These are all things you’ve likely experienced before, when you were forced to copy and paste data between spreadsheets, follow the same email for a third time or redouble your efforts to re-enter the same customer information in five different tools — you already know why business automation is a big conversation. However, somewhere down the line business automation and AI business automation began to be used in the same context and that’s where many businesses make the wrong investment.
It is a very common topic of discussion at Clarity Growth Advisory when we are helping businesses determine if and what kind of automation to pursue — not only should they pursue but what. Let’s say it is easy-to-understand.
What is Business Automation, After All?
Business automation is fundamentally about letting technology take over the repetitive, rule-based work, so that it doesn’t need to be handled by a person each time. Consider something like automatically generated invoices, follow up emails on invoices, inventory notifications, or workflows that automatically route a task from one person to another without anyone manually forwarding it.
This type of automation is rule based. If X happens, do Y. Predictable, reliable, and—most importantly of all—its operation is not human-dependent when it’s in place. This is where small and medium businesses should begin their automation journey. It is easier to do, less maintenance and provides immediate, tangible time savings.
Where AI Business Automation Comes In
AI business automation goes one step further. It doesn’t follow commands, but rather recognizes patterns, makes predictions and performs tasks that require some degree of judgment and/or variability, which cannot be automated.
A standard automation system can follow up the email a day later. An AI-powered one can forecast the likelihood of a customer churning, customize that follow-up message to the individual based on his or her past activity, and even determine the best time to send the message. The difference lies in the way both the two types of business automation work; traditional business automation operates as per instructions while AI business automation operates in a way that adapts and improves based on data.
This is more significant than it appears. Without proper processes, companies that dive into AI business automation are likely to automate chaos, but at a higher speed. AI is most effective when built upon a business with existing clean data and workflows rather than where there is a lack of structure.
If you’re looking for a path to business automation and AI, this course is the perfect starting point.
The simple answer is: Business automation is the base and AI business automation is an addition.
Most businesses don’t necessarily have to adopt AI-powered systems immediately. They must first be automated to automate the basics – such as cutting down on manual data entry, streamlining approvals and syncing their tools so that information moves between them without requiring manual input. With that laid out, an AI business automation is much more effective, since it has clean and structured data to learn from.
One of the most frequent errors we observe is that companies invest in cutting-edge AI tools without having the foundational systems and processes in place.One of the common pitfalls, which we see businesses making is investing in AI tools without having the proper systems and processes required in place first.
To understand what your business needs is the best way to know what you need.
If your team is still spending hours on repetitive tasks such as data entry, follow-up or manual reporting, then basic business automation is the priority. It’s quicker to put in place and provides you with breathing room now.
When you’re ready to take your customer interactions to the next level, foresee customer needs, or make data-driven decisions, AI business automation becomes valuable.
It’s what Clarity Growth Advisory is here to help you navigate, along with seeing where you are at and creating a realistic automation roadmap rather than making for an exhaustive list of new and exciting AI tools on the market.
Conclusion
Business automation and AI business automation are not opposing concepts, but two phases of the same process. One gets rid of all the paper, one adds intelligence to a running business.
If repetitive tasks are weighing your business down, then begin with good business automation. With this groundwork, AI business automation can enable you to grow smarter, not faster. And when you’re not sure what your business is worth, you’re in the company of Clarity Growth Advisory — not just someone guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What’s the difference between business automation and AI business automation?
Business automation is a process of applying rule-based instructions, whereas AI business automation is based upon learning from data, predicting, and adapting over time.
Q2. What should be the initial steps for small businesses to begin their automation journey with AI or basic automation?
Start with basics business automation, it’s easier and is the foundation for clean processes that AI tools rely on.
Q3. Without proper business processes, can AI business automation really function?
Not effectively. AI business automation works best in conjunction with structured workflows and clean data, not in lieu of missing workflows.
Q4. What are some examples of business automation?
Typical business automation includes automated invoicing, scheduling follow-up emails, inventory notifications, and workflow approvals.
Q5. What are the ways that Clarity Growth Advisory contributes to businesses with regards to automation strategy?
Clarity Growth Advisory gets a business to the current stage of its automation journey and then creates an automation roadmap that takes the business from the current level of business automation to AI business automation, step by step.
