Struggling to balance manual and automated processes in process design?

If your processes are non-standard, you cannot automate them. The first step therefore, is standardization of your processes. The second one is the identification of redundant steps in the process. There is no point in automating something that is superfluous and should ideally be discontinued. Thirdly, automation of all the repetitive work-flows. These 3 steps are sufficient to make your process at least 80% efficient if not more. The remaining 20% is always difficult to achieve since it consists of complex, non-standard work-flows with some amount of subjectivity that requires situational human intervention & creative decision-making. These can be eventually automated too; provided you continuously evaluate & optimize your process design.

What about a mix of automated and manual process? How do you address such a challenge? I believe standardization is the way forward in pharma/ biotech industry specific with multiple teams coming together to launch a drug how do younthink we can make it possible? Looking forward to your thoughts!

A automa??o costuma exigir um investimento inicial elevado em tecnologia, equipamentos e treinamento de pessoal. Entretanto, a longo prazo, a automa??o tende a aumentar a eficiência, reduzir os custos operacionais e minimizar erros humanos, além de proporcionar maior escalabilidade. Por outro lado, os processos manuais têm custos iniciais menores, mas podem acumular despesas significativas ao longo do tempo devido à necessidade constante de m?o de obra, maiores chances de erros, retrabalho e ineficiências operacionais. Além disso, os processos manuais podem ser menos flexíveis para se adaptar a picos de demanda ou mudan?as no mercado. Ao tomar uma decis?o sobre automa??o, é fundamental considerar o retorno sobre o investimento.

Torn between manual finesse and automated efficiency? Here's a reality check: over-automation can box you into rigid processes that crumble when the unexpected hits. Under automation, and you're stuck in the slow lane. Flexibility isn't about choosing one over the other; it's about integrating both wisely. Automate the predictable tasks but keep manual controls where adaptability is crucial. The goal is a hybrid system that can pivot when needed without sacrificing efficiency. So, maybe it's time to fine-tune your balance rather than swing to extremes.

Worried that automation will turn your team into a squad of obsolete button-pushers? Let's be practical. Automation should elevate your employees, not eliminate them. By offloading repetitive tasks to machines, you're freeing up human talent for more meaningful work that requires creativity and critical thinking. But don't expect a standing ovation if you spring this on them overnight. Involve your team in the transition, provide training, and highlight how their roles will evolve for the better. When employees see automation as an ally rather than a threat, everyone wins.

Almost all companies misuse automation...which usually results in higher overall costs. Improve processes first, then automated only in very specific circumstances.