What is hyperautomation?

Although specific hyperautomation initiatives may take different forms, they all tend to include certain specific features:

Hyperautomation is designed to reduce complexity and ensure ease of use. As such, it is built on low-code tooling, so that those without computer-science backgrounds may still leverage business-led automation.

By relying on knowledge input from multiple teams and departments, hyperautomation demands increased coordination between IT and other business units.

Hyperautomation is the amalgamation of many different digital technologies spanning and integrating essentially every business system. This allows organizations to move past the limited benefits of individual technologies, and to access big-picture data and insights.

Due to its accessibility and the fact that it may be easily integrated throughout existing systems, hyperautomation see widespread adoption within businesses.

Properly implemented, hyperautomation solutions provide increased data insight, optimal resource deployment, and reduced expenses, for an improved return on investment.

The hyperautomation toolbox includes many advanced technologies that coordinate together to not only automate important processes, but to also help direct businesses in selecting tasks for automation and improving how those tasks are performed. Instead of siloing important tasks, organizations can apply automation solutions to essentially every aspect of their business, and manage the full complement of people, processes, and tools as they interact across the enterprise—all from a single data model.

Technologies essential to hyperautomation include the following:

Discovery tools give businesses a clear idea of what existing processes and task-execution mechanisms look like and how they are performing. Visually presenting this data, these tools help decision makers determine whether established processes are functioning as desired, and can even locate new, untapped automation opportunities hidden within current systems.

As the name suggests, hyperautomation incorporates various automation tools, such as workflow automation, low code apps, integration, RPA, and document processing. This allows businesses to approach manual or inefficient work with fit-for-purpose technology, capable of addressing the issues in question while also accommodating the technical skill of the user.

Hyperautomation leverages artificial intelligence (AI) specifically designed for automations, making possible a range of capabilities, including intelligent models for decisioning, virtual agents, document data digitization, natural language processing, and assisted app development.

Often used in conjunction with AI tools, machine learning (ML) employs computer algorithms to allow systems to automatically improve in accuracy and functionality over time. ML helps ensure that hyperautomation not only remains effective, but actually becomes more effective with continued use.

Even the most advanced automation must be measured and evaluated. Optimization tools allow businesses to track the performance of their hyperautomation solutions and compare it against pre-established KPIs to identify process inefficiencies, performance issues, and untapped opportunities. These tools include performance analytics, process optimization, and continuous improvement management.

Although the advantages of hyperautomation (improved customer experiences, increased business intelligence, and optimal operational efficiency) are significant, this approach also brings with it certain challenges. Here we address possible issues that any business should be cognizant of when considering hyperautomation:

It’s common for automation efforts to be met with trepidation, and hyperautomation is no exception. Employees might fear that they are being replaced, and organizations may not feel as though they have the right experience, resources, or high-quality data they need to effectively implement automation on such a large scale. Businesses can address these concerns by offering training programs designed to prepare everyone involved and share best practices for successful hyperautomation deployments.

With the need for automation steadily growing, the IT market is likewise showing an upswing in automation products. As a result, many businesses feel as though they are drowning in options, with no clear indication as to which ones they should commit to. Although frustrating, this issue is one that will likely resolve itself in time, as mergers and acquisitions refine the number of available products, leaving those that are best suited to specific tasks.

Any hyperautomation initiative is going to require buy-in from top management. Unfortunately, when the C-suite isn’t convinced, then that can create a seemingly impenetrable barricade. Taking a top-down approach, and starting by garnering support from management, can help resolve this issue early on. The returns from initial hyperautomation programs will then help create positive perceptions throughout the organization.

Given the many proven benefits of automation, it’s not difficult to surmise that a move to hyperautomation will result in potentially-significant returns. What can be difficult for a business is accurately calculating specifically what those returns will be, both in terms of tangible and intangible returns. One approach to calculating hyperautomation returns is to consider each task individually. Take the current cost of performing the task over a given length of time, then calculate how much it would cost to set up and operate an automation solution to handle that task for the same timeframe. Comparing the two numbers should provide a clearer picture of potential ROI.

Hyperautomation is the adoption of automation throughout an entire organization, enhancing essentially every process being performed. This makes hyperautomation a large-scale endeavor, with all the potential hurdles and pitfalls that such a project entails. Here are several tips to help ensure a successful transition:

Without a clear understanding of the why behind a business’ switch to hyperautomation, there’s little motivation to drive digital transformation. Taking the time to identify and document exactly what they hope to achieve, organizations can then more effectively plan for hyperautomation and ensure that the resultant returns are in line with their objectives.

There are many hyperautomation solutions currently available, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that every option is the right answer to every use case. Before committing to anything specific, companies must be thorough in conducting their research. This should include not only vetting individual tools, but also researching industry competitors to see what they are already leveraging.

An organization’s hyperautomation solution is something that should be capable of scaling and evolving along with it. When selecting tools, consider how effective those tools will be not only in meeting current needs, but also meeting anticipated needs following future growth.

At its core, hyperautomation isn’t about machines or programs; it’s about people and how they work. With this reality in mind, businesses need to place people at the center of their hyperautomation initiatives, focusing on augmenting human activities and giving employees the right support to perform better and accomplish more.