Author: Priya Shetty

Automated check in kiosks now dominate at the airport. Pilots steer aircraft for a short time only, with autopilot guiding the rest.

As more and more tasks are automated, we start to debate the impact of automation, multiplied many times across different sectors of the economy. Is this going to be a threat to jobs? Will this lead to vast improvements in productivity, freedom from mundane, repetitive jobs, and an overall improvement in quality of life?

Benefits of implementing automation in an IT company:

• Cost reduction: Automation helps to reduce operational costs by eliminating human errors, greater efficiencies and greater output of work.

• Enhanced productivity: Automation eliminates the need for manual work, so skilled workforce in the company can apply their knowledge and skills to more important tasks and projects.

• Greater availability: One of the main priorities of an IT company is implementing the highest level of availability, can be achieved with automation, making system monitoring and remote communication possible and reducing network downtime.

• Optimized performance: One of the challenges faced by IT companies is the need to perform tasks faster and more efficiently. Automation helps ease these situations.

• Reliability: IT companies need to deal with expensive errors caused due to humans. They can be eliminated with automation thus improving reliability.

Research shows that as high as 46% of the repetitive tasks that individuals perform are eligible for automation. Automation benefits are typically three to ten times the cost of implementation. The findings prove that the future is less about automating individual jobs, but it is more about automating the activities within the occupations and refining roles and processes. Another advantage of automation is to provide new opportunities to individuals to explore and adopt new skillsets by eliminating these repetitive tasks.

The magnitude of automation potential reflects the speed with which artificial intelligence and machine learning are challenging our assumptions about the activities that could be automated. It has been found that automation can sometimes exceed the average level of human performance. Robots and artificial intelligence systems are generating documents better that human authors and in the medical field they are suggesting treatments for ailments.

Automation in IT industry will necessitate significant job redefinition. For example loan officers, in banking industry will need to spend less time on processing and examining paperwork but will spend their quality time communicating with clients and processing their loans, thereby improving customer engagement.

Machines can augment human capabilities to a great extent and help amplify the human expertise by allowing the individual to focus on tasks that require their skill. Automation can generate leads for organizations, helping salespeople increase their interactions with customers and convert to more opportunities.

It is argued that automation cannot replace emotional intelligence and creativity. Research shows that the amount of time, individuals spend on activities requiring these capabilities is extremely low. This leads us to explore the vast possibility of time that can be spent on doing meaningful work. Automation replaces routine and repetitive tasks, thus allowing individuals to utilize their creativity and enhance their emotional intelligence.

A company with strong automated processes will be more innovative and gives them an edge over their competitors. Automaton helps in streamlining the processes of an organization.

Organizations are usually concerned over the short-term impacts that automation could have. It is advisable for organizations to pay close attention on the speed and direction of automation and then decide when and how much to invest in automation.

As technology develops, artificial intelligence and robotics will make greater inroads into activities that today have a low potential for automation. One of the biggest technological breakthroughs would come if machines were to develop an understanding of language and emotions on par with humans. This would cause disruptions in finance, insurance and healthcare industries, in-turn creating new opportunities to grow. In marketing too, artificial intelligence has helped generate leads like never before. “Today’s mantra in marketing is to disrupt and grow”. Artificial intelligence will bring in a new wave of technological disruption with accurate ads, higher ROI combined with increased trust and transparency

IT companies need to think strategically about which parts of their existing operations could benefit from automation and then develop a framework for implementing the automation. Every company needs to prioritize customer service. Automated phone lines have allowed small and big companies to look after a huge customer base with optimized performance. Companies that use automated phone lines can take messages for inquiries and provide customers with information that a human operator might struggle to remember. Websites are now having Chatbots that are able to use AI to provide instant answers to visitors and prospective clients before human intervention.

Taking the benefits into consideration, it is tempting to dive in head-first and automate every domain of the business. Here are a few tips to consider before automating your business

• Completely understand the process you wish to automate

• Test the tools before fully implementing them

• While calculating the return on investment, always think long term

• Plan and discuss required security issues

Implementing automation in an IT company involves a collaborative discussion of the teams to pool in the repetitive tasks performed by individuals & teams. This has proven to enhance customer experience. It is imperative to the organisational and business heads to slowly learn to work “on the business” instead of work “in the business”. Your time is worth much more, hence all other tasks could  be strategically automated.

In the simplest non-technical terms, Internet of Things ( IoT), means taking objects in the world and connecting them with the internet  that can collect and exchange data.

Every sector can benefit from sensor-based devices. Some of the areas where IoT has had huge influence are as follows:

Healthcare

•       Smart bed cuts down on wait-times by 50 percent. The bed helps customize care and increase efficiency.

