Unlocking Efficiency: How Data Automation Simplifies Work and Amplifies Results

Do you want you and your team to spend more time tackling complex challenges and less time on mundane, repetitive tasks. This is the promise of data automation, a powerful tool that can transform your organisation’s productivity and effectiveness.

Data vs Information

Before diving into the world of automation, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between data and information. Data is the raw material – unprocessed, unorganised facts. Information, on the other hand, is data that has been processed, structured, and presented in a meaningful context. For example, a list of numbers is data, but a graph showing trends is information.

Data is raw unorganised facts that need to be processed. Data can be something and seemingly random and useless until it’s organised.

When data is processed, organised, structured or presented in a context that makes it useful – its information.

What Automation Can Do…

Help connect your data sets

Automation can help avoid having to duplicate data in multiple systems and make data available in multiple systems. Helping you towards the goal of a single source of truth.

Helps automate logic-based workflows

Automation works great in “IF…THEN” scenarios where you want something to happen when a specific event or trigger happens. (e.g. send an email when someone completes a form).

Free up resource time

Help automate repetitive or logic-based tasks so that your team can focus on tasks that add greater value.

What Automation Can’t Do…

Do all of your work for you

Automation can help make you more productive and take manual, repetitive tasks off your plate but can’t do all of your work for you

Replace you
This isn’t about finding ways to replace staff but how can we get your people working on higher order

Solve ALL of your data or workload challenges
Automation is not a silver bullet but can help your team focus on tasks that make the difference

How to Identify What You Can Automate

Quick Wins

1. Data Duplication – Start with the lowest hanging fruit. Are you manually duplicating data from one system to another? Are you exporting data regularly into a spreadsheet for analysis? Do you copy and paste data regularly?
2. Repetitive Tasks – Do you carry out some tasks that are repetitive in nature? Are you running the same reports each week or month? Are you sending the same email out on a regular basis?
3. Logic-Based Workflows – Do you carry out tasks that could be broken down into “IF -> THEN” statements? Are you manually sending an email out based on a certain trigger or event? or updating information based on a trigger or events.

Longer Term Value Drivers:

• Technology Landscape Map – Do you know all the systems that you are storing and collecting data in? Do you know what the data is collected for in each platform? Are there opportunities to consolidate data into one place?
• Transform data into information – Are you clear on the metrics that really matter for your organization? Do you know what data you need to be tracking for those metrics? Building out a clear data strategy to ensure you turn your data into actionable information

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: How can I determine if my organisation is ready for automation, especially in terms of data processing and workflow management?

Answer: To determine if your organisation is ready for automation, start by assessing your current data processing and workflow management practices. Identify areas where manual tasks are prevalent or where there are inefficiencies due to data duplication or lack of integration between systems. Look for repetitive tasks that could benefit from automation, such as report generation or data entry.

Question: Are there specific tools or software solutions you recommend for implementing automation in an organisation?

Answer: When considering tools or software solutions for automation, it’s important to choose ones that align with your organisation’s goals and existing systems. Look for solutions that offer easy integration with your current software stack and provide scalability to accommodate future growth. Popular tools include no-code automation tools, robotic process automation (RPA) platforms, workflow management systems, and data integration tools. A good starting point would our Small Business Automation Tools page.

Question: What are some common challenges or pitfalls to avoid when implementing automation, and how can they be overcome?

Answer: When implementing automation, be aware of common challenges such as resistance to change from employees, lack of clear objectives, and inadequate training. To overcome these challenges, involve employees in the automation process from the beginning, clearly define the goals and benefits of automation, and provide training and support to ensure a smooth transition. Overall, successful automation requires a strategic approach that considers your organisation’s specific needs and challenges. By carefully planning and implementing automation, you can streamline your processes, improve efficiency, and achieve better results.