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December 8, 2017 11:15 AM EST | Reads: |
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What to Automate and What Not to Automate
By Ron Gidron
The benefits of automation are well documented; it increases productivity, cuts cost and minimizes errors. It eliminates repetitive manual tasks, freeing us up to be more innovative. By that logic, surely, we should automate everything possible, right? So, is attempting to automate everything a sensible - even feasible - goal? In a word: no.
Consider this your short guide as to what to automate and what not to automate.
What to Automate
As we know, automation is the driving force behind continuous delivery and agile practices. It's helped change our digital landscape and is shaping businesses into the Modern Software Factories the application era requires. Automation's benefits can be applied to just about any department within an enterprise; from HR to Accounts, Dev to Ops - even the mailroom.
However, certain processes are more suited to automation than others. There are telltale signs to watch out for which indicate a process is primed for automation.
Medium and high volume
Workflows vary dramatically in size. They can consist of simple processes which are composed of few steps, to processes requiring dozens, if not hundreds of items.
When we think about workflows with minimal steps or items, we should ask ‘does it make business sense to automate this process?' Conversely, processes with medium and high volume items are clearly business-pivotal processes, primed for automation.
Manual completion requires three or more users
Generally, if a repeatable task involves three or more people, the likelihood is that it would be more efficient if it was automated. There is less chance of a communication breakdown, making it more secure and more accurate. Furthermore, by automating such routines, you'll free up the man hours of at least three individuals.
The process relies upon time-sensitive activities
Automation creates a log of when items pass through the workflow; recording when issues occur, when they are resolved and when they are actioned. By analyzing these logs, it's easy to spot where bottlenecks occur in your process. New workflow rules can be attributed to overcome these, thus ensuring deadlines are consistently met.
A process impacts upon various systems
If a workflow item requires the aid of, or touches upon, various other systems and tools in the tech-stack, then guess what? Yep, it's ready for automation. Rules can applied, which grant and restrict permissions to agents, enabling the timely completion of the process as well as ensuring security protocols are adhered to.
Transparent processes require automation
Remaining compliant and providing full audit trails is crucial. If something goes wrong with a manual process, it's nearly impossible to provide a full accurate trail of exactly what happened, meaning the failure can't be properly identified. With automation, you have no such worries. A dedicated automation solution provides governable audit trails as standard, supporting compliance needs.
We should look to automate the most time-consuming manual processes in our routines. Processes are the heartbeat of organizations. They are the spine of the business. Without them, we would not be able to operate in an efficient manner, if at all.
Ineffective processes are well-suited to automation. They could be streamlined, as they currently require too much manual input, the business requires more transparency, or various other systems rely upon these processes. Sound familiar?
Effectively applying the right automation solution, to the right processes, allows us to become more efficient and more inventive. Freeing highly-skilled technicians from mundane repetitive tasks offers them more time to innovate, helping drive top-line revenue.
What Not to Automate?
It's the inverse of the above: if processes are low-volume, require less than three people, no deadline, don't link other systems and have no need for transparency, applying automation is a waste of time. It could even be a wasted investment, as it would take a long time to see any ROI on these workflow items.
Other instances of what not to automate include, but aren't limited to:
Automation targets involve multiple decision points along the way
Intelligent automation has come a long way, but there are still times when workflow items need to be manually accepted, rejected or rerouted - which intelligent automation cannot appreciate. As such, human intervention is key, as only we can make the right, informed decision.
Quality control
Automation can help speed up the building and testing of applications, but when it comes to ensuring the quality of a finalized app, human input is essential. Automated tests can ensure the functionality works, but can't truly appreciate the user experience in the same way a human would.
Design
Even with our most advanced machine learning innovations, automation and artificial intelligence is unable to appreciate artistic endeavours in the same manners as humans. It is unable to deduce information that we take for granted, such as reflections in a mirror, for example. As such, attempting to apply automation to ‘soft' skills may be a fruitless task.
Low return on investment
If there is no significant or measurable return on investment offered in implementing automation - don't automate. It's really that simple. Increasing efficiency and cutting costs are two key pillars of automation. If adding it to a process doesn't deliver on these promises, or takes a significant time before delivering ROI, skip it.