•       Hardware monitoring Sensor keeps tabs on MRI systems and instantly alerts IT personnel if something is amiss.

•       Sensors help track personal health and can provide doctors with important data on factors that contribute to chronic diseases.

•       Sensors being fitted at seniors’ homes that send data to machine learning programs, which identify patterns that indicate problems.

Preventive Maintenance

 Industrial and military giants are implementing IoT on a large scale. Sensors feed data to analytics software, which predicts when and why machinery will break down. This is extremely important in terms of efficiency and the cost.

Manufacturing  sector

 IoT can help monitor everything that happens on the factory floor and in the shipping process, helping reduce errors and getting products to market more quickly.

Retailers

Utilising sensors in stores to monitor product activity, create a more visible supply chain and improve customer experiences’, reduces friction in the buying experience and helps customers to interact with products often in a virtual reality environment, before the purchase.

IoT Security issues

Despite all the benefits that IoT provides, security issues have been a cause for concern. The reason being that every internet-connected sensor is a potential attack point for hackers. Multinational companies should be more concerned about the security implications of IoT, since some countries do not monitor the types of devices or how data can be collected by them. Without these standards in place, it’s much easier for hackers to steal sensitive information and damage critical infrastructure.

These security issues have been preoccupying businesses, who are now setting standards to avoid the potential security breaches.

It is important to develop policies around the specifications IoT devices should have. Multinational companies should keep track of regulatory changes impacting IoT devices. Experts believe we are just on the cusp of some great advancements in business by utilising the potential of IoT. As companies add more and more of these smart devices, they gain more data to make intelligent decisions.

There have been a few widely publicised IoT related attacks that could leave the impression that IoT is highly insecure. But the actual scenario usually goes unreported. Many of these attacks were due to failures to implement even the most basic security measures.

The failure to implement basic security features should not lead us to conclude that Internet of Things is unsafe. PQube has decades of experience in IT security and hence employs the most efficient security standards to IoT.

Internet of Things does have some unique security challenges owing to the fact that the number of people who can access the devices are more. So the risk goes up. So all these aspects need to be considered while implementing the security protocols including the organisation’s broader network: clients,customers,suppliers,vendors and partners. Following are some of the factors to be considered and implemented for securing IoT.

Using data analytics

Using data analytics to anticipate when the threats are most likely to occur.

Limit device-to-device communication

By limiting the number of IoT devices that need to communicate with each other we can limit the damage in case an attack occurs.

Encrypt all data in transit

IoT devices need to incorporate industry standard encryption to ensure that the data is safe and secure during transfer.

A secure update mechanism

This mechanism involves one that receives an update from the vendor and checks the signature of the update to verify that it is valid.

Internet of things is emerging as the next big revolution in the world of technology. .

Benefits of IoT to businesses

• Efficiency and productivity

By connecting a business’s key processes, the efficiency and productivity can be significantly boosted. This in turn boosts the revenues. It becomes easier to identify bottlenecks and eliminate/reduce them.

• Reduction in wastage

IoT has been successfully adopted by several companies that have optimised the supply chain and improved efficiencies by accurately tracking and in the process reducing wastage.

• Cost and downtime

Implementation of IoT has resulted in reduction in operational expenditure. For example, consider an instance when the failure of one small, but critical component could cause hours or days of downtime before the faulty component is traced and fixed. With IoT, engineers are already aware when a component would fail, several weeks in advance.

• Data Sharing

Apart from offering access to consumer data,IoT devices track and record patterns in which a consumer interacts. Businesses are using this data to study buyer cycle, consumer requirements. This helps them come up with innovative inventions and methods for advertising.

The end goal for a business is achieving customer satisfaction. A platform that enables companies to get insights into their businesses and enhance customer experience will be highly beneficial.

Adoption of IoT device management platform enables organizations  to  create new revenue streams using insights gathered from analysing and monitoring real time data.

Businesses that are accepting the change, and are adopting the Internet of Things are seeing higher growth than the ones who still seem sceptical. The key to reap the benefits of this amazing technology called Internet of Things is balancing innovation with security.

PQube partners with your business by understanding the challenges  and then delivers the best possible ways IoT can be implemented.

Investing in IoT, has helped in rapid expansions involving increased revenue streams and reduction in operating costs. PQube has emerged as a leader in helping businesses adopt the latest, most innovative technology standards that allow companies to make smarter products and making business decisions smarter.

The world is obsessed with productivity. Everybody wants to know how we can get work done quickly with minimum effort, so we can lead a fulfilling life.

There are a huge number of apps that claim to increase productivity, but research suggests something that cannot be obtained from these apps – physical vitality.

The practice of work flexibility is in sharp contrast to the traditional approach where there is a defined set of work hours for everyone.

