If you’ve been following our blog in recent weeks, you’ll have noticed how we have been encouraging many young businesses to consider implementing automation in the workplace.

We strongly believe it helps simplify the workplace and want young businesses and start-ups to give it a chance.  We know how much an adequately automated workplace can make life easier for you and your staff.

So far, we have told you of the common mistakes you may run into when using automation and have explained how it can help build your business.

Today, we want to offer some simple hints and tips for young businesses new to automation who have a basic understanding of it but want to optimise its usage in their workplace.

So without further ado, here are a few simple but valuable ways young businesses and start-ups can hone their automation usage.

 

Start Small

Complex automation lines can cost a lot of money and can take a while to develop.  We understand it may be tempting to rush in and automate as much as possible to get it out of the way.  However, this can be costly and can quickly become convoluted if you do too much at once.

Start with small, simple tasks and gradually build up to the larger ones.  It means you can automate your workplace step-by-step and means you won’t have to spend too much  money in one go.

 

Learn the processes yourself first

Before automating any task, make sure you know how it works.  This way, you will have a greater understanding of what exactly your automation technology is doing, meaning you will have a better experience of what to do if the automation process goes wrong for whatever reason.

In other words, break tasks down into small steps and equip yourself with understanding how they work before automating them.

 

Set your budget wisely

If you own a new business, chances are you won’t have a bottomless pit of money.

Automation is an investment.  In the long run, it will save you money, given its efficiency and the cash you will save on staffing costs.

But at first, you will have to pay for the technology.

Calculate how much you can invest and estimate how long it will take to pay back those costs.  Remember, it will have to be installed, and training will have to be given to staff on automation.  So make sure your estimated payback time is reasonable.

 

Consider specialist advice

An expert will be able to look into your business directly and will tell you precisely what you should and shouldn’t be automating.

They can provide you with great advice, point out possible mistakes and can help you avoid overspending.

They will eliminate risks and find new ways to automate your business – things you may never notice if you do it yourself.

That being said, when finding a specialist, look for someone with a good reputation and plenty of experience.

If you want to know more about how your business can be automated, contact us today for advice.