Have you ever been taken aback by watching the crystal-clear train of automation processes in industries in sci-fi movies? Have you ever thought such an unmistakable process with stringent adherence to the desired outcome with/ without human intervention was possible? Be assured that the answer is yes, and the name is hyperautomation.
A few years ago, the term "hyperautomation" was first introduced by Gartner in 2019 as a strategic trend for 2020. When the same term made it to 'the list of strategic trends for 2022', it became a matter of discussion among various industry stalwarts and tech giants.
Hyperautomation, in simple terms, is a digitized approach that automates the overall processes in businesses and the IT sector, ranging from production, workflow, and marketing, using AI and machine learning.
Apart from being powered by AI and machine learning, hyperautomation also deploys a series of other technologies, appropriate automation tools, and multiple platforms such as RPA, OCR, and NLP separately or in tandem to achieve the desired outcome, involving humans only in high-value processes.
Unlike traditional automation, which relies on a single technology mostly for performing repetitive tasks on a loop, hyperautomation comprises many intelligent system-based approaches, which in turn carefully study and interpret the automation process itself by finding out which processes can be automated and even creating bots to perform them.
Hyperautomation, through intelligent analyses, machine learning, and digital transformation, focuses on automating complex and complete business processes, not just parts of them, thereby helping the organization gain maximum production at minimum cost.
According to Gartner, by 2024, hyperautomation will reduce a company's operating costs by 30%. Besides being cost-effective, this approach will enhance the efficiency of desired business output by providing accurate data and critical insight, drastically preventing maximum human errors.
Hyperautomation, according to Gartner’s report, would bring a tremendous change in industries as the report clarified that by 2025, automated factories and farms would do most of the work, including farming, picking, packing, and shipping. This would result in an ideal buying experience as more than 20% of all the products would only be touched first by a human at the time of purchase.
There are also some misconceptions about hyperautomation replacing human beings, but unlike traditional automation, hyperautomation requires human interpretation only at higher levels. Since this approach is already in sync with the processes, most monotonous and boring work will be done through automation so that employees can feel encouraged to work at ease and free up their time and energy to concentrate on more productive ways.
The multi-dimensional beneficial approach to shareholders, decision-makers, employers, and employees makes hyperautomation the future of any industry or organization with its accuracy and efficiency. However, it has its drawbacks, including accidental data breaches or the theft of confidential customer data and its inability to meet customers' tailored requirements owing to its predetermined processes.
But the real value it brings to the organizations, especially in addressing their pain points, always outweighs all the downfalls. Apart from cost-cutting and time-saving strategies, here are some of the benefits that hyperautomation brings to smaller enterprises:
Hyperautomation, in general, is positioned as a valuable strategy for businesses looking to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity. While it has some challenges, its ability to address common pain points and its potential for transformation make it a promising approach for the future of many industries and organizations.