Business process automation is something most companies can benefit from in this day and age. Automation is possible in virtually every sector and will only grow thanks to AI. In this article, we take a dive into the history and world of BPA (business process automation).
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The history of BPA
Automating business processes may seem like a new innovation in the business world. However, its origins date back many years. The first seeds were planted during the 19th-century revolution. Automated processes were introduced then to improve productivity in factories.
During the ’30s and ’40s, the first automated feedback controllers appeared on assembly lines. However, it wasn’t until the ’80s that the first robotic systems arrived. These systems began to reshape production methods in various industries.
It was only in the 2000s that business process automation truly began to shine. Hand in hand with the digital revolution, robotics came back to life. This was thanks to the abundance of new available software applications and tools that continued to evolve. In this way, BPA is seamlessly integrated into many sectors.
What is business process automation?
But what is business process automation exactly? Let’s break it down. The essence of BPA is being the most reliable assistant who never gets tired or makes mistakes.
By using advanced technology to take on time-consuming and repetitive tasks. The result is a boost in efficiency and productivity, and costs will decrease.
Thanks to AI, BPA is taking another leap in development, and many more business processes across many more sectors can be automated. A 58% increase is expected in the next two years.
For many employees performing these repetitive tasks, this will mean the need for retraining. A major revolution always brings victims. However, the future looks brighter. As these jobs and tasks disappear, there will be more room for more important matters. Not having to perform these tasks will ultimately provide individuals with more space to pursue their own passions.
Applications of business process automation
Since BPA is available in many sectors, the term ‘business process automation’ may seem somewhat vague. Automation can be found in every factory and office. Below, we will describe some different applications of BPA to get a better picture of automation possibilities:
Procurement orders
Procurement orders often require multiple approval levels and demand accurate information. BPA can not only minimize errors in order requests but will also initiate a streamlined authorization process. This ensures faster approvals and the results will always be reliable.
Onboarding new employees
At every company, the onboarding process is different. However, every onboarding process includes numerous different tasks and information. Business process automation can ensure that new employees can seamlessly transition between these tasks. BPA will ensure that everyone has access to the right information and a clear overview of the status of the onboarding process.
Palletizing solutions
Even in logistics, automation is indispensable, thanks to Verbruggen palletizing solutions. Robot-like systems are used to efficiently arrange products on pallets. Automated palletizing not only increases productivity but also reduces the risk of errors in pallet assembly.
This represents only a fraction of the possibilities that business process automation offers your organization.
Why business process automation matters
Why is implementing BPA so interesting? Well, in today’s business world, with an expected increase of 58%, it’s important to keep up. Imagine if your competitor is delving into automating business processes. Their productivity will skyrocket, and you will lag behind. That’s just the way it is.
With the rise of AI, automation will remain an innovation that we all need to keep our eyes on. Which tasks can all be automated? Thanks to AI, many tasks have already been taken over, including those that people thought would remain ‘human’ tasks. Think, for example, of art; this is something we humans thought only we could do. But now it turns out that AI can do illustrations, design, and layout just as well.
This shows that we have no idea which business processes can all be automated, and time will teach us!
