Hyperautomation is the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, with traditional automation tools to enhance the capabilities and performance of business processes. Originally coined by Gartner, hyperautomation takes automation to the next level, enabling organizations to make better use of their data and insights to drive better decision-making.
Hyperautomation is a rapidly growing trend in the business world. And this is evident from the market, with the hyperautomation market’s value estimated to reach $46.4 billion by 2031. This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing availability of AI and other advanced technologies and the growing need for organizations to improve their efficiency, agility, and compliance.
We understand the multiple benefits of automation in IT operations and IT service management, so it’s no surprise that organizations are looking beyond traditional automation tools and toward more sophisticated technologies to maximize the benefits for their business. But what sets hyperautomation apart?
Automation vs hyperautomation: what’s the difference?
Automation and hyperautomation are terms that are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. Automation refers to the use of technology to automate tasks and processes, reducing human involvement. Hyperautomation, as mentioned previously, is a step beyond automation, encompassing more complex technologies that enable organizations to execute key business processes with greater speed and accuracy.
Here are just two things that set automation and hyperautomation apart.
Level of automation
Traditionally, automation refers to the use of technology to automate repetitive tasks but is often limited to activities that are simple in their nature. Hyperautomation extends the capabilities of automation to cover a broader range of processes and tasks, including those that are more complex. This can be the smart routing of an incident to the right resolution team depending on several factors, which can include the nature of the incident, the team’s workload, and urgency.
Human involvement
Automation reduces human involvement in tasks and processes, but it still requires some level of human oversight. Hyperautomation, on the other hand, has the potential to completely remove the need for human involvement in certain cases with the right setup.
Though sharing a similar goal, hyperautomation represents a significant step forward in terms of the level of automation that can be achieved, opening up further opportunities on how to best leverage the latest technologies.
Hyperautomation in ITSM
Hyperautomation can be applied in many ways, streamlining and optimizing the various processes involved in ITSM.
Automating the incident resolution process can help IT teams quickly identify and resolve incidents, reducing downtime and maintaining the high performance of all IT systems.
Hyperautomation can be used to streamline the change management process, ensuring that changes are made in a controlled and efficient manner.
Service request fulfillment
Automating the service request fulfillment process can help to quickly and efficiently resolve customer requests, elevating the overall customer experience.
Hyperautomation can be used to automate problem resolution, reducing the time and effort required to resolve problems. Thus, increasing the reliability of an organization’s tech infrastructure.
Hyperautomation can be used to automate ITAM processes, such as asset discovery, tracking, and maintenance, reducing manual effort and improving the accuracy of IT asset information.
As technology continues to evolve, the use of hyperautomation in ITSM will likely become increasingly prevalent, and organizations that adopt it will be well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve.
What does hyperautomation involve?
Hyperautomation makes use of a range of tools and techniques that, when combined, provide a more efficient, effective, and streamlined way of working. If you’ve been keeping up with enterprise tech trends throughout the years, you’ve likely heard of these technologies before.
Robotic process automation (RPA)
RPA involves the use of software robots to automate repetitive and routine tasks. This technology can be used to automate a wide range of processes, from data entry and customer service to more complex tasks, such as financial reporting and analysis.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence involves the use of advanced algorithms and computer systems to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence. This technology can be used in hyperautomation for complex processes, such as decision-making and problem-solving.
Machine learning (ML)
Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence that focuses on developing algorithms that enable computers to learn from data. Drawing conclusions by observing patterns enables computer systems to adapt to certain scenarios and execute tasks without human intervention.
Big data
Big data refers to the large amounts of data that are generated and collected by organizations every day. This data can be used in hyperautomation to provide valuable insights into business operations, customer behavior, and market trends, helping organizations to make better decisions and improve their performance.
Chatbots
Chatbots simulate conversation with human users. They provide customers with instant answers to their questions or route them to the right information or person, improving the overall customer experience and reducing the workload for service desk teams.
The combination of all these technologies provides organizations increases the value automation can provide, including key business insights and seamless service experiences.
What are the advantages of hyperautomation?
We’ve already touched upon various advantages of hyperautomation in the previous sections and they’re significant in getting organizations to get ahead of the curve.
Higher efficiency, lower costs
Organizations can lower operational costs by 30% by 2024 with the help of hyperautomation, according to Gartner. As organizations continue to experience tumultuous changes, many are needing to make do with less. Hyperautomation enables organizations to maximize the value of their resources without sacrificing business performance and service quality.
Agility becomes second nature
Extending their automation capabilities helps organizations free up their employees’ time to focus on more strategic and value-added activities. In an ever-changing business environment, time is of the essence. Getting this time back provides organizations with the competitive edge they need to get ahead.
Water-tight security and compliance
Automated processes and tasks can help ensure that data is handled in a secure and compliant manner, reducing the risk of data breaches or other security incidents. For example, with hyperautomation, you can create automated workflows that monitor system performance and resolve issues as soon as they’re flagged – all without an IT professional having to lift a finger.
How can you best leverage hyperautomation?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to the potential value hyperautomation can bring to an organization. So, how best can you leverage this capability in your business? Here are just some best practices to consider.
1. Start with a clear understanding of your business objectives
The possible applications of hyperautomation are vast, so it is essential to have a clear understanding of your business objectives. Identify the processes that are ripe for automation and ensure that the automation solution is aligned with your business goals. Without a clear direction, you can easily waste resources figuring out how to make it work for your organization.
2. Choose the right automation tools
As much as we wish it would be, an organization’s tech budget isn’t limitless. Hyperautomation involves multiple tools and technologies, so it’s crucial to choose the right combination that meets your specific needs. Consider factors like the complexity of the processes, the amount of data involved, and the desired outcomes when choosing the right automation tools.
3. Define clear roles and responsibilities
Implementing hyperautomation in your processes can cause a significant shift in your people’s roles and responsibilities. It is essential to define these clearly to ensure that everyone involved in the process understands their part and can work together effectively.
4. Emphasize continuous improvement
To guarantee the benefits of hyperautomation, don’t forget that its implementation is not a one-time process but an ongoing journey. To leverage it effectively, it is crucial to have a growth mindset and continuously evaluate and improve your processes.
5. Foster a culture of innovation
Hyperautomation is about innovation and change, and it’s essential to foster a culture that embraces and encourages it. This means encouraging experimentation and learning, as well as providing the necessary resources and support for hyperautomation initiatives.
SOURCE: Kirstie Lingel.(2023 February 1).What is hyperautomation?.IFS Blog. https://blog.ifs.com/2023/02/what-is-hyperautomation