It's not just a case of introducing automation and sitting back with your feet up. You should critically examine all your systems, workflows and processes. Find the inefficiencies and examine whether it's a suitable candidate for automation. If it is, as the automation experts, we may just be able to help.
CloudExpo | DXWorldEXPO have announced the conference tracks for Cloud Expo 2018, introducing DXWorldEXPO.
DXWordEXPO, colocated with Cloud Expo will be held June 5-7, 2018, at the Javits Center in New York City, and November 6-8, 2018, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA.
Digital Transformation (DX) is a major focus with the introduction of DXWorld Expo within the program. Successful transformation requires a laser focus on being data-driven and on using all the tools available that enable transformation if they plan to survive over the long term.
A total of 88% of Fortune 500 companies from a generation ago are now out of business. Only 12% still survive. Similar percentages are found throughout enterprises of all sizes.
Cloud Expo | DXWorldEXPO 2018 New York
(June 5-7, 2018, Javits Center, Manhattan)
Cloud Expo | DXWorldEXPO 2018 Silicon Valley
(November 6-8, 2018, Santa Clara Convention Center, CA)
Full Conference Registration "Gold Pass" and Exhibit Hall ▸ Here (Register ▸ Here via EventBrite)
DX World EXPO, LLC., a Lighthouse Point, Florida-based startup trade show producer and the creator of DXWorldEXPO® - Digital Transformation Conference & Expo has announced its conference agenda, with three major themes:
* Technology - The Revolution Continues
* Economy - The 21st Century Emerges
* Society - The Big Issues
"DX encompasses the continuing technology revolution, and is addressing society's most important issues throughout the entire $78 trillion 21st-century global economy," said Roger Strukhoff, Conference Chair. "DXWorldExpo has organized these issues along 10 tracks with more than 500 of the world's top speakers coming to Istanbul to help change the world."
There are 10 tracks running throughout the event and following the major themes. More than 500 breakout sessions will be featured, along with keynotes and general sessions from some of the world's top technology, business, and societal leaders. The event will be held over five days in Istanbul, reflecting the global nature of Digital Transformation and the city's long and historic role as a key business and intellectual center and linchpin between East and West.
Full Conference Registration "Gold Pass" and Exhibit Hall ▸ Here (Register ▸ Here via EventBrite)
DX World Expo's Global Themes and Tracks are as follows:
Technology - The Revolution Continues
DX Tech: Data-Driven Global 2000
DX Tech: The Blockchain Challenge
DX Tech: AI and Cognitive
DX Tech: The Global Cloud
Economy - The 21st Century Emerges
DX Econ: Software is Rewriting the World
DX Econ: Smart Cities, Nations, and Regions
DX Econ: FinTech and the Token Economy
DX Econ: The Industrial Internet and Industrie 4.0
Society - The Big Issues
DX Society: Environment
DX Society: Education
DX Society: Agriculture
DX Society: Health Care
Call for Papers -speaking opportunities- as well as sponsorship and exhibit opportunities will open on November 1, 2017.
World's Most Important Tech Event
DXWorldEXPO® will be the world's most important tech event with 1,000 exhibitors in its first year and 2,000 exhibitors in its second year, as it guides Global 2000 companies through their Digital Transformation journey for the next two decades. The global event is set to launch September 17-20, 2018 in Istanbul. It will be sponsored by Fortune 50 companies, and more than 30 international banks will be among sponsors of its FinTech/InsurTech track.
Gaining a better understanding of customers and acting upon this information is the foundation of Digital Transformation (DX) in the enterprise. Applying the latest technologies in this area is the key to driving new topline revenue opportunities.
Global 2000 companies have more than US$40 trillion in annual revenue - more than 50% of the world's entire GDP. The Global 2000 spends a total of US$2.4 trillion annually on enterprise IT. The average Global 2000 company has US$11 billion in annual revenue. The average Global 2000 company spends more than $600 million annually on enterprise IT.
