Enterprise automation: From tools & platforms to hyperautomation

Enterprise automation refers to the use of technology, such as software and tools, to automate repetitive tasks and complex workflows across an organization. By implementing an enterprise automation platform, businesses can enhance productivity, ensure consistency, and scale operations effectively.

Enterprise software development and enterprise automation are an inevitable part of the optimization of business processes. Often postponed, carried out without a strategic plan, it does not deliver the expected results. What are automation tools, what are automation platforms, when will they be useful, and where does hyperautomation fit into this? This is the subject of the article.

Developing an Enterprise Automation Strategy

A well-defined enterprise automation strategy is essential for achieving long-term success. This involves identifying key areas for automation, selecting the right tools and software, and continuously monitoring and optimizing processes. By leveraging enterprise automation solutions, businesses can improve operational efficiency and maintain a competitive edge.

Successful Enterprise Automation process

Enterprise automation is usually a part of digital transformation. How to approach business automation? Successful automation of business processes should include your people, processes, and IT infrastructure. Only the combination of these three pillars of effective business process automation can bring measurable value.

The role of people in the enterprise automation process

People are the backbone of any enterprise-wide initiative. To adopt automation across the organization, all teams, including the business line, operations, network, security, development and infrastructure must be actively involved. Automation optimizes processes and changes the way work is done. It should be carried out in line with the processes and needs of individual departments, roles and resources.

The role of processes in enterprise automation

Processes drive projects in your organization from start to completion. Transparent processes for creating, implementing, managing and adapting automation are essential for broad adoption and continuous utilization.

The role of IT infrastructure in the enterprise automation process

A dedicated automation platform provides capabilities to build, run, and manage automation. In contrast, simple automation tools allow you to quickly solve major pain points. When approaching enterprise-wide automation, it is necessary to validate IT systems. Only a unified foundation for creating, deploying, and sharing consistent automation infrastructure and automation knowledge will ensure process stability, scaling and long-term success.

Automation tools and automation platforms

Automation in general has been talked about for some time and in different ways. On the market, there are automation tools and platforms. Both offer automation services, however, differ in the degree of capabilities.

Automation tools are great on a smaller scale, for personal and point automation. They excel at automating simple tasks as an ad hoc solution for small departments or compact organizations of a few people. Some popular automation tools are ClickUp, Jira, LeapWork, Zapier, RoboTask, and Trello.

However, they do not provide the connectivity and management capabilities that are necessary for large-scale enterprise-level automation.

An automation platform is a type of cloud-based software that more and more companies are opting for. They are used for a variety of purposes, and in a digital transformation era, these platforms execute many tasks with greater speed.

Automation platforms provide a unified framework for multiple people and departments to execute consistent automation. They offer resources to effectively manage and share automation rules across the organization. With customizable capabilities, they often allow 100% tailored automation and process flow. Here are some examples of popular enterprise automation platforms:

• UiPath
  UiPath is a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) platform that enables organizations to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks across various applications and systems.
• Automation Anywhere
  Automation Anywhere is another RPA platform that provides tools for automating business processes, data extraction, and analytics.
• Pega
  Pega is a Business Process Management (BPM) platform that combines process automation, CRM, case management, and AI capabilities to streamline and optimize business operations.
• Appian
  Appian is a low-code BPM platform that allows organizations to design, execute, and manage custom applications and workflows across multiple departments.
• Microsoft Power Automate
  Microsoft Power Automate (formerly known as Microsoft Flow) is a cloud-based workflow automation platform that integrates with various Microsoft and third-party applications to create automated workflows and processes.
• ServiceNow
  ServiceNow is an IT Service Management (ITSM) platform that also offers automation capabilities for other business functions, such as HR, customer service, and security operations.
• OutSystems
  OutSystems is a low-code application development platform that helps organizations build custom applications and automate workflows quickly and efficiently.
• BMC Helix
  BMC Helix is a suite of ITSM, IT Operations Management (ITOM), and Digital Workplace solutions that provide automation capabilities across different business processes and IT services.
• Bonita
  Bonita is an open-source BPM platform that helps organizations design, implement, and manage automated workflows and processes.

These enterprise automation platforms offer a wide range of features and capabilities to help organizations improve efficiency, reduce manual labor, and increase productivity across different departments and functions. The choice of the right platform depends on the organization’s specific needs, goals, and existing infrastructure.

Common misconceptions about business automation

A blurred definition of what an automation tool is and what capabilities a dedicated automation platform offers has led to a misunderstanding of the entire process of automation at the enterprise scale.

One of the common misconceptions is that automation at a large scale can be executed without involving IT. Automation tools are a quick gateway to task management and execution, however interdepartmental consistency requires a broader perspective. Many business units believe that the adoption of Robotics Process Automation (RPA) and low-code/no-code applications don’t require the engagement of IT support.

In addition, Gartner states 10 common mistakes to avoid when approaching business automation at scale. They relate to the field of strategic approach, and selective perception of the automation process.