But the most important thing to keep in mind while implementing the flexible approach in any organisation is, to very closely assess the mutual benefits to both the employees and the organisation, otherwise it may lead to chaos and failure.

A recent study reported in the International Journal of Workplace Health says that, other than a good night sleep, exercise is the most effective productivity tool at our disposal. This report also mentions that people who exercised during the day time were 22% more productive.

Restore and Energize

It is a well known fact that the quality of work hours is more important than the quantity. Research shows that exercise build new connections among neurons of the brain that helps increase attention and focus.

Just like our smartphones, we need to recharge our batteries. This can be done through exercise, rest, play, pursuing your hobbies & passion that restores and energizes us.

As the old saying goes about the carpenter who didn’t have the time to stop and sharpen his axe ended up doing the work slower than his partner who was smart enough to take time off and sharpen his tool. This enabled him to do his work faster and more effectively.

How to Implement Work Flexibility Without Compromising on Productivity

Work flexibility does not mean coming and going as you please. It is a well-structured well planned framework . It needs to be well aligned with the values and mission of the organisation . The employees need to be tuned in and proper training provided. The first step is to choose the appropriate flexible work management based on the needs and requirements of both the organisation and the employees.

Compressed Work Week

Compressed work week involves working the same number of hours in a week but in fewer days. Most of the organizations have five working days with eight hours working each day. Under the compressed workweek schedule, the employees could choose to work ten hours everyday for four days and take the extra day off.

FlexTime

This gives the employees complete right to choose where to work and how many hours to work. Most organizations who follow this, have set some core working hours that they expect the employees to work . They have a good system in place to track remote working, through IP based attendance that helps to maintain great culture that fosters productivity while encouraging flexibility.

Customise to Meet Your Needs

Before implementing the flexible work hours structure, talk to your team. Ask for their inputs and analyse their needs. When this is done along with the decision making process, the flexible time management can be made a success. The employees get to enjoy the benefits that come along with this while the productivity and work quality still remains the best.

Tips for the Team to Attain Work Life Balance

Set Clear Cut Goals

This will allow us to be more focused and productive at work. Know exactly the work that needs to be completed and the timeline for the completion.

Take Ownership For Your Work

For some, total autonomy can lead to sloppy work as they are used to someone supervising them all the time. Be accountable and responsible towards your work.

Respect boundaries

Separate your work life from your personal life. Never discuss work related stuff at home and vice-versa.

Plan your day

Always have a to do list with you. Plan the day the night before and set priorities.

Vacations with family

Plan vacations with family. Spending quality time with family and friends will get you re-energized and come back to office with new zeal and enthusiasm.

Anger and stress

Anger and stress are hazardous to performance. As much as possible to achieve efficiency at work, we need to work on our emotional intelligence. Positive emotions build interest and energize. Negative emotions restrict thinking. A person with a positive outlook are more satisfied with work and this in turn increases productivity.

An alarming report from a research conducted in 2018, states that people spend an average of 2.8 hours only on productive tasks per day. The rest of the day is spent on neutral activities and distracting activities!

It also states that only 70% of the work gets done in the normal working hours.

Biggest Threats to Work Life Balance

Workplace distractions, wasting time and simply being inefficient are all eating into your work life balance. The biggest offender to maintaining a good work life balance is found to be  the habit of Checking e-mail and IM frequently. Most people are spending quality office time on checking email and other communications tool. 21% of our working hours is spent on our devices for entertainment, news and social media.

Our Ultimate Goal

The line between work and all other things in life is becoming increasingly blurred. We have less time than we usually think, and we end up working later in the evenings and on weekends just to catch up. The more we are able to set the boundaries on our workdays and counteract the distractions, multitasking and communication overload that take away our precious productive time, the more we can stay healthier, happier and find a balance.

Life @ PQube

At PQube, we understand the significance of maintaining a work-life balance. It all starts with setting up the ground rules first viz communication and proper training. We utilize a task management software, that helps us to be accountable and encourages work-life balance. Our performance oriented work culture allows our team to spend time on their personal pursuits while still engaging in meaningful work. To accomplish this everyone in the team is aware of their goals and what is expected from them, at the same time they are accountable for those outcomes.

Managing recruitment and selection process is one of the most critical, time consuming tasks. It is essential for any organization to recruit well qualified and suitable employees. As a growing company, you need the right tools to manage your hiring process. A significant amount of time and resource can be taken up with the hiring process unless you automate.

According to LinkedIn, the most important recruiting KPIs are:

* Quality of hire

* Time to hire

Experts believe that by streamlining some aspects of the recruiting process, recruitment automation will enhance a human recruiter’s capabilities.

