Automation will not replace jobs outright but augment and enhance them by streamlining and simplifying certain repetitive or low-value tasks. In the case of the machine operator, manual labor and routine tasks are most likely to be automated, while management, team-building, employee training and production supervision may now find themselves moved into priority roles. Likewise, our professional’s routine and computational tasks may find themselves automated, making room for other priorities like management, employee development and technology upskilling.
When used properly, automation doesn’t kill jobs; it rearranges their structure. And in the most outcome-driven scenarios, it improves their structure by creating more opportunities for human workers to focus on high-value tasks that cannot be automated.
Another way to look at automation is as a time-creation engine: automation manufactures time. Every man-hour it takes on is a man-hour gained. That man-hour can be subtracted from a company’s balance sheet and treated as a cost savings, or it can be reassigned to a high-value task that could not, until then, be budgeted for. Thus, each man-hour assigned to a machine creates an additional man-hour that can be assigned to a capable, high-value human worker. When we mentioned that automation should be additive rather than subtractive, this is what we mean: a hundred man-hours freed by an effective use of automation could be treated as a cost saving, but doesn’t it make more sense to maximize the value of that gain in one hundred man-hours, and reinvest it in the company? Apply it to solving a problem, improving a system, building a new revenue stream, designing the next killer app?
The lowest hanging fruit in the business world is finding ways to cut costs. This isn’t to say that running a lean organization doesn’t have its advantages. Cutting costs and trimming fat in ways that ultimately help companies perform better are always wins. But the reflex to cut costs just because you can isn’t necessarily the best way to drive towards market leadership. Sometimes, re-tasking resources from low-value to high-value tasks makes more sense than throwing them away.
A case in point: digital transformation, technology disruption and the monumental task of rebuilding businesses for a 21st-century digital economy are not the types of challenges that companies can hope to address successfully by cutting costs and cutting corners. Smart, agile companies know how to unlock their own parts and move them around at will. They are modular. Job descriptions and departments evolve. IT managers at these companies aren’t operating the way they were 10 years ago or 5 years ago, or even a year ago. Every aspect of the business is in a state of constant change and adaptation. Automation for these types of companies, which are typically digital leaders, isn’t used to shrink the number of employees. It is used to free up capital to hire more people, and free up human workers to focus on more high-value and meaningful tasks.
About the Authors
This article is adapted from HUMAN/MACHINE: The Future Of Our Partnership With Machines by Daniel Newman & Olivier Blanchard. Daniel is the principal analyst of Futurum Research and the CEO of Broadsuite Media Group. Oliver is a senior analyst with Futurum Research, where he focuses on the impact of emerging and disruptive technologies.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/front-jacket-HumanMachine-scaled.jpg25601707StrategyDrivenhttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngStrategyDriven2020-01-20 11:00:332020-01-20 20:31:32Automation as a Means of Increasing Human Potential: Which Traits and Skills Will Automation Help Promote in Human Workers?
A lot of people can’t wait to get out of academia when they first set foot into it. However, there are some to whom the practices of finding sources, compiling information, and coming to conclusions is almost a rush. If you find yourself dreading leaving the libraries and computer halls of academia, then here are some careers worth considering.
Research
If you love hitting the books, performing experiments, and collecting data to help come to a conclusion, then sticking to the world of research might be just the solution for you. A career in research can be wildly different depending on, for instance, the field of academia you are in. For instance, medical research can involve either working in clinical research with live patients or in medical research, testing the effects of medicines but not on live humans. Similarly, a marine biology PhD could see you researching with data from a lab or at sea studying natural habitats.
Teaching
For some people, academia means education, the feeling of learning and teaching and helping the brightest minds of tomorrow reach their potential. For those who are academically minded, then it is more likely you will want to look at working as a professor rather than in high school or below, as it can involve staying up-to-date with and contributing to research in the field that you teach. The Bradley University website shows some of the steps and qualifications necessary in most cases to become a professor. While it can be tough to break into the world of teaching in college, the tenure you can eventually earn offers a lot of job security.
Data science
Love academia and researching but not the particular field of the sciences you’ve chosen to study? You don’t have to stick with it. In fact, data analysis and data science are becoming increasingly common career moves for those who started with a science education. It puts your skills of gathering, organizing and analysing data and applies it, in most cases, to business questions and problems rather than inherently scientific one. Data analysis is becoming an increasingly important part of the modern business world, and demand is shooting for people with the skills necessary to fill those roles.
Librarians
Don’t assume that working as a librarian simply involves shushing people. In many places, especially academic libraries, they play an essential role in helping organize a wide range of materials, from books to papers to research materials and publications stored from throughout history. Librarians also help researchers, students, and professors find the materials they need for their work, so they play an instrumental role in modern academia. Look to the Library Association website to see what it takes to become a librarian.
