At one time, there was a widespread fear that robots and machines would replace people. Society almost frowned upon technological developments because people feared their potential consequences instead of anticipating their potential advantages.
As people learned that machines and robots did not take jobs from humans but often worked with humans at specific tasks, people also realized that various forms of automation are not future abstractions. In fact, artificial intelligence and robots have long been features of industrial kitchens and assembly lines. The technology and machines are not here to replace us, they are here to collaborate.
Even computer software and other developments were not well accepted in different professions. In the long run, people found that utilizing technology could improve processes and efficiency while successfully reducing redundancies.
Like workers in other fields, service providers in the health care industry were once reluctant to embrace automation.
Now, professionals at Mountain Springs Recovery and other providers consider automation to be a reliable ally that can help them reach out and offer round-the-clock support to addicted individuals who seek support through online forms, email, text, and phone.
What Is Automation And What Are Its Purposes?
Automation has been defined as the process of creating technology and applying it to monitor and control the production, processing, and delivery of services and goods. Some fields that practice automation includes information technology, operations, facilities, defense, utilities, transport, and manufacturing.
When people hear the term automation, they often think of it in two ways:
- It steals people’s jobs
- It takes over administrative tasks such as processing invoices, issuing messages, and similar jobs
Reality is far more nuanced than these preconceptions, though. Workplace automation has become more and more advanced and has also created a deeper and bigger impact on the future of the workplace.
Professionals at Mountain Springs Recovery, for instance, use automation to complement the services the human staff members offer. It does not eliminate anything other than complications and redundancies.
Automation allows workplaces the benefit and advantage of simplifying tasks, saving time, and using resources more efficiently. It allows workplaces to simplify processes for their employees and provide better experiences for their clients and customers.
As automation is becoming increasingly popular in organizational settings, it may be useful to learn more about automation and the impact it may have:
Information Technology
Information technology (IT) includes user interfaces and automation. Examples of user interfaces include digital media, communication tools, and information visualizations. On the other hand, automation may involve:
- Process orchestration
- Choreography
- Workflow
- Business rules
- Event processing
- Machine automation
- Robotics
- Decision algorithms
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
Process Orchestration
During process orchestration, central controls automate business processes. Orchestration uses automation to complete tasks and simplify processes.
Just as dancers receive music cues and move accordingly, IT choreography is an automation technique that relates to the operation of independent elements. The choreography uses a model for certain events. For example, workplaces may publish one event and send notifications about other events.
Workflow
Workflow refers to the steps of a work process. If the process is semi-automated, it includes both automated and human elements. Participants in the workflow process may use process orchestration or choreography as well as interfaces and tasks with relevant information.
Business Rules
Automation rules are operative and direct processes and their flow. The rules also validate the information and formulate decisions. These tools allow workplaces to configure the rules they need. One tool is the rule management platform. It allows for changes during operation without the need for changes in management processes or heavyweight development.
Event Processing
During event processing, technologies check and carefully review data streams for upcoming actionable events. The events may trigger notifications or processes.
Machine Automation
Machine automation performs actual physical work, such as product manufacturing in factories.
Robotics
Another element of automation, robotics relate to machine automation and include features such as sensory perception. Ideally, machines should be flexible and adaptable enough to handle a varied range of tasks.
Decision Algorithms
Using decision algorithms may help workplaces make significant and useful decisions, such as whether to conduct certain financial transactions. An algorithm may also mean applying a certain level of sophistication to reach and perfect a stringent design process.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that relates to learning. As such, people use this technology for robotics and decision automation.
Jobs That May Benefit From Automation
Instead of replacing people at their jobs, automation may help people collaborate on the job. Here are a few ways that automation may help people work:
Nothing compares to the human brain. Faced with a surge of complex data to process and analyze, workplaces may benefit from machines that perform automated analytics.
With the help of automation, important information can be highlighted. Managers and human resources professionals may utilize this information to motivate and engage their staff.
Employee Hiring Tools
Hiring the right person to do the job is never easy. More often than not, getting the right fit takes effort and meticulousness. Workplace automation can make this task easier and simpler.
Applicant tracking software may improve a workplace’s chances of matching the right candidate for the right positions, based on factors like experience and record. By inputting specific keywords and performing other functions, automated tools may sort through documents and create lists of applicants who are qualified for certain positions.
New Staff Onboarding
Helping new staff members may be repetitive and time-consuming. With the help of automation, such tasks may be simplified. Workplaces may establish accounts with relevant procedures and documents to create a simplified yet efficient onboarding process.
Customer Support
With an automated customer support system, workplaces can provide 24/7 support to their clients and customers. This may ensure that the workplaces are always on top of queries and concerns anywhere and anytime.
Workplaces may use bots (automated applications) to offer round-the-clock responses while their human workforce is at home sleeping in their comfortable beds. Automated applications may also be used to schedule email, phone, or chat follow-ups that provide more personalized touches.
Regardless of its form and shape, technology is inherently neutral. People are often anything but neutral, and their thoughts and actions shape technology. How people use technology and treat others is paramount, and automation will not (and should not) change that.