Automation and digitalization are called key factors for a company’s success. We figure out how this helps to improve business processes and simplify the lives of employees
Participants of the conversation:
Roman Kalashnikov is the CEO of Fobusiness, a company that optimizes and automates business processes using modern technologies.
Kristina Chernova is the host of the podcast.
What processes in a company can be automated
Optimization and automation of processes allow businesses to increase efficiency and reduce costs. In addition, IT solutions can simplify and speed up the work of various specialists. Businesses often resort to the automation of routine and management processes. Accountants seek help in calculating taxes and preparing reports. HR specialists need IT products that help in personnel management and setting up funnels for finding employees.
A frequent request from businesses is to automate profit forecasting, which helps companies plan their development more accurately. Of particular interest is the digitalization of marketing and sales, where various IT products allow for more accurate tracking of expenses, analysis of the sales funnel and average check. All this is necessary for the effective development of a company.
How does business process automation work?
Business process automation specialists carry out their work in several stages. It all starts with a detailed description of the companies’ activities: it is necessary to take into account various tasks and methods of interaction. Based on this, functional requirements are created – statements about how the system should behave. Requirements can come from the customer or be identified during analysis.
The next step is to draw up the technical specifications. It includes interface layouts, documents and reference books necessary to implement the client’s requirements. The time frame for preparing an IT product varies from several days to six months, depending on the complexity of the system.
The next difficult stage is the introduction of automation into the company’s work. Depending on the scale, this can last from six months to several years. The duration is affected not only by the difficulty of learning to work in a new system. The problem can be sabotage by employees who are not motivated to implement changes.
Artificial Intelligence for Business Process Automation
Many companies have realized the potential of technological solutions for automating business processes and have begun to actively implement artificial intelligence in their work. It allows to significantly reduce the time for data analysis and increase the accuracy of forecasts. Contract management, sales forecasting, cash gap control — all these tasks are already being solved with the help of AI.
In addition to complex analytical tasks, neural networks are useful in everyday operations. For example, Telegram bots with AI elements are actively used in business, which can perform routine actions – from invoicing to debt notifications. Such technologies easily cope with basic tasks, which already helps entrepreneurs effectively solve a number of problems. However, AI is not yet ready to fully take over the management of complex business processes. Its comprehensive integration will take several more years.
Lack of trust in new technologies also remains a significant obstacle. For the market to begin to rapidly move towards large-scale automation, more real-life examples of successful implementation of neural networks are needed. Once such cases become available and widely publicized, the business community will be ready to perceive new technologies as a key tool for achieving success.
The Future of Automation
In recent years, there have been dramatic changes in the field of business consulting and automation. The departure of large international consulting companies from the Russian market has led to many enterprises being forced to look for alternative solutions within their own structure. This has given rise to a new trend towards internal consulting and has strengthened the role of small integrators and independent specialists working in the field of digital transformation.
Automation and digitalization have become key elements of the modern business environment. Companies will increasingly implement AI systems to speed up processes, minimize errors, and improve efficiency. This trend is gaining momentum and will cover more and more industries.
In the future, digitalization will reach a new level concerning management decisions. The system of metrics and indicators, comprising about 50 key indicators, allows any entrepreneur to assess the current state of the business in real time. Thanks to this, entrepreneurs can quickly respond to changes, forecast profits, plan investments in new projects or areas.
Automation of business processes opens up huge prospects for optimization and growth, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on strategic tasks, leaving routine operations to “smart” systems. As a result, automation and digitalization are becoming not just tools, but key factors for business success in the future.