Here are some major ways recruitment automation is changing recruiting

• Assess them Before You Interview Them

You could assess or gauge prioritization abilities, IQ and other relevant qualities even before the aspiring candidates step into your office. A vast majority of talent acquisition leaders say the hardest part of recruitment is identifying the right candidates from a large pool of applicants. The system assesses prospective candidates by surfacing key data points that cannot be found on resumes. It can be used to track the candidates’ career highlights, likelihood of switching jobs, company fit and aptitude.

• Ensure Consistency in Hiring Process

The recruitment process involves a number of steps and when done manually there are huge mistakes created due to human error. The entire process can be streamlined and automated.

• Free Yourself for More Productive Tasks

Free yourself or your team from mundane tasks that can be automated and utilize the same resources for other productive tasks, thus increasing efficiency and productivity.

• Automate Screening Questions

Filter through hundreds of applicants and end up with only those candidates who are apt for your organizations vision and values, in the process helping you weed out the candidates who do not meet your requirements. Just imagine the number of hours you would have otherwise spent interviewing these candidates, setting up infrastructure for assessment tests and multiple rounds of interviews. Evaluating Common Sense, Emotional Intelligence, Communication, Fluency and many important KPI’s are key to “Quality of Hire” while screening for prospective team members, and this can be fully automated with industry standard baselines.  

• Keep Candidates Informed via Automated Emails

Recruiters waste a lot of time responding to calls/emails from candidates they have interviewed. Use automated emails to let them know the status of their application.

• Automate the Offer Process

The system can generate automatic offer letters, contracts and other documents along with rejection letters based on customizable workflows tailored to each organization’s recruiting standards.

• Automate Employee Onboarding

Aspiring applicants have already gone through the process of application and filling in details and majority of the organizations have to go through the same basic information to be filled in again with the employees who join. By connecting the Recruiting Platform with Company Portal systems, a vast majority of the data can be copied over and will assist in speeding up the on boarding process from Day One. There are some MNC’s who have even adopted completing paperwork via digital transformations even before the employee show up on Day One. Automation can help with a number of activities such as setting up IT access, notifying Product/Project stakeholders, operations workflow for new joiners and so on.

• Screening resumes: Automate score | rating

Industry experts consider screening resumes is still the most   time consuming part of recruiting. Upto, 88% of resumes received for a role are considered unqualified. On an average, a recruiter spends 23 hours screening resumes for a single hire. Through the hiring automation platform, the score/ rating is allocated to the candidates based on the inputs they provide. They are assessed on several levels such as aptitude, technical skills and other relevant skills. A filter incorporated in the system helps to select only relevant skill assessment categories for a particular role.

•  Helps in having a pipeline of Talent

Using the hiring automation platform helps in creating a database of the qualified candidates you were not able to hire, but is suitable for another role, down the road.

Looking Ahead…

In 2019, finding top talent will depend on the recruiters’ ability to intelligently automate their work flow.

It is imperative to ensure that the recruitment process is conducted in a smooth and consistent manner so as to ensure that we hire the best talent in the market. Just as salespeople and marketers have benefited from software enabled automation in recent years, recruiters are increasingly turning to automated platforms for hiring the best talents

Armed with cutting edge tools and insights, recruiters can refine the process, eliminate inefficiencies, mitigate biases and get across to the top talent in minimum time. According to a survey conducted, 75% of recruiters say technology will play a big role in their company hiring process in 2019.

 Majority of recruiters worldwide are happy to consider a more data driven approach, most of them do not have time to turn the data to actionable insights. It is found that data driven recruiting teams are far outperforming their peers. Leveraging these insights, to optimise the recruiting strategy, increases the team productivity and gives the organisation a competitive advantage. Intelligent and smart way of recruiting through hiring automation helps to analyse candidates’ data quickly and make decisions faster. It helps to ensure that all the best fit candidates were identified and engaged, resulting in better quality hires and a higher performing organisation

Adopting automation platforms is helping recruiters screen candidates and shortlist quality applicants in record time.

Research also suggests that most companies depend on employee referrals for some important roles to avoid hiring misfits. This could negatively impact their ability to attract the best talent. Utilising automation, increases efficiency, offloads tedious mundane and repetitive tasks. As a result of this, it helps in reducing time-to-fill and cost-per-hire.

PQube has been in the forefront to address these pain points of sourcing and recruiting process. Get yourself a top notch, best in class, custom made hiring automation platform and some peace of mind. Through our end-to- end automation platform, you can speed up candidate discovery and qualification processes and float best-fit candidates to the top of your talent pipeline. Work Smarter, Not harder!

“Technology is not a tool. It can give learners a voice that they might not have had before“ – George Couros