FAQs About Automation
What is the definition of automation?
Automation involves technology that relegates tasks to software or hardware, reducing the work and stress of a team.
What are the types of automation?
Automation can be divided into the following types:
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Business Automation
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Process Automation
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AI Automation
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Robotic Process Automation
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Industrial Automation
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IT Automation
What are 5 examples of automation?
Self-Driving Vehicles, Smart Homes, Chatbots, Voice Assistants, and FASTags are some real-life examples of automation.