Lack of engagement of the stakeholders, lack of holistic view and poor understanding of the capabilities of technology lead to poorly executed automation.

Key Components of Enterprise Automation

1. Enterprise Automation Tools
   These tools are designed to address specific operational needs, such as data management, customer relationship management, and supply chain optimization. They are integral to building a robust enterprise automation solution.
2. Enterprise Automation Software
   Comprehensive software solutions integrate various tools and systems into a centralized platform, enabling organizations to manage automated processes efficiently. Enterprise-level automation software is critical for ensuring seamless collaboration across departments.
3. Enterprise Automation Services
   Many organizations partner with providers of enterprise automation services to implement and maintain their automation systems. These services help businesses focus on their core objectives while ensuring the technical aspects of automation are handled by experts.

How to develop an effective enterprise automation strategy?

To create an effective enterprise automation strategy, follow these steps:

1. Identify processes and tasks that can be automated.
2. Evaluate and select the right tools and software for your organization’s needs.
3. Define clear goals and metrics to measure success.
4. Implement automation in phases, starting with high-impact areas.
5. Continuously monitor and optimize automated processes to ensure they align with business objectives.

From process automation to hyperautomation

Complex automation is never narrowed to one solution or technology. Complex processes require a comprehensive approach to business optimization.

Gartner singles out hyperautomation and identifies it as one of the top strategic technology trends:

Hyperautomation is a business-driven, disciplined approach that organizations use to rapidly identify, vet and automate as many business and IT processes as possible. Hyperautomation involves the orchestrated use of multiple technologies, tools or platforms.

Gartner indicates that there is no single ultimate tool for hyperautomation. It relates to the use of various solutions, such as: AI, ML, event-driven software architecture, RPA, BPM and iBPMS, Integration platform as a service (iPaaS), Low-code/no-code tools, packaged software, and other types of decision, process and task automation tools.

Technology is evolving, we have moved beyond the desktop and migrated numerous operations to the cloud. Progress allows us to take advantage of new solutions and optimize operational costs. Soon more new advanced solutions will fuel modern technology trends.

Hyperautomation is distinguished as a practice that involves:

• identifying what kind of work to automate,
• choosing the appropriate automation tools,
• driving agility through the reuse of automated processes,
• expanding their capabilities using AI and machine learning.

Gartner predicts that by 2025, 70% of organizations will implement structured infrastructure automation to deliver flexibility and efficiency. Infrastructure and Operations enter a new phase of digitalization. Integration and operations, distributed management and monitoring tools need to be merged under one comprehensive tool to better drive agility and business value. Fusion requires implementing advanced automation options to cut expenses, and boost performance.

How to measure the success of enterprise-level automation?

As with selecting a set of technology solutions for hyperautomation, defining measures of success for implementing enterprise automation will be bespoke.

Each enterprise and the teams within its structure have unique characteristics and ambitions. The success of enterprise-level automation will be the result of collaboration between various teams.

Establishing realistic goals, mapping processes, selecting tools, technology matching and consultation will help develop a plan for a comprehensive approach to automation.

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Examples of long-term automation success can be reflected in numbers. E.g.: fewer errors, development of new skills within the organization, higher levels of security, standardized and easy-to-understand processes, lower operating costs, task execution time, elimination or reduction of unintended costs.

Where can hyperautomation make an impact?

Any organization can benefit from automation. Legacy updates, modernizations, integration and automation are the challenges that no industry can escape. We also see this in the number of requests for services and can confirm the demand with projects already completed for insurance, retail, e-commerce, automotive, manufacturing, and life science. Companies from various industries seek new technologies and modern solutions that automate processes and boost productivity.

Learn more about the benefits of
automation in manufacturing

From script-based task automation to comprehensive approaches to holistic and automated optimization. Modular architecture, cloud solutions, RPA, and many other automation tools are available on the market to achieve cost optimization, flexibility and efficiency.

Digital transformation will be successful when it can develop new skills. This requires taking a good look at the operation of the enterprise and matching it with technology. The result will be a new standardized structure, lower operating costs, faster response to market challenges and clearer connection of the IT infrastructure to business demands.

Check out the case study:
Optimized post-sales service quality control
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for an automotive giant

Automation & hyperautomation must include stakeholders

Tools are not a solution to a problem, just means by which to implement changes. Successful automation and digital transformation take place when people are involved in process improvement. Only with adequate preparation for implementing transformations and clear communication will overall success be achieved.

People, processes, and IT infrastructure are the three pillars of successful transformation. Process mapping, RPA, ready-made tools, and platforms enable the creation of automated enterprise-level workflows.

The more tedious tasks are automated and the more optimized business intelligence solutions are, the better the company’s chances of gaining a competitive advantage.

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At the dawn of frequent change, turbulence, and global digitization, smart implementations that incorporate automation services will pay dividends in saved time and better allocation of resources. Check out our case studies for real-life examples of automation implementation!