Governments throughout the world spend another US$500 billion on IT - much of it dedicated to new Smart City initiatives. There are more than a dozen Global 2000 companies in Turkey, including Isbank, Garanti Bank, other financial institutions, Turk Telecom, Turkcell, Turkish Airlines, and ENKA.
Cloud Expo | DXWorldEXPO 2018 New York
(June 5-7, 2018, Javits Center, Manhattan)
Cloud Expo | DXWorldEXPO 2018 Silicon Valley
(November 6-8, 2018, Santa Clara Convention Center, CA)
Full Conference Registration "Gold Pass" and Exhibit Hall ▸ Here (Register ▸ Here via EventBrite)
More Management Quotes
"For the past 10 years at Cloud Expo, we've helped drive the migration to modern enterprise IT infrastructures, built upon the foundation of cloud computing. Today's hybrid, multiple cloud IT infrastructures integrate Big Data, analytics, blockchain, the IoT, mobile devices, and the latest in cryptography and enterprise-grade security," said Fuat Kircaali, Chairman and founder of DX World Expo, LLC.
"As a report from the World Economic Forum and Accenture recently stated, 'Companies need to fundamentally change the way they identify, develop and launch new business ventures.' We agree," said Carmen Gonzalez, president of DX World Expo, LLC.
"Digital Transformation is the key issue driving the global enterprise IT business," said Roger Strukhoff, Conference Chair and Executive Director of the Tau Institute for Global ICT Studies. "DX is most prominent among Global 2000 enterprises and government institutions. Our new event in Istanbul brings together the top companies and delegates from around the world, who are transforming the world."
2018 Conference Agenda and Tracks, June 5-7, Javits Center
Track 1 | Cloud Expo - Enterprise Cloud
Track 2 | DXWorld Expo - Digital Transformation (DX)
Track 3 | The API Enterprise | Mobility & Security
Track 4 | DevOps | Containers & Microservices
Track 5 | Cognitive Computing | AI, ML, DL
Track 6 | Big Data | Analytics
Track 7 | IoT | IIoT | Smart Cities
Track 8 | Hot Topics | FinTech | WebRTC
Cloud Expo covers all of these tools, with the most comprehensive program and more than 120 top world-class speakers throughout our Industry presenting Keynotes, General Sessions, Breakout Sessions along eight focused tracks, as well as our signature Power Panels. Our expo floor brings together the world's leading companies throughout the world of Cloud Computing, DX, and all they entail.
As your enterprise creates a vision and strategy that enables you to create your own unique, long-term success, learning about all the technologies involved is essential. Companies today not only form multi-cloud and hybrid cloud architectures, but create them with built-in cognitive capabilities. Cloud-native thinking is now the norm in financial services, manufacturing, telco, healthcare, transportation, energy, media, entertainment, retail and other consumer industries, as well as the public sector.
Cloud Expo is the world's most important, independent event where technology buyers and vendors meet to experience and discuss the big picture of Digital Tranformation and all of the strategies, tactics, and tools they need to realize their goals.
Full Conference Registration "Gold Pass" and Exhibit Hall ▸ Here (Register ▸ Here via EventBrite)
Only Cloud Expo brings together all this in a single location:
- Cloud Computing
- Big Data & Analytics
- Software-Defined Infrastructure
- Industrial IoT
- Industry 4.0
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cognitive Computing
- Microservices
- Machine Learning
- DevOps
- WebRTC
- FinTech
- Digital Transformation
Attend Cloud Expo. Build your own custom experience. Learn about the world's latest technologies and chart your course to Digital Transformation.
21st International Cloud Expo, taking place October 31 - November 2, 2017, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA, will feature technical sessions from a rock star conference faculty and the leading industry players in the world.
Download Show Prospectus ▸ Here
Full Conference Registration "Gold Pass" and Exhibit Hall ▸ Here (Register ▸ Here via EventBrite)
Cloud computing is now being embraced by a majority of enterprises of all sizes. Yesterday's debate about public vs. private has transformed into the reality of hybrid cloud: a recent survey shows that 74% of enterprises have a hybrid cloud strategy. Meanwhile, 94% of enterprises are using some form of XaaS - software, platform, and infrastructure as a service.
