Achieving successful Automation outcomes requires more than technology in a CSP—it requires careful strategy closely aligned with organisational objectives. In this blog, we summarise some of the key steps a CSP should take to successfully introduce Automation across their organisation.
Automation presents significant opportunities for CSPs to improve efficiency and drive innovation. To implement successful Automation, a strategic mindset is crucial. In this document, we have discussed many aspect relating to how to implement Automation successfully within a CSP.
Key points a CSP should consider when automating
If we had to summarise the key points that a CSP should consider when embarking on Automation projects, these would be:
Be strategic
CSPs should consider Automation projects that align with the strategic goals of the organisation. The number of potential business operations, business processes and Use Cases that could be involved in any given Automation project is significant. The technical complexity, the range of Stakeholders and the prioritisation of resources all require a strategic approach to developing Automation capabilities.
Think big but start small
When it comes to Automation, think big, but start small. Starting somewhere is vital. This will allow you to see benefits of Automation in your business and starting ‘small’ will allow you to evolve and remain agile, while always keeping the big goals of Automation central.
Understand the landscape
Understanding the landscape, the big picture and end-to-end processes.
Organise for success
Start with a project but be alive to the establishment of a Centre of Excellence when appropriate time to ensure your automation implementations are co-ordinated, consistent and occur at the right time, in the right way and with the right technology.
Choose the Right Use Cases
Having a well-defined plan for deploying Automation, selecting Use Cases, and implementing these Use Cases is essential. Governance plays a vital role in managing Automation projects effectively, and a Centre of Excellence can provide valuable support and guidance to ensure efficiency and reusability.
Plan Well
When planning for Automation, engage with vendors and partners to explore the full potential of Automation. Consider both strategic and practical aspects, such as technology, connectivity, security, and data management.
Evaluate Your Automation’s Success
Continuous monitoring and evaluation of Automation performance are imperative to ensure it continues to deliver value to your business. It’s important to be proactive and agile to react to changing factors in your business.
Manage Risk with Effective Governance
CSPs should encourage all Stakeholders to engage with Automation, as this can help drive operational efficiencies and innovation. However, with a greater level of participation in automating business processes and Use Cases, there is an increased risk of Automations conflicting with one another. As such, management of this risk through effective Governance policies and procedures is critical as CSPs develop their Automation capabilities.
Benchmark Consistently
Proper benchmarking ensures that Automation remains relevant and aligned with changing requirements, enabling businesses to achieve optimal results from their Automation initiatives.
Automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity for CSPs seeking to thrive in the digital era. By embracing the power of Automation, CSPs can elevate their operations, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and position themselves as leaders in an ever-competitive landscape.
Be Consistent
By automating, consistency is achieved both in process execution as well as predictable and reliable “time to completion”. Variability in time to completion with manual process varies considerably with load, manning capacity, prevailing operations conditions, and even day of the week. The impact of this predictability on customer experience should not be under-estimated.
There is often huge diversity in the approach and detail taken between individual members. Capturing the process into an orchestrated and automated sequence achieves ultimate consistency in response to every automated scenario.
An interesting aspect of this is the “levelling up” affect – if the process capture is done with the whole team, the most experienced and best practice actions are captured and automated. The step change in efficiency achieved by this is often only apparent at the time. Monitoring the automated executions provide create a sound foundation for continuous improvement and optimisation.
Go Green
With an increased focus on issues relating to ESG (Environmental and Social Governance), from both consumers and regulatory bodies, CSPs have a greater need to demonstrate their green credentials.
Automation of the Green Chain ensures compliance with regulatory and legal requirements (for example, UK WEEE). This provides auditability of activities undertaken, as well as a solid auditable foundation of assets.
Automation provides optimal re-se and /or re-allocation of assets when the primary duty reaches EOL. Secure and auditable retirement of assets by ensuring processes address reset, data and configuration deletion on removal is made easier with Automation.
Manage Data Security
Whilst data security has always been central to CSPs’ operations, the introduction of GDPR regulations in the European Union has placed greater demands upon organisations to demonstrate data integrity.
Automation logic can detect and manage erroneous data efficiently, including being able to adapt in handling changes, as well as identify and manage flawed data.
CSPs should acknowledge the imperfect nature of data, and not delay Automation in pursuit of perfection. Rather than waiting for data perfection, Automation can be harnessed to concurrently cleanse data, ensuring quality throughout the process.
Conclusion
CSPs can benefit hugely from Automation across their entire organisation. Each CSP will have unique Automation requirements, taking into account business goals, strategy and resource. By following and prioritising the steps above, you will be able to introduce Automation successfully across your CSP.
Want to find out more about how to take your automation projects to the next level? Download our free eBook, An Expert’s Guide to Automation Success.
