Driven by the need for digital transformation and automation, hyper-automation is one of the technology trends that will mark the upcoming times.

This approach that combines automated processes with new technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence is increasingly gaining ground within organisations and promises increased productivity, higher security and reduced costs.

Although it is not new to the operations of most companies in multiple sectors, all indications are that investment in automation will continue to be a trend shortly.

According to Forrester, European companies will invest up to €3.3 billion in automation to boost productivity, proving this trend, which is expected to grow in the coming years, is moving towards hyper-automation – a step further, ensuring more flexibility, security and intelligence through the integration of advanced technologies.

If automation already allowed scalability, hyper-automation enhances this same characteristic by integrating a set of technologies that, by making the best of each one, significantly increase the productivity of work environments.

The combination of RPA technologies and artificial intelligence makes it possible to automate previously impossible tasks, such as undocumented processes that rely on unstructured data inputs.

By integrating advanced technologies, hyper-automation offers the power and flexibility to work on an end-to-end strategy, from data warehouse structuring to dashboard visualisation.

This allows employees to focus on more valuable tasks such as decision-making, interpreting data and applying critical thinking. Moreover, manual work is always susceptible to errors.

More than mechanising repetitive manual tasks performed by employees, hyper-automation introduces Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into already automated processes, expanding and improving their potential.

One of the advantages is that hyper-automation platforms can be applied to the technologies that companies already have, improving performance with less cost. According to Gartner’s projection, by 2024, organisations are expected to reduce operational costs by 30% by combining hyper-automation technologies with redesigned operational processes.

Automated processes increase productivity and efficiency while reducing costs and human error. More agile workflows bring better results and allow you to release employees for more strategic and creative tasks.

According to Forrester’s studies, companies are increasingly looking at areas where human and technological skills can be combined to improve efficiencies, such as management, human resources and training.

It is, therefore, fundamental that companies have effective control of processes to maintain competitiveness, generate business opportunities and overcome errors that reduce profitability.