With major technology companies and startups seriously embracing Cloud strategies, now is the perfect time to attend 21st Cloud Expo, October 31 - November 2, 2017, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, CA, and June 12-14, 2018, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY, and learn what is going on, contribute to the discussions, and ensure that your enterprise is on the right path to Digital Transformation.
2018 Conference Agenda and Tracks, June 5-7, Javits Center
Track 1 | Cloud Expo - Enterprise Cloud
Track 2 | DXWorld Expo - Digital Transformation (DX)
Track 3 | The API Enterprise | Mobility & Security
Track 4 | DevOps | Containers & Microservices
Track 5 | Cognitive Computing | AI, ML, DL
Track 6 | Big Data | Analytics
Track 7 | IoT | IIoT | Smart Cities
Track 8 | Hot Topics | FinTech | WebRTC
Cloud Expo | DXWorldEXPO 2018 New York
(June 5-7, 2018, Javits Center, Manhattan)
Cloud Expo | DXWorldEXPO 2018 Silicon Valley
(November 6-8, 2018, Santa Clara Convention Center, CA)
Full Conference Registration "Gold Pass" and Exhibit Hall ▸ Here (Register ▸ Here via EventBrite)
Download Show Prospectus ▸ Here
Every Global 2000 enterprise in the world is now integrating cloud computing in some form into its IT development and operations. Midsize and small businesses are also migrating to the cloud in increasing numbers.
Companies are each developing their unique mix of cloud technologies and services, forming multi-cloud and hybrid cloud architectures and deployments across all major industries. Cloud-driven thinking has become the norm in financial services, manufacturing, telco, healthcare, transportation, energy, media, entertainment, retail and other consumer industries, and the public sector.
Cloud Expo is the single show where technology buyers and vendors can meet to experience and discus cloud computing and all that it entails. Sponsors of Cloud Expo will benefit from unmatched branding, profile building and lead generation opportunities through:
- Featured on-site presentation and ongoing on-demand webcast exposure to a captive audience of industry decision-makers.
- Showcase exhibition during our new extended dedicated expo hours
- Breakout Session Priority scheduling for Sponsors that have been guaranteed a 35-minute technical session
- Online advertising in SYS-CON's i-Technology Publications
- Capitalize on our Comprehensive Marketing efforts leading up to the show with print mailings, e-newsletters and extensive online media coverage.
- Unprecedented PR Coverage: Editorial Coverage on Cloud Computing Journal.
- Tweetup to over 75,000 plus followers
- Press releases sent on major wire services to over 500 industry analysts.
For more information on sponsorship, exhibit, and keynote opportunities, contact Carmen Gonzalez by email at events (at) sys-con.com, or by phone 201 802-3021.
The World's Largest "Cloud Digital Transformation" Event
@CloudExpo | @ThingsExpo 2017 Silicon Valley
(Oct. 31 - Nov. 2, 2017, Santa Clara Convention Center, CA)
@CloudExpo | @ThingsExpo 2018 New York
(June 12-14, 2018, Javits Center, Manhattan)
Full Conference Registration "Gold Pass" and Exhibit Hall ▸ Here (Register ▸ Here via EventBrite)
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsors of Cloud Expo | @ThingsExpo will benefit from unmatched branding, profile building and lead generation opportunities through:
- Featured on-site presentation and ongoing on-demand webcast exposure to a captive audience of industry decision-makers
- Showcase exhibition during our new extended dedicated expo hours
- Breakout Session Priority scheduling for Sponsors that have been guaranteed a 35 minute technical session
- Online targeted advertising in SYS-CON's i-Technology Publications
- Capitalize on our Comprehensive Marketing efforts leading up to the show with print mailings, e-newsletters and extensive online media coverage
- Unprecedented Marketing Coverage: Editorial Coverage on ITweetup to over 100,000 plus followers, press releases sent on major wire services to over 500 industry analysts
For more information on sponsorship, exhibit, and keynote opportunities, contact Carmen Gonzalez (@GonzalezCarmen) today by email at events (at) sys-con.com, or by phone 201 802-3021.
