Automation solutions: Competitive advantages for decision-makers

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In today's business world, efficiency is a key success factor. Decision-makers are faced with the challenge of making their companies faster and more cost-effective. Automation solutions offer a promising way to achieve this. They enable organisations to optimise repetitive tasks and increase quality at the same time. These technologies help companies to sustainably improve their competitiveness. Modern automation solutions are no longer only relevant for large corporations. Medium-sized companies are also increasingly benefiting from them[1][3].

Why automation solutions are indispensable today

The digital transformation is progressing rapidly. Competitors are already relying on automated processes. Companies that do not follow suit risk being left behind. Automation solutions help to utilise resources more efficiently. In concrete terms, this means fewer manual work steps, faster processing and greater reliability[1][5].

The pressure from market changes is immense. Customer expectations are constantly rising. Production must become more flexible. Automation solutions enable companies to react quickly to new requirements. They offer the necessary agility for a dynamic environment[1].

At the same time, the shortage of skilled labour is growing. This is precisely why automation solutions are so valuable. They support employees with time-consuming routine tasks. Employees can then devote themselves to value-adding activities[5].

Increased efficiency through intelligent automation solutions

Saving time in administration

Administrative tasks often consume enormous amounts of time. Answering emails, entering data, managing documents. Automation solutions can take over many of these tasks. In the IT sector, for example, requests from employees can be categorised and processed automatically[6].

A classic example is the creation of IT reports. These are normally compiled manually. With automated solutions, this is done in the background. The reports are created and sent regularly and reliably[4].

It works in a similar way in human resources. Onboarding of new employees, offboarding of departing colleagues, contract management. Automation solutions handle such processes in a structured and error-free manner[2].

BEST PRACTICE at the customer (name hidden due to NDA contract)A medium-sized company introduced automated notifications for onboarding. Instead of the HR administrator having to initiate all steps manually, a workflow automatically triggers access to IT systems, creates accesses and informs relevant departments. The processing time was reduced from three days to two hours. At the same time, the error rate fell to almost zero. Employees report a much better experience when joining the company.

Continuous production around the clock

One major advantage of automation solutions is their 24/7 availability. Machines and software do not need breaks. They continue to work at night while employees sleep[1][5].

This is particularly valuable in manufacturing. Automated systems produce continuously. This significantly increases overall output. A company can utilise its capacities without additional shifts. This saves on overtime premiums and reduces labour fatigue[1].

Warehouse management and stock control also benefit from this. With automated inventory systems, monitoring is continuous. Stocks are updated automatically. Reorders are placed in good time[2][4].

Precision and quality assurance with automation solutions

Human error is a major problem in many industries. Errors happen quickly, especially in repetitive tasks. Automation solutions minimise this risk considerably[3][7].

Automated systems work with constant accuracy. They don't forget anything, don't make typing errors and don't get tired. Product quality increases measurably[3].

In the financial sector, for example: Invoice processing is prone to errors. With robotic process automation (RPA), data is entered correctly. Invoices are automatically checked and approved[8].

BEST PRACTICE at the customer (name hidden due to NDA contract)A manufacturer of precision parts used automation solutions in quality control. Sensors and AI-supported image processing now check all parts. Manual inspections were previously necessary and prone to errors. With the new solution, the error rate fell from 2.3 per cent to 0.3 per cent. Customer satisfaction increased. At the same time, an inspector could be assigned to other tasks.

Cost savings through automation solutions

Personnel costs and workforce optimisation

Labour costs are often the biggest expense item. Automation solutions reduce this item considerably. They take over monotonous, time-consuming tasks[5][11].

This does not mean that employees have to be made redundant. Rather, they can concentrate on more demanding, strategic tasks. This increases their satisfaction and productivity[5].

In procurement, for example: Purchase requisitions, invoice approvals, supplier management are classic RPA applications. Processes such as „procure-to-pay“ are dramatically streamlined[2].

Resource efficiency and material costs

Automation solutions also optimise material and energy consumption. They plan processes precisely. This avoids waste[3][5].

This is particularly relevant in logistics. Route optimisation saves fuel. Delivery times are shortened. Automated systems are used to calculate routes. The result: shorter routes, fewer emissions, lower costs[4].

Stocks are managed smarter. Overstocks no longer occur. Shortages are avoided. Cash flow improves[4].

Reduce error costs and rework

Mistakes cost money. They lead to rework, returns and dissatisfied customers. Automation solutions drastically reduce errors[9].

An example: Data entry errors in customer management lead to incorrect delivery addresses. The shipment has to be cancelled and rebooked. This no longer happens with automation solutions[6].

The savings go straight to the profit and loss account. Fewer rejects, fewer complaints, lower support costs[1][9].

Practical applications in various industries

Manufacturing and industry

Automation solutions have long been standard in manufacturing. Robotic arms assemble parts. Assembly lines are controlled. Quality controls are automated[1].

Modern manufacturing companies also utilise predictive maintenance. Sensors recognise wear at an early stage. Machines are serviced before they break down. Downtimes are reduced[1].

Parts lists and schedules are updated automatically. If a designer changes the model, everything adapts. No more manual rework necessary[10].

Finance and accounting

Finance departments are ideal for automation solutions. Invoicing, inventory management and financial reporting are standardised processes[4][8].

RPA systems process invoices automatically. They check prices, quantities and supplier data. Deviations are flagged. Correct invoices are posted immediately[8].

Financial reports are created without manual aggregation. The data flows together automatically. Reports are up-to-date and error-free[4].

Customer service and support

Customer service benefits greatly from automation solutions. Chatbots answer common questions immediately[8].

When a customer sends in a request by phone or e-mail, it is automatically categorised. A workflow starts. If possible, the problem is resolved automatically[6].

An example: A customer wants to change the delivery address. The robot recognises this based on the telephone number. It cancels the old order, creates a new one and updates the address. Everything runs in the background[6].

BEST PRACTICE at the customer (name hidden due to NDA contract)An e-commerce company implemented automated customer communication. Welcome e-mails are sent automatically. Order confirmations are sent immediately. In the event of delays, the customer automatically receives a message. Personalised product recommendations are made on the basis of purchasing behaviour. The rate of self-resolved enquiries rose from 35 per cent to 68 per cent. Customer service employees can concentrate on complex problems.

Human resources and recruiting

HR is a classic area for automation solutions. Applications can be screened automatically[4].

Candidates who fulfil certain criteria are automatically forwarded. Tests and pre-selection interviews can be conducted digitally. This saves time for everyone involved[4].

After recruitment: onboarding is structured. IT access, access cards and training are initiated automatically. The first working day is better organised[2].

Competitive advantage through automation solutions

Companies that introduce automation solutions early on create an advantage for themselves. They are faster, more cost-effective and more reliable[5].

The competition must follow suit. By then, the pioneers will have consolidated their market position. They can offer better prices. Their quality is higher. Their delivery times are shorter[1].

There are also advantages when it comes to employee satisfaction. Modern companies with intelligent processes attract better talent. Employees don't like mindless, repetitive tasks[5].

At the same time, automation solutions enable flexibility. The market is constantly changing. Automated processes can be adapted quickly[1][5].

The right approach to implementing automation solutions

Step 1: Analyse processes

Not all processes should be automated. That's why analysing is the first step. Which tasks are repetitive? Which ones require frequent manual intervention? Which ones lead to many errors?[5]

Automation solutions bring the greatest benefits with standardised processes. The more structured a process is, the easier it is to automate[1].

Step 2: Choose the right solution

There are different types of automation solutions. RPA is good for office processes. Business Process Automation (BPA) is for more complex workflows.