Those with an academic mindset have more options than you might initially think. Hopefully, the above examples give you some ideas of where you could take that keen mind and love for research and to make a real career out of it.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/pasted-image-0-17.png626940Nathan Iveshttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngNathan Ives2020-01-18 11:00:592020-01-18 15:38:36Careers For The Academically Minded
As the owner of a modern business, you naturally understand the need to make your capital work harder. This removes a great deal of stress from the venture while also allowing you to pass some of the savings onto your clients. Price comparisons and cutbacks can have a positive impact. Still, it’s possible to find investments that spearhead further savings.
Spending money in the right places is essential or creating an efficient company built for sustained results. Here’s are the best solutions at your disposal.
1. Security, Safety, & Protection
Prevention is the best form of protection for your business. Aside from removing the threat of damaged reputations, it can actively reduce insurance fees and put an end to wasted time. Hiring a site safety manager may feel like an added expense, but it’ll save you vast sums of money in the long run. Data protection is equally important in this modern age. Updating your systems can prevent major problems including penalties as well as direct damages. Given that almost half of all hacks hit small business, now is the time to take control of the situation.
2. Accountancy
Like a site safety manager, a professional accountant can seem to be an unnecessary expense. However, they will save you money in the long run as they have a far greater understanding of the financial and legal elements. When added to the time savings on offer, it is evident that this will be a wise addition for your company. Related investments into automated accountancy software can seriously boost your endeavors. Aside from the financial benefits, you will gain peace of mind and enjoy easier time management. You’d be very foolish to ignore it.
3. Eco-Friendly Upgrades
It’s very easy to embrace a “why fix something that isn’t broke?” mindset. In reality, though, upgrading the workplace with eco-friendly features is essential. While you may not see the property value improvements seen by residential users, the monthly energy savings are huge. Boosting the company’s green credentials can also enhance its reputation. For the sake of your finances, brand image, and personal responsibility, this is a vital addition. Even the employees will respond positively to this new approach. Better still, the results can be seen right away.
4. Marketing
Regardless of the industry, reaching the target market in a cost-effective manner is vital. However, the cheap option doesn’t necessarily offer the best value for money. It’s important to focus on the cost per acquisition rather than the actual overheads. With this in mind, social influencers can be the best investment for your business. When supported by improved web design and a conscious effort to gain positive customer reviews, you should see the very best returns.
The Final Word
While wasting money is the worst thing a business can do, there’s no reason to fear spending money. As long as you invest in the right features and expertise, your venture will begin to see positive outcomes in the very near future. The positive outcomes can bring upgrades for many years to come.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/money-256281_960_720.jpg635960StrategyDrivenhttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngStrategyDriven2020-01-17 15:00:172020-01-17 23:35:12Spending Money To Save Money (Yes, Really)
The business strategies that you have in place are going to change all the while. Business is about the ability to adapt and grow, and that’s only going to happen if you keep changing the strategies that you have in place. One might work for you for some while, but times change and better processes are developed to help businesses evolve. There is now more software and support packages offered by companies than ever before, making it easier than ever before to run a business. If we had all of the technology and equipment that we have now, twenty years ago, far more businesses would still be established and probably be very rich. So the point is, if you don’t adapt to the changes of the world and the changes that you can make, your business is always going to fall behind. We’re here to try and make sure that doesn’t happen. We want to show you some of the better business strategies that you can have in place, to ensure your business is always flourishing.
Better Use Of Software & Computers
Software and computers are the staple to any office. Whether it be a home office or a huge one full of staff, the amount of technology in the room will be astounding. But that doesn’t mean that everyone is going to be using it properly. Software and computing is always evolving to make sure that the user has the best experience. So, you need to be looking at tools that can make the use of software easier, such as the different sql join types. You should also be looking at software to download that helps you with the management of different areas of your business. For example, there is financial management software that will show you the precise profits, loses, and trends that you’re following.
More Invasive Marketing
Invasive marketing is definitely a technique that you need to put in place. Invasive marketing is different because it focuses on direct attention to the customer. Non invasive techniques are ones such as SEO and PPC. They’re harder to spot in the sense that they’re more likely to be ignored. But if you were to use TV or radio advertising, for example, it would be far harder to ignore because it’s right there in your face. All of the marketing techniques out there should be explored if you want to get the most out of your business.
