Automation has become increasingly important as a growing number of companies face labor shortages and the wage hikes that go with it amongst their lower tiered workers. Yet most companies are still dragging their feet on automating - and it’s not entirely their fault. As many advantages as there are to automating an entire process, or just parts of it, there are equally as many challenges. <h3><b>What’s Slowing Down the Move to Automation?</b></h3> <b>TOO MANY SOLUTIONS.</b> Rapid developments in cloud-based solutions, bots, digitized systems, and most recently AI, have given companies lots of choice. However that’s made it an almost unmanageable task to analyze which is the best solution for their organization. In fact, because there are so many developments right now, it’s a challenge to even make a list of common features and capabilities so that a solid evaluation is even possible. <b>THE NEXT BIG THING.</b> Massive investment in all areas of the tech sector has resulted in a surge in innovation. What looks like ground breaking technology today quickly becomes ‘old school’ as tech companies around the world unveil the newest, even greater, innovation. That not only makes it difficult to evaluate solutions, it also makes leadership justifiably reticent to invest in CapEx and go through the transition period of implementing a new system. What if the solution we invest in today is quickly replaced by even newer and more cutting edge technology next year? Because right now technology is changing very quickly, it’s a valid consideration. The company with today’s newest and greatest technology could be sitting with outdated equipment or software in less time than it takes to recoup their investment. <blockquote> Determining the right solution, rethinking their processes and then implementing it can make even the most progressive companies back from automating.</blockquote> <b>NEVER VS. BETTER. </b>Automating business processes can certainly save time and money. However, what’s new is not necessarily better. Is this new system going to save costs when implemented - or does it just look good on paper? Too many companies implement systems that look good, but that actually create more friction when employees use them in real-time. So employees avoid using them or find their own workarounds. <b>WILL YOU STILL BE HERE TOMORROW? </b> The startup culture that fueled (and funded) the surge in tech developments focused on scaling up companies fast and furiously - and then getting to an IPO as quickly as possible. Once these companies are thrown into the cold, cruel world of being a public company (or at least one that no longer is subsidized by venture capital funding) suddenly the need to be profitable becomes a top priority. That can mean a sharp cut back in service, upgrades (or debugging), as well as the being acquired by another company. It’s not always the case, but the experience a user has during those pre-IPO days when customer acquisition and retention was the priority - and there were plenty of funds to support that - can markedly deteriorate when a company shifts gears into profit-first mode. <b>TOO FAST TO SLOW DOWN.</b> To get the most value out of a new system, experts advise that you need to rethink your existing operating processes - rather than simply automating or digitizing your current way of doing things. The ultimate benefits of doing that can be huge in terms of time and cost savings. But the thought of disrupting current operations to rethink and revise - and then retrain staff - is daunting. Especially in a fast paced industry such as the apparel sector and for most retailers as well. Automation brings more benefits than hindrances to most businesses. However, to minimize the downside and get the most out of any investment in automation, organizations need to focus on determining what they ultimately need to achieve and select solutions that specifically solve those problems - and are backed by companies with a solid track record of performance.