Delaying process automation inhibits productivity

Slow adoption of process automation solutions is holding back productivity in the Netherlands. However, managers and employees alike would be only too happy to automate processes – to increase not only production, but also job satisfaction. Nevertheless, this often does not happen due to concerns about business continuity, research by Ricoh shows.

The survey involved 1,000 employees and 300 decision-makers from Dutch organizations. More than a third of employees report that process automation is not currently happening in their work, but that they would be open to it. The executives surveyed echo this. In fact, they indicate that the slow implementation of automation is one of their employees’ biggest frustrations.

Concerns about continuity

However, in many organizations, actual automation has yet to materialize. This is because many managers are afraid that implementing new technologies will jeopardize business continuity. In this regard, 25% indicate that they would like to know in advance which systems can be integrated into existing processes without disrupting business operations. Meanwhile, 52% of business leaders agree that IT investments are often made without considering the potential impact on other processes and the rest of the organization. At C-suite level, this leads to unease.

Higher satisfaction

The automation of less challenging work – repetitive administrative tasks, for example – is of course important to increase employee productivity. But above all, it also contributes to employee satisfaction and sense of fulfilment, the survey shows. For example, 25% of employees say they would get more satisfaction from their work if technology freed up more of their time for value-added work.

Another 21% of employees say that better software – including automation solutions – reduces the likelihood of them looking for another job in the next 12 months. This also highlights the importance of the right technology in attracting and retaining talent, according to Ricoh.

Partner with proven track record

‘In today’s tight labour market, it is important to keep employees happy and increase their job satisfaction. Process automation contributes significantly to this. Automation relieves employees of time-consuming, repetitive work. This frees up time for work that really adds value,” says Erica van den Biggelaar, Ricoh Netherlands’ expert on smarter working.

She also says she understands that directors are cautious and want to ensure continuity. ‘That’s why it is important to choose an implementation partner with a proven track record in process automation. A partner with the right technical expertise and the right teams. That enables you to start automating processes with complete confidence, and with continuity guaranteed at all times.’