5 Ways an Automation Partner Can Accelerate Your Program Right Now - Mini Series Introduction

It’s safe to say Intelligent Automation is here to stay. By now, most organizations have at least explored its array of capabilities, and many have discovered it's undeniable ability to improve business processes and impact corporate initiatives. However, despite early successes, the majority of automation programs are experiencing the same core set of challenges - none of which are proving more difficult than achieving scale and unlocking significant value that is promised by automation.

A recent survey by The Economist found that 91% of organizations are using automation technologies, yet only 51% noted that they have made extensive use of it. But let’s be clear - extensive use of automation technologies does not necessarily imply a scalable automation program exists. True scale and value is much more than extensive use of technology. 

The Economist survey: 91% of organizations are using automation technologies, yet only 51% noted that they have made extensive use of it.

While automation program scale remains seemingly elusive for most, the automation service provider ecosystem continues to evolve in ways that are intended to better support this objective. They have broad experiences with programs of all shapes and sizes and are therefore well-positioned to support their customers. But let it be known: not all service providers are equally capable. Their engagement models range from hands-off, advisory-only relationships to full-scale implementation and advisory partnerships - but the level of practitioner experience varies dramatically from provider to provider.

With many options available, how does an organization decide which model is best to serve their unique program?

It really depends on where you are in your automation journey and what your goals are for the next 12-18 months. Some service providers focus heavily on digital transformation, automation strategy, and center of excellence (COE) program development. While important, each of these elements can take upwards of a year (if not years) to fully develop.

In comparison, consider a more tangible approach with a consumable timeline that enables business objectives and demonstrates the value and limitless potential of the automation program. This approach, while different than those with an emphasis on large transformational programs, shifts the focus slightly towards timely, effective, quality, and high-velocity operational delivery engines. This is how a partner can accelerate your program right now.

Strong automation delivery engines equate to resilient, robust, scalable solutions - an important factor for achieving business objectives. In fact, a Forrester survey of 270+ US-based enterprise decision makers with existing automation programs found that 84% of respondents view resilient automation (or high-quality, robust solutions) as very or extremely important for achieving business objectives, yet only 16% of firms are very effective at it. This goes to show that an automation program takes more than a mission, vision, and strategy.

Forrester survey: 84% of respondents stated that resilient automation is very important or extremely important for achieving business objectives, yet only 16% of firms are very effective at it.

For those who are struggling with resiliency and are yet to partner with a service provider (or that may be struggling with their current partner), it may be time to reconsider your strategy. A renewed delivery approach may be exactly what your operation needs to break through, mature, and enable the high-value, scalable program your leadership team expects.

Upcoming Mini-Series

In this six-week mini series, join me as I share what I believe to be five specific capabilities that you should expect from a true value-added, strategic automation partner - specifically related to achieving accelerated program value now (not at the end of a years-long digital transformation journey). Looking ahead, the five topics are:

1. Process Discovery and Analysis led by Knowledge Domain Experts
2. Enterprise Grade Automation Development
3. Real-Time Development Mentoring Options for your Staff
4. “Bot” Health Check to Harden Production Solutions
5. Dedicated Automation Production Support Services

Now more than ever, partnering with the right service provider can be the difference in prolonged delays and failure to scale or the acceleration of scale and value through a series of practical, focused, and high-quality delivery engines. Stay tuned for the first of five critical service provider capabilities that provide value now: Process Discovery and Analysis led by Knowledge Domain Experts.

Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on the successes/challenges you believe impact automation program value realization.

About Darin

Darin is an experienced professional in the Intelligent Automation industry with a background in traditional IT services, RPA development, project management, and automation project implementation. Fun fact: he was one of the first Blue Prism developers in North America.

In his current role with Agilify Automation, Darin leverages his development and implementation knowledge to support an enterprise sales organization as a Senior Solution Engineer. Having engaged with well over 100 prospects and customers in various stages of automation maturity, Darin has practical experience uncovering automation program challenges and aligning automation services and solutions in order to promote value, quality, self-sufficiency, and enterprise scale. 

Darin has spoken on stage at several industry conferences and in front of leadership teams for several fortune 500 companies, advising each audience on the best ways to navigate the current and future state of Intelligent Automation.

Connect with me on LinkedIn and drop me a message! I'd enjoy a conversation about Intelligent Automation and the successes/challenges you've experienced. 

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