If there is one thing that we know to be true about IT, it is that change is a constant. More so than in any other industry. That is why it is vital that businesses adopt automation in order to create and maintain a competitive advantage.
In this post we’ll explore the key reasons why you should move to automation and how a systematic approach can make the transition more effective and minimise disruption to day-to-day business operations.
Automation provides many business benefits
There are a multitude of advantages to automating aspects of your business. Below we look at three game-changers:
• Increased accuracy and resource allocation
• Cost savings
• Accelerated growth
Increased accuracy and reliability
Human error is all but eliminated with automation. Taking the time to have an expert consultant or project manager plan and execute your IT automation means that you can all but ‘set and forget’ essential functions within your business. Cloud environments lend themselves to automation regardless of if they’re private, public or hybrid, as does cyber security, so this is a good place to start.
And unsurprisingly, automated systems don’t get tired or sick, need to be retrained or take holidays. While the human touch is vital in augmenting the automation of systems, it is not feasible for most businesses to run teams around the clock in order to keep operating at full capacity, thus process automation offers an attractive solution.
Cost savings
A considered approach to finances is key for any business in 2018. As most industries become more commoditised and the value add of service offerings is balanced with expenses, automation allows organisations to reduce ongoing costs and remain more competitive.
Undertaking an infrastructure audit or health check is important when determining where cost savings can be made over the short, medium and long term. Initial financial outlays can then be measured back against projected savings over time, along with the reduced risk of down time which can cost businesses dearly.
Accelerated business growth
And most importantly, automation allows your employees to spend their time on activities that will grow your business, rather than on repetitive manual tasks.
While there may be a degree of uncertainty around job security when automation is implemented, this can be countered with a measured approach to redeploying staff into new areas of the business. Reassuring employees of their continued value will lead to a more happy, productive team. And that is priceless.
Taking a systematic approach to automation
Milind Govekar, research vice president at Gartner, is quoted as saying “IT organizations need to move from opportunistic to systematic automation of IT processes.” In doing so, this involves determining the kind of automation needed, safeguarding existing automation and ensuring a smooth cultural shift.
This can be confronting, especially if you have a business where there are multiple legacy systems in place or individuals hold the key to extrapolating data and know-how. Temporarily augmenting your staff for the duration of a project like this can put your mind at ease and ensure a seamless transition.
With more than 70 consultants across Australia, we’re perfectly positioned to assess, set up and monitor IT automation across your business or provide assistance for short or long-term staffing needs.
Contact The Missing Link fill the gaps in your team or to help plan the next growth strategy for your business.
