Hyper Automation
Hyperautomation is the process of completely automating all business processes from beginning to end in an organization. This is essential for ensuring that digital business models remain relevant in the future. To successfully undertake hyperautomation projects, it is essential to have well-established processes in place, as well as the assistance of an experienced partner like Zircoo.
Hyperautomation – a brief definition
Hyperautomation offers a significant competitive edge by enhancing resilience. It enables organizations to swiftly and effectively respond to unforeseen events such as crises, natural disasters, pandemics, or labor strikes, while ensuring that specialized personnel are deployed efficiently in roles where they can maximize their expertise.
Hyperautomation embodies a comprehensive approach to process automation, encompassing various technologies and strategies to streamline operations. It entails leveraging tools for process analysis, modeling, and management alongside traditional automation technologies like Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Integration Platforms as a Service (IPaaS), and Low-Code/No-Code (LC/NC) business applications, as well as AI technologies such as Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP). While many organizations utilize these technologies in isolated areas, hyperautomation advocates for their integrated deployment across the entire business landscape. In today's dynamic business environment, characterized by intricate global supply chains and competitive labor markets, companies are compelled to optimize their critical processes comprehensively to maintain competitiveness.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Hyperautomation
Hyperautomation is not a one-off project. It is an iterative process that operates in a constant optimising loop. The various phases are repeated and influence the next iteration.
Process analysis
Hyperautomation projects start by assessing various business processes. This includes applying process mining and task mining techniques or conducting workshops. This approach enables identifying end-to-end processes for optimization, regardless of their current level of automation.
Process optimisation
Once key levers have been identified, it is crucial to meticulously analyze and make the necessary adjustments. At Zircoo, we implement BPMN 2.0 as our standard for modeling operating procedures and business processes. This approach is vital for maximizing optimization and streamlining operations.
Automation / Implementation
In order to successfully execute a plan, it is imperative to put theoretical concepts into practical application. Once solid measures have been developed, efficient automated processes can be implemented to streamline the overall workflow. By maintaining an agile approach, any potential complications can be quickly identified and effectively overcome, ensuring the ultimate success of the project at hand.
What are the benefits of RPA?
Robotic process automation streamlines business operations, enhances accuracy and productivity, reduces costs, improves performance metrics, and enables data-driven decision making with ease and efficiency.
At Zircoo, we prioritize utilizing tools from SAP and Microsoft for hyperautomation projects. This preference is twofold: Firstly, these IT ecosystems are already prevalent in many organizations, facilitating seamless integration. Secondly, opting for solutions from established vendors provides a robust framework for navigating the volatile market landscape, which is progressively consolidating.
Our approach emphasizes a Low-Code/No-Code (LC/NC) methodology across all technologies employed, maximizing accessibility for employees and aligning with the goal of hyperautomation. We advocate for active involvement of business departments in the development of digital solutions to foster a culture of citizen developers. This collaborative approach not only harnesses specialized knowledge but also accelerates the development process and enhances the quality of outcomes.
Process analysis tools
SAP Signavio: SAP Signavio represents a comprehensive suite of cloud-based tools, offering a myriad of solutions tailored for the thorough analysis, meticulous modeling, and effective optimization of business processes.
Microsoft PowerBI: Microsoft PowerBI harnesses the potency of advanced analytics to seamlessly convert raw data into actionable intelligence, unveiling untapped opportunities for enhancement and growth.
Process automation tools
SAP Process Automation encompasses a suite of solutions designed to streamline and automate repetitive tasks within the SAP ecosystem. Leveraging AI capabilities, these solutions empower users to automate processes efficiently.
Microsoft Power Automate offers a versatile platform for automating routine business processes, whether in the cloud through its Integration Platform as a Service (IPaaS) or directly on client systems via Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Additionally, Power Automate provides users with access to AI tools through its AI Builder functionality, enabling enhanced automation and decision-making.
Low-Code/No-Code tools for improved user experience
PowerApps and AppGyver: These platforms empower citizen developers to craft customized applications with user interfaces finely tuned to meet individual requirements.
SAP Conversational AI and Microsoft Power Virtual Agents: These tools enable the development of solutions integrating natural language processing (NLP) to streamline process workflows
Hyperautomation – a sample scenario
A manufacturing enterprise already utilizing SAP seeks to revolutionize its production facility maintenance through hyperautomation, aiming for a seamless end-to-end solution. While some processes are digitized, interfacing with the ERP system through Excel or directly, they remain disconnected.
Traditionally, when an operator identifies a maintenance issue on the production line, they must notify the maintenance team, who then inspect the problem. Next, they return to their workstation to initiate the necessary order in SAP and manually procure spare parts. All involved parties must routinely access SAP to track updates, verify information, and monitor order statuses.
With end-to-end process automation, maintenance operatives can utilize handheld devices to directly interface with SAP from the shop floor. This empowers them to analyze automatically generated maintenance data from predictive maintenance systems, schedule interventions, document real-time actions, report costs and time, and check spare part availability. This hyperautomated approach not only expedites the process but also enhances efficiency, saving time and reducing costs.