Frequently Asked Questions (Windows Automation)

1. Is it really possible to automate my processes? It seems to me that almost everything needs human involvement.

Ans: If you are using a computer to do most of your work - then the simple answer to whether you can automate your work is - yes.

99% of the time, you are able to automate or semi-automate your workflow, thereby keeping your human involvement to the minimum, even zero. Most people, not just you, are able to fathom that their work can be put on autopilot. There are actually more things that you can automate that you think is possible.

So what can be automated?

1. A well-defined work flow process that is mechanical. (see below)

2. A process whereby you will know in advance the routes of each processes and the possible results of each decision making points.

What cannot be automated?

You cannot automate human input that involves a creative/emotional input wherby you have to give a decision on the spot. For example, writing an email. Or using photoshop to remove the unwanted background of your photo. Or taking an online test.

With that said…

You can still semi-automate a process. You just need to keep the non-automatable portion as a ‘variable’ that will await your input before/during the process is ran and the rest of steps that are constant in the process can still be automated as usual.

For example, you set a scheduled backup of the files you want that involves the opening up of a backup program, choosing of files you want backed up and other points.

But perhaps, you want to name the final backed up data file the way you want it. That will require your human input. The rest of the steps, when they are well-defined, are automatable.

 

2. If our company take up your service, do we have to drastically change my operations and workflow procedures?

Ans: Absolutely not. Our service is about improving results. And making your process more efficient and productive.

This is done so by first understanding your workflow…and then taking your process - in exactly the way it was done and:

1. Recording the process

2. Chipping away of the excesses and inadequacies, if any (reducing redundant steps)

3. Speeding up the "recorded" process

4. Automating the process

The resulting effect is that the gist of the operations remain the same. The only difference now is that what could have maybe taken 5 men and 5 man hours per person to do the job, may now only take 1 man and 1 man hour to do the job.

So it’s the same generic job process. But in lesser steps and faster execution - done on autopilot. You will never have to repeat the routine (constant) process again unless there are changes to the process. And that would be taken care of by our maintenance service to you.

In fact, we can automate the process in exactly the way you want it.

There will NOT be radical changes in workflow procedures. But there will be radical changes in the results shown - in terms of efficiency, productivity and profitablity.

 

3. Sounds like a lot of work. Why should we optimize our workflow? It’s perfect as it is.

Ans: Most processes remain inefficient. There is always room for improvement. And that’s a fact. There will always be a constant evolution for improvement. That’s vital to staying ahead of your competition.

Going through the process of optimizing and automating your workflow will take time initially. That’s true. As of all important initiatives to improve, it will take time. But first off, we will do all the hard work of automating, so that you can work better, faster and smarter.

With business process automation, it will not take a long time. You will not need 6 months or a year or two to see results.

You will see instant results and benefits the moment a job is being automated. And you will be able to measure it in terms of time and cost saved, and profits earned.

Depending on the complexity of the job process, it may take from a few hours to days to fully record, tweak, test and automate the process.

But the good thing is - once it’s done - it’s done! For a typical job, that may mean 3 hours saved every single day onwards, 7 days a week, and 365 a year. That’s a lot of time and cost savings to speak of. You break even fast. And the rest is pure ROI.

 

4. What tasks can be ‘recorded’ and automated?

Ans: Almost everything. You will be amazed to find out just how many work processes that you think it’s impossible to automate - that can actually be automated.

There are many things people thought needed human intervention which could easily be “programmable” and automated.

Even tasks requiring “Human intelligence” can be semi-automated keeping the human involvement to the absolute bare minimum.

 

5. We are wary of showing you our workflow processes, of some which may be sensitive.

Ans: We understand that. Our consultancy is about helping to you handle all the automation and troubleshooting.

Should you be uncomfortable with your processes being exposed to us, we can train any of your staff on how to automate using our automation software solution.

To further put your mind at ease, we will readily sign any non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that your company may have.

 

6. We are afraid that the cost of the service will outweigh the gains. We don’t want to take unnecessary risk.

Ans: We perfectly understand where you are coming from. We also do not want you to take the risk.

The way we are doing is that this service is like an investment service we want to offer to you. And that we want to guarantee you positive returns. That’s right - positive ROI.

How do we arrive at a positive ROI? First off you must see the benefits of our automation service. That means how much you will save in terms of:

- Man hours

- Operational expenses

- Revenue and profit earned

These metrics will not be based on mere projections. But based on your operational records that you define to us. Our service fee will be only a fraction of the cost savings/revenue gained.

With that, you will be able to assess your break even point from our service, and the rest is pure returns for your company.

That’s why our free process evaluation is important. Because we can go through with you actual processes of your companies. And it’s real processes that we will help automate for you, so that you can see real results in real time.

Furthermore, we will have an automation job of a process of your choosing (depending on complexity) done complementary for you. No charge.

All the risk is on our side. You can determine for yourself if our service is worth investing into. And of course, we are sure we will be able to make a positive impact on your company. Even if you decide you may not want to take up our service, it’s alright with us.

 

7. Is there a grant that will help cover my consultancy charges?

Ans: Yes, there is. Spring Singapore provides Singapore-based SMEs a grant (Local Enterprise Technical Assistance Scheme - LETAS) to cover consultancy services that help improve your management and operations. We can help facilitate this process of getting a grant. You can find out more about LETAS scheme here.

 

Contact Us Today For A No-Charge, No Obligation Consultation!