“Process automation for small businesses can support your team members, prevent burnout, and streamline internal processes to increase revenue and productivity,” says Catherine Schwartz, finance editor at Crediful. “Trends and predictions for 2023 will include RPA tool integration, hyperautomation, and process simulation.”
All over the world, automation is rapidly adapting to the needs of banking, technology, and IT businesses. In this vein, to meet changing customer needs and rising costs, demand for automation within businesses (including improved machine learning and low-code programming tools) is fast increasing.
Read on to learn more about how your small business can implement intelligent automation and what to look out for in 2023.
Intelligent automation (IA) trends in 2023
With 80% of marketers seeing their leads increase after using automation software, it’s fair to say, process automation is changing the way businesses operate and manage their workforces.
We can also expect major leaps forward in new automation software set to support human workers and enhance the employee experience. In addition to improving employee satisfaction, new automation processes and software products promise to streamline communication, boost production and reduce costs.
In the next few years, we’ll see an enormous shift in how small businesses take advantage of automation software. Even now, to maximise their investment, entrepreneurs planning to start an LLC should factor in the latest intelligent automation trends and predictions.
Intelligent automation has changed the live chat game for many small businesses
1. Automated customer service
Live chat is already an essential element that consumers expect from almost all businesses. Many customers don’t have time to wait 24 hours for a response from a company. Although not a new concept, new elements such as voice-enabled chat assistants and keyword recognition are changing the future of automated customer service.
Today, there are various chatbots to suit different businesses including:
- linguistic-based chatbots
- voice-activated chatbots
- chatbots powered by machine learning
- hybrid chatbots.
Consider your customer base and employees before choosing which automation services are right for your business. Then…experiment with automation technologies to see if they fit your target audience!
The latest innovations in coding technology are designed to make any entrepreneur feel like an IT professional!
2. Minimal coding technology
Low-code software requires minimal effort to generate applications and processes. The absence of complex coding language means inexperienced users can build applications with ease. Employees and business owners can build and alter processes without the need for experienced IT professionals.
Some of the benefits of low code and no code automation software include:
- accessibility for all skill levels
- improved scalability
- user-friendly systems and templates
- simple integration.
Because business owners can maintain control (by developing applications in less time than normal coding methods allow), it’s not surprising that low-code and no-code technologies are becoming increasingly popular with small enterprises looking to scale their operations.
Today, the scope for automating tasks in your small business is infinite!
3. Hyperautomation
Hyperautomation is the process of automating and streamlining as many tasks as possible within a business. Essentially, hyperautomation tools allow companies to communicate with customers and provide answers without spending money on human labour.
With younger customers being accustomed to common hyperautomation tools and techniques, and businesses feeling the pressure to provide products and services in an efficient and timely manner, it’s easy to see why hyperautomation is a hot trend in 2023!
Implementing hyperautomation technologies can transform the way businesses operate through:
- customer support software and chatbots
- process management tools
- workflow automation software
- process mining.
How automation can assist small businesses
Automation tools do not make mistakes or become distracted as they work! With this in mind, digital solutions are perfect for companies needing to reduce costs and maximise their return on investment (ROI).
For example, automated accounting tools will provide accurate, real-time reporting and allow business owners to track and manage expenses.
“Machines can complete tasks and make decisions in a fraction of the time it takes a human,” argues Catherine Schwartz. “Automatic tools can significantly improve financial management and marketing by scheduling payments, social media posts, and promotional emails. By streamlining business operations and thus saving money, small businesses can benefit from these tools.
“Automation software is affordable and available for small businesses looking to focus on expanding their business – the latest automation innovations can genuinely transform the way you operate.”
A case for embracing automation as an entrepreneur
IA is a valuable tool for relieving employees of repetitive tasks and allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. Thus, small businesses should implement automation processes to keep up with customer demands and improve productivity.
Presently, the major benefits of automation for small businesses include:
- minimising risk and reducing human errors
- increasing productivity and efficiency
- improving employee satisfaction
- reducing costs.
So, SMEs must jump on the automation bandwagon or risk getting left behind in the dust of their competitors!
Catherine Schwartz is a marketing and eCommerce specialist who helps brands grow their revenue and move their businesses to new levels.
