Demystifying Automation: Common Myths and Misconceptions

 

What Is Enterprise Automation?

Enterprise automation expands the concept of departmental or “office” automation and applies it to the enterprise at scale. It places a strong emphasis on automating all aspects of the enterprise that can benefit from faster, less error-prone, and more streamlined processes, such as Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Sales Orders, Human Resources, Customer Service, and more.

Many misconceptions have been expressed about automation, which has the potential to enhance the enterprise in virtually endless ways. Lack of knowledge and false information about this technology can scare leads from using a technology that could improve the organization.

As the premier provider of automation featuring universal compatibility with all Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and applications, we have decided to take some time to clear the air and dispel some of the most common (and problematic) myths and misconceptions preventing you from automating in 2025.

Debunking 6 Automation Myths and Misconceptions

Myth: Implementing Enterprise Automation Requires Extensive Coding Expertise

Whenever business leaders consider software-based solutions like office automation, their most common concerns are typically centered around the amount of coding that will be required to ensure solutions are seamlessly integrated and easy to maintain and update.

The amount of manpower that goes into coding projects can be extensive, resulting in more billable hours than you anticipated or were led to believe during your initial consultations.

Consider that the cost to develop a professional-grade application with custom coding can cost as much as $150,000 or more if you want a reputable, US-based vendor to take on your project, and that is just for a smartphone app.

Reality: With a no-code enterprise automation solution, you can cut costs on implementation and maintenance. There’s no need for expensive contractors; your team can handle updates in-house. Plus, vendor support is faster and more affordable, avoiding the high fees tied to custom coding.

Myth: The Learning Curve of Automation Creates a Chaotic Work Environment

How can you be sure your business can handle automation? More importantly, that your critical workflows won’t fall into chaos. To be fair, this automation myth does contain a kernel of truth, depending on the vendor you choose.

Businesses may find a solution that seems perfect for their needs but turns out to be more restrictive, as these vendors don’t prioritize the company’s best interests. This results in the “solution” ironically creating more challenges for your team.

Reality: If you’re working with the right vendor, then this wouldn’t be an issue. One of the common automation myths is that automation is complicated. This shouldn’t be the case. The right vendor can offer you a solution that would give you direct control of your workflows based on existing procedures while integrating with core technologies.

This solution can eliminate menial tasks and give your team more time to focus on tasks that require human intervention. Best of all, the right solution lets you keep your existing workflows, minimizing the learning curve. When evaluating automation vendors, be sure their system supports your current processes; it’s key to a smooth implementation.

Myth: Automation Is a Static Solution

A common automation myth among organizations is that automation is a purchase like any other. They assume their solution will be designed, purchased, and implemented, and that’s it. However, this could not be further from the truth.

Reality: Automation is not static, and your experience with automation will extend beyond your implementation. Your project might contain multiple phases, and the scope of work could be altered several times before your solution is deployed. These course corrections are important if you want your solution to generate ROI from Day 1 onward.

Automation should be scalable. Whether you deploy it department by department or in one fell swoop, there will come a time when you need to pick up the phone and talk to your vendor.

But how can you be sure they will be there when you call? Automation needs to evolve alongside your business, which means your selected vendor needs to be all-in on your mutual success. Our recommendation? Start with departments that are heavily reliant on paper or have the maximum ROI potential for automation, then expand your solution from there.

Myth: Your Automation Project Will Fail If Your Organizational Structure Is Overly Nuanced

Do you have an approved automation project? You want to be frank when discussing your requirements with vendors to ensure that you do not waste time with a vendor that cannot deliver.

One of the best ways to separate suitable vendors from those that do not have the capabilities to help you reach your goals is by discussing your business processes and their corresponding workflows in great detail.

Do not be shy if the way you do things is unique (or even impractical). If a vendor tells you that your organizational structure is too complex or nuanced for automation, they are not the right choice for your business.

Reality: Automation solutions exist for virtually every business in every industry, regardless of the legacy components, systems, and applications inherent to those industries. Look for a provider that has established integrations with your core ERP system, even if there is more than one. When you find a partner like this, no organizational structure is too complex to automate.

Myth: The Key to a Successful Automation Implementation Is the Features of the Product Itself

When shopping for an automation solution, features are not the only thing you should keep track of. Depending on the success of your implementation, you might not even be able to take full advantage of all the features.

Of course, features are important, but with automation, accessibility to a full suite of features is dependent on the success of your implementation. Most enterprise software implementations fail, not because the technology is flawed, but because the team tasked with implementing the solution is not up to the task. Any vendor that takes a one-size-fits-all approach to office automation is going to find themselves at a standstill when attempting to configure their solution to the precise needs of their clients.

Reality: Selecting the right vendor and ensuring that they map their solution to your existing workflows is vital. Keep in mind that features and successful implementation are not mutually exclusive, but they are two considerations that should be weighed equally.

Myth: The Cost of Automation Is Too Expensive to Justify the Project

A common automation myth is that automation is too costly, turning cost justification into the make-or-break stage where promising projects often falter. While potential ROI justifies many investments, skepticism persists about whether projected models can be relied upon.

Let’s be clear, models help you understand how ROI will be attained, but they are less effective at giving you a precise measure of cost savings and performance improvements — this can only be accomplished by utilizing models that pull from a company’s real data.

Reality: This automation myth is rather easy to dispel. When looking to justify your project, ask your selected vendors about their process for calculating ROI. Do they calculate ROI strictly in dollars saved? How do they attach a dollar amount to performance improvements?

These are vital questions to ask during the research phase. When reaching out to vendors, ask if they have an ROI calculator that lets you plug in your unique business data to get a rough estimate of potential savings, but do not stop there. You should also ask how (or if) they calculate ROI during the implementation phase.

Are You Ready to Automate in 2025?

The enterprise automation buzz is everywhere. Business leaders have faced some of the greatest economic challenges in our country’s history this year, and the consensus is clear. It is time to automate in 2025 and beyond to not only stay competitive but also viable as well.

As digital transformation shifts the balance of power across markets, now is the time to cast skepticism to the side and embrace automation for what it is: the future of business as we know it.

Want to learn more about the benefits of our automation solutions? Contact IntelliChief today to learn how your business can leverage a business process automation system to become faster, leaner, and more profitable.