Benefits of Automation

By Shannon Flynn

Modern businesses understand that their technologies play an important role in their success. Everything from advanced heavy machinery to a basic Wi-Fi connection can impact how well a company performs.

The term “automation” may seem like a simple buzzword in the construction industry. Companies may not understand what automation means and what technologies are used for automation. However, automation can offer many benefits to a modern business and its contractors.

Continue reading to learn more about automation, its benefits, and how it can help companies improve their profit margins and complete projects successfully.

WHAT IS AUTOMATION?

In simple terms, automation is for technological applications in business that require little to no human intervention. There are a few types of automation, including:

• Basic automation
• Process automation
• Artificial intelligence (AI) automation
• Integration automation

Automation is a broad concept but can benefit virtually every business in any industry. Some workers worry about automation and how it could lead to worker displacement. However, it’s commonly understood that automation is designed to free employees from repetitive tasks to spend more time on meaningful tasks.

WHY DOES AUTOMATION MATTER?

Several industries are using automation solutions, from manufacturing to retail. For contractors, automation can be a game-changer. Contractors can spend less time managing administrative tasks and more time working on project development with certain automation tools.

Automation tools are no longer exclusive to large corporations with plenty of capital—even the smallest businesses can adopt automation solutions to fit their needs.

The concept of automation will become more prevalent as the world becomes increasingly digital and data-driven. If general contractors want to remain competitive in their industry, they will have to consider automating some of their business processes.

MAIN BENEFITS OF AUTOMATION FOR CONTRACTORS

Before a company in the construction industry adopts automation technologies, it must understand how automation works and how it will benefit its business.

While automating tasks can give companies a strong competitive advantage, there’s no use in implementing automation tools without setting clear expectations for how they’ll be used and what benefits they will offer.

Below are some of the main benefits contractors reap by using automation solutions in their businesses.

IMPROVED OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

The nature of automation reduces or even eliminates the need for human labor. In other words, by implementing automation solutions, managers can essentially “set it and forget it.”

There’s no need for managers or other employees to ensure certain tasks are being completed. For example, payroll automation software can streamline basic business activities, such as paying employees accurately and efficiently. Businesses can adopt payroll automation software, among other automation tools, to make certain processes more efficient and less labor-intensive.

IMPROVED ACCURACY AND REDUCED HUMAN ERROR

Automated systems accomplish tasks with a great deal of accuracy for businesses. Even a highly skilled employee can make a mistake every so often, but a simple error can cause a slew of other problems, such as added costs and more time wasted finding a solution.

A major reason why many companies are investing in automation is that they can rest easy knowing their automated solutions will get the job done quickly and accurately. These tools eliminate the uncertainty that can crop up in day-to-day operations.

SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

A common automation tool businesses use across many industries is an automated chatbot. The main reason so many companies are using chatbots is that they provide excellent customer service to existing and potential customers or clients.

Many modern chatbots harness the power of AI to operate. In some cases, customers who use a chatbot never communicate with a human on the other end—the vast majority of digital chatbots can resolve client issues quickly and effectively.

MORE TRANSPARENCY

Many automation solutions allow managers to see more business data and gather insights about their performance. Automated tools can identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and managers can download in-depth reports about certain business processes. From there, managers can identify areas of improvement and make the necessary changes.

Additionally, using more automated tools can help managers be more transparent. For example, companies can leverage an automated contractor or employee management software suite to manage employee schedules and performance, send out critical memos, review timesheets, and assess pay summaries.

Employees also benefit from this type of automation tool. Employees will have better access to their files, whether it’s performance information, financial data, timesheets, or billing paperwork.

INCREASED WORKER PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFETY

Streamlining productivity on a project site can be challenging. However, 78% of contractors believe advanced technology increases productivity and improve project delivery. Information about a project can be gathered more efficiently using automation and can improve collaboration between all stakeholders. Companies can easily communicate updates to clients, and clients can send feedback during the construction process.

Aside from productivity, automation can also improve worker safety. All companies know that employee safety has to be a top priority. Automated systems can be used to complete dangerous tasks that would otherwise be difficult for human employees. Automation reduces risks from strenuous activity by taking over jobs that could be physically exhausting for a human employee.

While automation is not a perfect solution for all of the various challenges in construction, general contractors would agree that implementing automated systems is a no-brainer. Whether it’s commercial or residential construction, facilities management, plumbing, or HVAC, the modern workplace will become increasingly automated.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

While investing in automated systems may require high upfront costs, it can reduce overall operating costs for a business. General contractors could greatly benefit from automation in the ways listed above.

It’s also important for companies considering automation solutions to take their time and identify which technologies will suit their needs. Investing in simple automation can make a world of difference and will likely become necessary.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shannon Flynn is the managing editor of ReHack Magazine, where she specializes in engineering and automation technology. Apart from ReHack, you can find Shannon’s work in publications such as LifeHacker, Lifewire, and VentureBeat.