Automation: A resilient way to operate business in the new normal
This article first appeared on Linkedin.
In 2019, I published an article on Arabian Business titled “Rise of the 'bots' to take over office tasks” (Link: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/technology/427575-opinion-rise-of-the-bots-to-take-over-office-tasks) . I talked extensively about “why” and “how” the demand for automation has come about. It is fair to say 2020 was a year to remember (or forget) and perhaps many lessons have been learned by business leaders.
Across the Middle East, many organsations have accelerated the conversation around automation to maximize/optimize the workforce; build resilience to “zero disruption”; add 24 hours/day, 365 days/year capacity to perform mundane tasks and make room for more value-added, strategic activities.
Disruption caused by digital transformation seems to be more accepted in light of the pain business operations went through in 2020. The conflict between “need to automate” and “want to automate” seem to have been eroded and businesses are now moving forward to become more digital and automated.
As trusted advisors to business leaders in the Middle East, I have several management level conversations per week. Time and time again, a consistent set of questions are being asked:
- What should our overall strategy and roadmap be?
- Are we focussing in the right areas?
- What are the benefits and payback?
- Which technology is right for us?
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