How Automation Technology Is Changing the Way Businesses Operate

The advancements in technology seem to be making our lives easier with every innovation. This isn’t a surprise, since the definition of technology is “the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.” Innovators are taking this one step further and creating machinery and equipment that can be automated to do things for us. There are many different examples of how automation is already being used in our everyday lives including garage door opener applications, robot gas pumps, smart lights, electronically automated dog doors, self-parking car systems, pillows that adjust positions to stop people from snoring, automated laser collar pet toys, and application controlled homes. These are just some of the examples of automation technology today.

What Are Examples of Automation in the Workplace? 

Automation technology is the term for technology applications where human input is reduced. It’s the technique of making a device, procedure, or system operate automatically. It aims to simplify tasks or complete them automatically for people. Using scientific knowledge, it can find answers and fix problems automatically. It’s a way of making our jobs easier and more efficient. 

When people think of automation they tend to think of robotics, but we are utilizing automation technology in other different ways. You are probably using automation in everyday situations and your workplace. Many companies are using automated email marketing, which sends out newsletters or marketing campaigns automatically to reach new or existing customers. Automated software can also send follow-up emails. This requires minimal effort and helps lessen the workload for a company’s staff.

Another form of automation that many companies are using is chatbots. When you visit a site off-hours and message pops up at the bottom of the screen asking if you need help. Most of the time, there isn’t anyone on the other end of that. It’s an automated program that uses technology to help find you the answers you are looking for.

Some companies are even using automation technology is also being used to find and recruit new staff. Some systems can automatically sift through resumes and cover letters to find the best candidate for the job. Automation is being used by many different people and companies for several different tasks. Customer service, simplifying hiring, marketing campaigns, and emails are just some of the tasks that are being automated by various companies.  

How Does Automation Technology Work?

Automation technology still requires manual design and human supervision. One of the main components that make automation technology possible is artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence imitates human intelligence and reasoning. AI allows the programmed system to learn, predict, and either recommend or carry out the next task.

Machine learning is another aspect of automation. Machine learning is under the umbrella of artificial intelligence, and it is the application of AI. 

Another term that is often used is intelligent automation, which is the blend of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and process automation used to create smart business processes and workflows. These workflows learn and adjust on their own.

As the AI system learns and adjusts to its set parameters it will automate the following tasks required. This takes some of the workload burdens off the company’s staff. It can help make certain jobs easier and more efficient.

How Are Data Centers Using Automation Technology?

A data center is a centralized location that houses computing and network equipment. Data centers collect, store, process, and distribute enormous amounts of data. A data center can consist of thousands of computer servers making it time-consuming to service. A software-defined data center uses virtualization technology to do some of these tasks for the data center manager. Software automation can reliably discover, deploy, and service data center with little to no human presence. 

A software-defined data center can have many uses and benefits including automation. Data center software can help manage storage, network, and server maintenance. Storage can be allocated and re-allocated through the software without physically handling any of the hardware. Software-defined data centers can also help data centers manage their customers easier and more efficiently. Data center software can also automatically optimize its hardware to reduce energy consumption. Data centers are utilizing automation through software.

What Other Industries Are Utilizing Automated Robotics?

No matter what industry you are in, automation aims to simplify and make workers and their jobs more effective. Robotics is a major part of where automation is going. The healthcare industry, farming and agriculture industry, food and hospitality industry, manufacturing industry, the military, and the data center industry are all using automated robots to help with some of the everyday tasks. Automated robots can do many of the little things (and big things) that are necessary to a company.

What Does the Future of Automation Look Like?

Automation continues to help several different industries in their quest for improved efficiency, productivity, accuracy, and flexibility. What the pandemic has shown regarding automation is that various jobs in a multitude of industries can be aided by or at times even completely taken over by automation. A report by Georgia State University stated that some jobs have been easier to automate. 73% of food service jobs, 41% of entertainment, 44% of wholesale trade, 47% of construction, 49% of personal care, and 60% of manufacturing jobs can be automated.

As the world begins to open up again, we will see what the lasting effects are on different industries regarding automation. Data centers have benefited from automation for some time now, but the human element is what makes businesses more inviting. If you’re looking for customer service through a phone call or on a website, speaking to someone will almost always be more helpful than a chatbot. When you’re looking for a nice meal, a robotic chef might not be able to make your favorite dish as good as your favorite restaurant. If you’re looking for a trusted data center provider, you are going to want one that is personable, and easy to communicate with. Automation will continue to play a major role in many different industries, but don’t expect it to take over completely.