Topic outline

  • Automation Fundamentals

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    • Automation is the process of using technology applications to complete a task or a set of tasks with minimal or no human intervention. The automation of tasks enables businesses to streamline their processes, increase accuracy and precision, save time, increase productivity, and reduce operational costs, among other benefits. 

      Automation at the most basic level can be applied to simple, repetitive tasks. For example, using a thermostat to automatically control room temperature. When there is a change in room temperature, the thermostat can automatically turn on the heating unit, or turn it off to maintain a steady temperature. Automation can also get very complex, with automation controlling multiple processes and managing multiple inputs. 

      It is important to note that automation is different from mechanisation, which concerns the replacement of manual labor with machines, such as using a bicycle instead of walking. However, mechanisation can lead to automation, for example when a system uses self-governing feedback to make changes.  


    • Watch - What is Automation

      Watch the video to understand what automation is and how it can simplify people’s lives by automating everyday tasks.  

      Presentation length: 2m 32s


    • What Can Be Automated? 

      As businesses grow and become more complex, the opportunities for automation also continue to grow. Automation technologies can be applied to take over manual, repetitive tasks that are normally performed by employees. Apart from improving current processes, automation technologies have a wide range of other applications such as self-driving vehicles and automated social media posts, among many other examples. Automation can also be integrated with other technologies such as machine learning, to take over tasks that previously required human cognition. 

      Automation can benefit a company’s functional areas such as accounting processes, customer service, sales, and inventory management, among others. Businesses first need to document the steps involved in a particular process, and they can then use workflow software and process-automation software to automate the documented processes. (Source: Forbes) 

      Throughout this week you will also learn about broader applications of automation, going beyond just functional areas. 


    • Watch - What does Automation do?

      Watch this video to understand the tasks and processes that can be automated in businesses at a very basic level. The video introduces the concept of Intelligent Automation (IA), which is covered later this week. 

      Presentation length: 1m 37s


    • How Can Automation Benefit Businesses? 

      Businesses must adapt to the current era of globalisation, increased competitiveness, and ever-accelerating business cycles. Automation can help in this area by reducing operational complexity and increasing agility, while lowering the associated costs. Large-scale automation may increase workforce efficiency, reduce the need for manual activities, increase revenue, and enable greater consumer satisfaction.


    • Watch - Why does Automation Matter?

      Watch this video for an overview of the ways in which automation can bring value to businesses. 

      Presentation length: 2m 20s

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