Secrets of Sponsors and Exhibitors ▸ Here
Secrets of Cloud Expo Speakers ▸ Here
All major researchers estimate there will be tens of billions devices - computers, smartphones, tablets, and sensors - connected to the Internet by 2020. This number will continue to grow at a rapid pace for the next several decades.
With major technology companies and startups seriously embracing Cloud strategies, now is the perfect time to attend @CloudExpo | @ThingsExpo, October 31 - November 2, 2017, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, CA, and June 12-4, 2018, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY, and learn what is going on, contribute to the discussions, and ensure that your enterprise is on the right path to Digital Transformation.
Delegates to Cloud Expo | @ThingsExpo will be able to attend 8 simultaneous, information-packed education tracks.
There are over 120 breakout sessions in all, with Keynotes, General Sessions, and Power Panels adding to three days of incredibly rich presentations and content.
Join Cloud Expo | @ThingsExpo conference chair Roger Strukhoff (@IoT2040), October 31 - November 2, 2017, Santa Clara Convention Center, CA, and June 12-14, 2018, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY, for three days of intense Enterprise Cloud and 'Digital Transformation' discussion and focus, including Big Data's indispensable role in IoT, Smart Grids and (IIoT) Industrial Internet of Things, Wearables and Consumer IoT, as well as (new) Digital Transformation in Vertical Markets.
Full Conference Registration "Gold Pass" and Exhibit Hall ▸ Here (Register ▸ Here via EventBrite)
Financial Technology - or FinTech - Is Now Part of the @CloudExpo Program!
Accordingly, attendees at the upcoming 21st Cloud Expo | @ThingsExpo October 31 - November 2, 2017, Santa Clara Convention Center, CA, and June 12-14, 2018, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY, will find fresh new content in a new track called FinTech, which will incorporate machine learning, artificial intelligence, deep learning, and blockchain into one track.
Financial enterprises in New York City, London, Singapore, and other world financial capitals are embracing a new generation of smart, automated FinTech that eliminates many cumbersome, slow, and expensive intermediate processes from their businesses.
FinTech brings efficiency as well as the ability to deliver new services and a much improved customer experience throughout the global financial services industry. FinTech is a natural fit with cloud computing, as new services are quickly developed, deployed, and scaled on public, private, and hybrid clouds.
More than US$20 billion in venture capital is being invested in FinTech this year. @CloudExpo is pleased to bring you the latest FinTech developments as an integral part of our program, starting at the 21st International Cloud Expo October 31 - November 2, 2017 in Silicon Valley, and June 12-14, 2018, in New York City.
@CloudExpo is accepting submissions for this new track, so please visit www.CloudComputingExpo.com for the latest information.
Speaking Opportunities
The upcoming 21st International @CloudExpo | @ThingsExpo, October 31 - November 2, 2017, Santa Clara Convention Center, CA, and June 12-14, 2018, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY announces that its Call For Papers for speaking opportunities is open.
Submit your speaking proposal today! ▸ Here
About @CloudEXPO and @DXWorldEXPO
SYS-CON Media (www.sys-con.com) has since 1994 been connecting technology companies and customers through a comprehensive content stream - featuring over forty focused subject areas, from Cloud Computing to Web Security - interwoven with market-leading full-scale conferences. The company's internationally recognized brands include among others Cloud Expo® (@CloudExpo), Big Data Expo® (@BigDataExpo), DevOps Summit (@DevOpsSummit), @ThingsExpo® (@ThingsExpo), and DXWorldEXPO® (@ExpoDX).
@CloudExpo® and @ThingsExpo® are registered trademarks of CLOUD EXPO INC.
DXWorldEXPO® is a registered trademark of DX WORLD EXPO LLC.
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Published December 8, 2017 Reads 250
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With offices across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Automic powers over 2,600 customers including Bosch, PSA, BT, Carphone Warehouse, Deutsche Post, Societe Generale, TUI and Swisscom. The company is privately held by EQT. More information can be found at www.automic.com.
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