With the increasing proportion of knowledge among workers in an organization, there is increasing concern for improving the work environment. This is where automation software comes into picture. It refers to software which is used to digitally collect, store and manipulate office data over a network which is required for accomplishing daily tasks. This software is used for integrating front office and back office systems and processes. In small businesses this software may not be necessary because they mostly complete their tasks on their own but as the business grows it becomes difficult to manage and so automation software becomes a helpful tool.
Advantages:
- It reduces involvement in less prior activities like organizing customer details or generating reports and helps you focus on tasks that need more attention.
- It reduces storage space and complexity of saving and storing physical copies of data.
- It speeds up retrieval of data.
- It helps several employees access the same data at the same time.
- It helps improve communication within and between enterprises.
- Scheduling and organizing meetings become easy.
- Low skilled people can also be trained to use the software.
Though, office automation software has a lot of advantages but it has some drawbacks as well.
Disadvantages:
- Good office automation software available today is very expensive.
- Older employees who are accustomed to using traditional practices may find it difficult to get used to the system. This may need additional training which may be time consuming.
If you are looking for an automation system for your company, don’t just buy software and then try fitting your business into it. Instead, analyze your requirements and choose a solution accordingly.