Future proofing with automation

An event in NYC in October saw participants from Google, IBM, MIT, CISR, DHR and Ogilvy dive into insights and predictions across the idea of ‘future proofing’ — setting businesses up for ongoing success amongst an era of disruption.

Their summaries have been published in a white paper which is well worth the full read. If you’re short on time as you head into the weekend, here’s some fascinating key takeaways. 💡

‘The three main characteristics defining this disruption-fraught operating environment are ubiquitous data, unlimited connectivity, and massive processing power.’

The panelists shared their belief that there’s no longer anything unknowable about your customer, or, more powerfully, what it is they want. Unlimited connectivity brings access to new and existing consumer bases without the traditional barriers of distance, language or culture, and the impact of massive processing power means that even cash-strapped small businesses have access to data tools that can generate invaluable human insights like never before.

So, all of this is good news, right?

The white paper goes on to share research from MIT’s Center for Information Systems Research, who identified two key notions in the area of a business’s capacity to transform: operation excellence and customer experience. These are the markets the Center has identified that position a company as ‘future ready’, and equipped to face the challenges — and harness the opportunities — that come with an ever-changing marketplace.

However, the harsh reality is that most companies aren’t future ready, and are relying on ‘the way it’s been done’ rather than proactively and curiously exploring how growing technologies can propel their work and message forward.

Further research is shared with examples from…

• H&M China, who used integrated data and enhanced channel communications to deliver personalised content and achieve incremental purchase results
• Spotify, whose ‘squad’ model of hierarchy focuses on autonomy and agility
• MSC Cruises, who used integrated technology to deliver superior hospitality to 5,700 passengers at once

What’s inherent at the core of these examples is a value placed on purpose, with decisions around tools and systems made based on achieving these company purposes and clear, tangible desired outcomes.

Automation is most effective when it’s connected at its core to purpose — to a clear understanding of why that tool will contribute to stronger business outcomes, cleaner processes, and the transformation of unnecessary workloads into opportunities for growth.

Future proofing may sound like a buzz term, but the core principles are timeless. Know what it is you’re out to achieve, and pick up the tools that are most beneficial in moving you towards that target.

What do you need to automate to protect and enhance your future business prospects?

PS — Whenever you’re ready, there are some extra steps you can take to make your business an automated powerhouse:

1. Join the Automation Hackers community

It’s our Facebook community for business owners who want to automate — Click Here.

2. Get your free Automation Checkup

In a free call, I can show you what you can [and should] be automating in your business — Book Here.

3. Work with me and my team privately

Using my Automation Deep Dive method, we’ll create an Automation Blueprint unique to your company. Just send me a message with the words ‘Deep Dive’ and some details about your business, with what you’d like to focus on, and we can take it from there!