5 Mistakes Companies Make When Automating Their Processes
5 Mistakes Companies Make When Automating Their Processes
Automation can completely transform a business - but only if done correctly. After implementing over 50 automation projects for companies, we’ve noticed the same mistakes repeat. Here’s what to avoid:
1. Automating Bad Processes
Mistake: Many clients want to automate processes that are already inefficient.
Why it’s a problem: You automate a problem, you don’t solve it. If the current process takes 10 steps and 3 departments, automation will make it faster - but it will still be complicated.
Our solution: First we optimize the process, then we automate it. Often, we reduce a 10-step process to 3, eliminating unnecessary repetitions.
Real Example
Before: Client had an order approval process with 7 steps and 4 signatures. After optimization: Reduced to 3 steps with 2 approvals, then automated. Result: From 3 days to 2 hours.
2. Ignoring the Team That Will Use the System
Mistake: Decision-makers choose a solution without consulting end users.
Why it’s a problem: The team will resist change or find ways to bypass the new system.
Our solution: We involve users from day one:
- Team interviews
- Demos and feedback during development
- Personalized training
- Post-launch support
3. Trying to Automate Everything at Once
Mistake: “We want to digitize the entire company in 3 months.”
Why it’s a problem: Huge risk, high costs, high probability of failure.
Our approach:
- Identify quick wins - processes that deliver fast results
- Launch a pilot project - validate the approach
- Expand gradually - scale the success
Case Study: Distribution Company
- Month 1-2: Automated ordering process (80% of workload)
- Month 3-4: Added inventory integration
- Month 5-6: Implemented analytics and reporting
- Result: Each phase brought immediate benefits, minimal risk
4. Choosing Technology Before Understanding the Problem
Mistake: “We’ve heard about AI, we need AI in the company.”
Why it’s a problem: Technology should solve a specific problem, not be a goal in itself.
How we proceed:
- Understand the business problem
- Define measurable objectives
- Choose the right technology (which is sometimes simpler than expected)
Example: A client wanted AI for invoice processing. After analysis, we discovered the real problem was lack of an organization system. We implemented a simple solution for digitization and automatic categorization - without complex AI, much more efficient.
5. Lack of Results Measurement Plan
Mistake: You implement automation but don’t know if it really works.
Why it’s a problem: You can’t optimize what you don’t measure. You can’t justify the investment.
What our solution includes:
- Clear KPIs before implementation
- Real-time monitoring dashboards
- Monthly performance reports
- Quarterly optimization sessions
Metrics We Track
- Time saved - hours/month
- Error reduction - % improvement
- ROI - when the investment pays off
- User satisfaction - real feedback from the team
Conclusion: Smart Automation
Successful automation doesn’t just mean technology - it means:
- Optimized processes
- Involved teams
- Gradual implementation
- Right technology
- Measurable results
In every project, our priority is to deliver real value, not just impressive technology.
Want to Automate Correctly?
We offer a free analysis of your current processes and identify automation opportunities with maximum impact. No obligations - just honest recommendations.
Contact us at contact@netsaas.net for a 30-minute discussion that could transform your company’s operations.