Making the Leap From Automation to AI
Unraveling The Journey Of Technology Transformation And The Role Of Leadership
Doug Shannon (Intelligent Automation Leader) joined me on “What’s the BUZZ?” and shared what to consider as you can move from automation to AI projects. From the basic steps of process mapping to the pinnacle of AI-driven hyperautomation. Discover how trust, culture, and strategy interplay in this transformative process. Whether it's leadership's directive or the grassroot-level enthusiasm, both have their unique role. And what’s the role of the AI leader? Here is what we’ve talked about…
The Journey To Full-fledged AI
There's a lot of buzz in the tech world right now. Topics like hyper automation and digital transformation are on everyone's lips. But before diving into advanced topics like AI, it's important to set the groundwork. This means mapping out business processes and starting with robotic process automation (RPA). This foundational work not only transforms a company's operations but also shifts its culture. Employees begin to think differently, ready to move to the next level. The journey continues with complete automation, intelligent business process mapping, and eventually reaching a stage where AI plays a central role in maintaining hyper automation. It's essential to realize that one single project won't revamp an entire organization. Instead, it's a series of steps, each building on the last. Start with basic RPA tasks, free up employee time, and gradually expand the automation capabilities. This growth not only enhances the automation platform but also fosters growth within the company and its team.
The Power Of FOMO
Culture plays a huge role in automation. Using automation as a tool, businesses can influence and bring change. There are two main secrets to this. First, it's all about movement. Be the team that sparks interest and curiosity. When someone shows interest in automation, support them throughout the process. Show them the benefits they've achieved, in terms of time or money saved.
» The first part is movement. It’s about enabling that person and not only taking them through the process. «
— Doug Shannon
The second secret is the "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO). When one team experiences the advantages of automation, others will want in. It's not just about saving money; it's about giving teams more time to focus on innovative projects rather than mundane tasks. These two secrets can be the driving force behind a company's automation success.
Building Trust Across the Board
There are typically two approaches to initiating change: top-down and bottom-up. The top-down method involves leadership taking charge, recognizing the need for innovations like automation, especially in today's efficiency-driven world. On the other hand, the bottom-up approach is more about showcasing the benefits to get leadership on board. Building trust is crucial in both scenarios, not only with everyday users but within the organizational hierarchy. Automation isn't about forcing change but enabling employees to save time and be more productive. At the end of the day, everyone wants more time, whether it's for work-related tasks or catching up on their favorite movies.
Summary
In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, understanding the buzz and setting solid foundations is essential. Automation, when integrated with a well-thought-out strategy, can transform a company's operations and culture. The journey from basic process mapping to AI-driven hyper automation is a step-by-step process, with trust playing a central role. While leadership's push is valuable, the bottom-up approach, where benefits are showcased, is equally vital. Ultimately, the goal is to give back time, enhancing efficiency and fostering innovation.
What's the next big thing in automation you're excited about?
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