“Tipping point”
Analysts Forrester expect automation to gain a significant workplace presence next year, as indicated by the firm’s latest predictions. As reported by Forbes, demand for the technology will reach a “tipping point” before the end of 2018. This will lead scores of new companies to invest in automated systems as they compete to offer improved customer experiences.
The growing numbers of AI bots for use in call centres, administrative tasks and personalised apps won’t be without their critics. However, consumers are expected to abandon their hostility to the technology as they become acquainted with it. After using a robotic helpdesk or AI-powered smart home, people will come to recognise the efficiency improvements that automated facilities can offer.
As demand and familiarity rise, so will general backing for automation. The political backlash will fade as enterprises, public bodies and governments seek to incorporate automation into their own processes. Companies will find themselves racing to qualify as an early adopter, intending to reach customers early and win them over with a more efficient experience.
Reshaping the workforce
The trend will have a pronounced effect on the workforce. People in primarily administrative roles will start to find themselves under threat as AI develops new capabilities. The loss of people from these positions will be offset by a rise in open places for technical roles.
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Companies looking to use emerging tech are already finding themselves constrained by a lack of readily available talent. The growth in demand for automation will put further pressure on businesses intending to provide services using new technologies. The automation economy is expected to create 2 percent more new jobs next year, while eliminating 9 percent of U.S. positions.
With digital transformation strategies now well underway, the focus for enterprises is shifting towards automation of legacy business processes. Once a robust digital strategy has been implemented, businesses are positioned to take advantage of emerging trends. Automation will be the multi-purpose tool of choice in 2018, changing the face of the workforce and workplace.
