Automation refers to a broad spectrum of Learn New Skills technological systems that minimize human involvement in everyday processes. Reducing human intervention reduces human error and maximizes productivity. Reducing human error simplifies decision making and embodies those are determinations in automated machines-giving rise to software automation. It also minimizes waste and makes the data used by managers more effective, allowing managers to make better decisions.
In principle, an enterprise may adopt either the active or the passive approach in implementing automation. In active systems integration, an organization uses its IT resources and other tools to build, test, integrate, and customize the automation systems. Active systems integration requires substantial investments by enterprises and is therefore not as widespread as passive systems integration. On the other hand, while most large enterprises implement intelligent systems integration, small and medium enterprises do not have the same IT resources. Both active and passive systems integration is required in modern businesses and the approaches used vary.
For small enterprises, there are three basic automation technologies to consider. The first is visual controls, which allow users to manipulate visual elements such as screens, menus, buttons, and sliders. The second is automatic controls, which allow users to enter and change values into operational processes. The third basic automation technology is voice recognition systems, which allow computerized systems to recognize voice commands for completing tasks.
The first and second technologies mentioned are the most common forms of automation in organizations today. Automation of visual controls and voice recognition allows users to enter and change values directly into operational processes without having to wait for human supervision. Because these automation technologies are quite straightforward, they can be integrated into many processes and increase efficiency. Enterprises that are implementing advanced Automation can take full advantage of visual controls and voice recognition technologies to make their work even more efficient.
Another form of automation is process automation or operational processes automation. It refers to the automated management of processes that enable a business to reduce the number of man-hours necessary for certain operations. A well-built process automation strategy will integrate several activities including manufacturing, sales, services, and financial operations. If properly implemented, processes will be automated so that employees will spend more time performing jobs that produce results and the enterprise will be able to focus on its core business. Implementing an automation strategy is the foundation for any comprehensive enterprise restructuring because it eliminates the need for additional personnel, training, and overhead costs.
Another form of automation is the use of automated processes in order to boost profitability. This is especially true for companies operating in a highly competitive industry where profitability is the key to survival. Automation tools are designed to help companies automate operations and eliminate various procedures that are costly and difficult to monitor. Automated processes are usually used to improve the efficiency of processes such as billing, cashier systems, accounting, customer service, order processing, and Web presence. In addition, automated processes may also help to increase company revenues by improving the quality of customer service.
Security automation is another approach that attempts to automate the detection and recording of potential risks. This technology assists enterprises in controlling access to secured areas and can be used to implement time-consuming tasks such as identity card scanning. Security automation is also applied in firewalls that prevent unauthorized access to computers, networks, files, and applications. Firewall automation is quite useful for enterprises that want to prevent the occurrence of server downtime, because it can automatically set all incoming traffic to be directed through the use of a gateway, which is then protected by firewall mechanisms.
These are just some of the types of enterprise automation tools that are available. Different types of automation tools are suitable for different purposes. Enterprise applications that are designed to simplify administrative tasks are ideal for businesses that have limited staff and need simplified ways of accomplishing tasks. Companies involved in the manufacturing and supply industries are also using automation tools because they do not place as much dependence on humans as on other resources. By using the appropriate automation tools, operations managers can reduce costs and enhance productivity.