Keeping up with the latest technology can save both time and money on daily office tasks. Removing employees' focus from manual activities can give them an opportunity to attend to more critical, job-related functions. According to a recent report from the McKinsey Global Institute, an estimated 60 percent of occupations have the potential for the automation of at least 30 percent of their activities. As technology continues to evolve, even small companies can find ways to benefit from automation tools.
Improve Data Storage and Sharing
Cloud technology has revolutionized data storage and sharing for both large and small businesses. In a 2016 survey by IDG Enterprise, it was noted that 70 percent of respondents said their organization has at least one application in the cloud. As cloud technology gains in acceptance, more and more businesses are using this form of automation for data sharing. Uploading files to the cloud helps companies overcome the limitations of paper folders by allowing information to be tracked and categorized in a variety of ways. Scanned and electronic documents saved in a cloud also provide efficiencies and advantages compared to stand-alone PCs in the areas of data backup and sharing.
Shorten Processing Time
When compiling analytical data, automation shortens processing time by crunching numbers faster and improving accuracy. In addition to financial calculations, processes like hiring and onboarding employees can benefit from more advanced automation tools. Repetitive tasks such as writing up job descriptions or entering new employee data can be decreased with an automated HR system. These systems also take care of posting job opportunities to online sites and weeding out unqualified candidates. The reduction or elimination of time-consuming efforts that can otherwise be easily automated can free up employees to focus on more strategic job functions.
Reduce Time Spent on Administrative Tasks
Data entry is another job function that can be streamlined through automation. In most every department, administrative functions are a great place to start when looking for opportunities to automate. Non-business related tasks like time and expense tracking can be automated to give employees more time to complete critical job functions. Online forms can also be created to collect data in a uniform format throughout the company and cut down on paperwork.
In today's fast-paced, tech-reliant business world, automation tools are becoming more essential, even for smaller organizations. The workplace continues to evolve as new methods of automation make daily processes more efficient. As more reliance is placed on technology, employees may face shifts in their job responsibilities, offering them a greater opportunity to meet future demands of the market. When properly implemented, automation tools can help bring quantifiable costs savings for companies large and small.
