The global pandemic accentuated the urgency of digital transformation. Lockdowns and the surge of remote work created a need for robust online presence and efficient digital workflows. Then, there’s the economic challenges that further underscore the importance of operational efficiency and adaptability.
Digital transformation provides a framework to navigate these challenges by leveraging data-driven insights for better decision-making and automating routine processes to optimize resources. Through such measures, companies weather uncertainties and thrive in dynamic markets.
Acting as the backbone for digital transformation is automation. Automation gives a boost to efficiency and productivity across various operational spheres. By automating repetitive tasks through technologies like robotic process automation, companies can redirect human resources toward more strategic and creative endeavors.
As businesses strive to embrace innovative solutions and adapt to changing market dynamics, automation continues to be a driving force, enabling organizations to achieve sustainable growth and future-proof their operations.
According to a recent survey by Jitterbit, IT executives are spearheading a growing array of automation projects, aiming to enhance competitiveness, curtail expenditures and expand operations within a fluctuating socio-economic landscape.
This year, 89% of businesses have solidified their commitment to integrating business process automation into their technology strategies, with a distinct emphasis on the IT department's leadership in this endeavor, according to the survey. This strategic shift is influenced by the apprehension stemming from competitors' swift strides in automating their operations. Organizations recognize the imperative to streamline and optimize their processes through automation to enhance efficiency and maintain their competitive edge.
The survey did find an intriguing contrast, however. One-third of the survey respondents believe they currently possess a competitive advantage in automation over their industry peers. This gap between aspiration and reality is serving as a catalyst for proactive measures among IT leaders. Fueled by the drive to close this perceived lag and gain a stronger foothold in the market, IT departments are taking proactive steps to not only catch up but to surpass competitors in the realm of automation. This competitive urgency is infusing new momentum into the automation landscape.
Sure, IT leaders are at the forefront of organizational automation initiatives, but a shift is underway within organizations, with business leaders in HR and marketing departments taking on progressively pivotal roles in the execution of automation and integration initiatives. This trend highlights the growing recognition of the critical interplay between automation and business functions that were traditionally viewed as distinct from technology-driven endeavors. HR and marketing leaders are likely assuming newfound responsibilities in orchestrating the seamless integration of automated processes to enhance employee experiences, streamline customer interactions and drive overall organizational efficiency.
Amidst this shift is the integration of Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, applications into existing ecosystems becoming increasingly prevalent. This integration landscape often involves the intermingling of modern SaaS platforms with established, on-premises systems, creating a complex hybrid environment. According to the survey, more than 80% of organizations require on-prem to cloud integration — intensifying the need for automation vendors to meet the hybrid, evolving demands of today’s organizations.
"The data shows a clear commitment from today’s IT leaders to leverage automation as a way to drive real change and accelerate digital transformation,” said Manoj Chaudhary, Chief Technology Officer at Jitterbit. “With mounting pressures for efficiency and productivity gains with reduced budgets, embracing integration and automation technology helps unburden IT teams and lay the groundwork for a truly optimized and future-proofed enterprise.”
If anything should be grasped from the survey, it's that now is the time to implement an automation strategy to stay ahead of the curve.
Edited by
Alex Passett
