Week 3 - BALT 4362 - Automation & Best Practices

Automation & Best Practices


Automation

To begin implementing automation, it’s essential to identify the right tasks for it. Task analysis helps pinpoint repetitive, time-consuming, and error-prone tasks that are ideal for automation. Since humans are naturally prone to mistakes when handling repetitive work over time, automating these processes not only reduces errors but also frees up energy for more valuable activities. Employee feedback plays a vital role in this process, as they have firsthand knowledge of their tasks and can highlight which ones are the most tedious, time-consuming, or error-prone. Additionally, data analysis can reveal trends, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies, offering insight into where automation would be most effective.

Once automation is in place, it’s critical to ensure it positively impacts the business. A key factor is maintaining or boosting return on investment (ROI), as automation should ultimately save resources and enhance outcomes. Automation can also drive scalability by allowing processes to expand across departments, amplifying its overall value and impact on operations.

Implementing ChatGPT solutions within the workplace is a similar process with a total of 8 steps:

1. Assess your needs

2. Define the scope

3. Choose the right platform

4. Develop a plan

5. Train your team

6. Integration:

7. Test and iterate

8. Monitor and maintain

Best Practices

In today’s business world, automation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer. Chapter 6 dives into how companies can use ChatGPT and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to streamline operations, cut costs, and stay competitive. The key? Align automation with clear business goals, focus on securing data and complying with regulations, and create a detailed plan that involves both IT and business teams working together. Training employees to embrace these tools is just as important as the technology itself.

Real-world examples highlight what’s possible: a telecom company improved customer service with AI chatbots and RPA, cutting wait times and costs. A financial institution automated HR tasks like resume screening, saving time and reducing errors, and a manufacturer used ChatGPT for demand forecasting and RPA for order processing, transforming their supply chain management.

The takeaway? ChatGPT and RPA can revolutionize how businesses operate—but success lies in thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a focus on empowering people to use these tools effectively. Automation isn’t just about doing more with less; it’s about creating space for businesses and their employees to thrive.

Intelligent automation graphic

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