Customer Retention Strategies
Customer retention is another strategy that you need to focus on. The more you can retain loyal customers, the more the news about your business will spread, and the more profit you’ll be able to make. To retain customers, you can use software that will analyse good and bad reviews, leaving you to comment and resolve the negatives. The more you track what people are saying about you, the less likely you’ll be to go wrong. Customer retention can also be improved by offering personalised discounts, customer aftercare, and 24 hour support.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/pasted-image-0-16.png411615StrategyDrivenhttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngStrategyDriven2020-01-17 13:00:032020-01-17 23:27:55Put Better Business Strategies In Place
Recycling of discarded electronic and electrical equipment has become crucial to the future of this world. A look at some of the shocking facts and figures from around the world illustrates the urgent need for each one of us to make a sincere effort to recycle their E-waste. Organizations should make E-waste recycling a priority to improve their ecological footprint and help make the world a safer and better place for future generations.
Why Should Organizations Recycle Their E-Waste?
The primary reason for recycling their E-waste – it is the law. Many local and state communities have enacted several rules to encourage organizations to dispose of their E-waste in better ways. Non-compliance could result in penalties for organizations including recyclers.
The secondary reason is that recycling can be lucrative. You can sell your E-waste at an electronics recycling center that purchases e-scrap of various electronic devices. Some E-waste recycling companies host drives and accept everything in one place to get residents and businesses motivated to dispose of their old electronic devices and electrical equipment. However, it is important to know that most E-waste recycling companies will not accept any material that is radioactive, flammable, hazardous material, and devices containing mercury.
Data Protection
Erasing data from your device sadly does not erase all the information on it. Organizations put themselves at high-risk when they trash their E-waste. While organizations spend thousands of dollars to set up firewalls, infiltration and exfiltration monitoring, and anti-phishing software to protect their data; the same data is left unsecured when trashing the device. Electronic data security is a major issue and an essential part of the recycling process. Professional recycling companies have invested in data wipers, high-tech shredders, and equipment that track the device every moment that it is in their hands. They also provide you with documentation and certification that states how your device has been wiped clean and recycled.
Start Recycling Today
Organizations taking an active role in recycling are recognized by the EPA, some local and state municipalities as role models for doing the right thing. In addition, the EPA invites organizations to the SMM Electronics Challenge, an event that recognizes transparency, responsible recycling, and corporate leadership. The challenge involves taking a pledge to recycle all E-waste generated or collected to recyclers. The recyclers in turn pledge to ensure the safe and secure management of the devices. Organizations, especially those that come up with innovative ideas, and those that are successful in getting through the challenge, earn recognition as Champions on the EPA site.
The Bottom Line
Organizations should put in the extra effort to take a closer look at what they are trashing and make it a point to send all their E-waste for recycling. This is not just good for the environment alone; it also ensures that organizations do not end up with their data in the wrong hands. Creating internal promotions to encourage recycling is a good way to inculcate the habit of recycling amongst the employees. This will also ensure that their identities and data is safe when they decide to get rid of their old devices.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/printers-344016_1280.jpg9561280StrategyDrivenhttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngStrategyDriven2020-01-17 12:00:312020-01-18 18:02:50Organizations Should Recycle Their E-Waste?
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Automation as a Means of Increasing Human Potential: Which Traits and Skills Will Automation Help Promote in Human Workers?
/in Managing Your People, Talent Management/by Daniel Newman and Olivier BlanchardWhen used properly, automation doesn’t kill jobs; it rearranges their structure. And in the most outcome-driven scenarios, it improves their structure by creating more opportunities for human workers to focus on high-value tasks that cannot be automated.
Another way to look at automation is as a time-creation engine: automation manufactures time. Every man-hour it takes on is a man-hour gained. That man-hour can be subtracted from a company’s balance sheet and treated as a cost savings, or it can be reassigned to a high-value task that could not, until then, be budgeted for. Thus, each man-hour assigned to a machine creates an additional man-hour that can be assigned to a capable, high-value human worker. When we mentioned that automation should be additive rather than subtractive, this is what we mean: a hundred man-hours freed by an effective use of automation could be treated as a cost saving, but doesn’t it make more sense to maximize the value of that gain in one hundred man-hours, and reinvest it in the company? Apply it to solving a problem, improving a system, building a new revenue stream, designing the next killer app?
The lowest hanging fruit in the business world is finding ways to cut costs. This isn’t to say that running a lean organization doesn’t have its advantages. Cutting costs and trimming fat in ways that ultimately help companies perform better are always wins. But the reflex to cut costs just because you can isn’t necessarily the best way to drive towards market leadership. Sometimes, re-tasking resources from low-value to high-value tasks makes more sense than throwing them away.
A case in point: digital transformation, technology disruption and the monumental task of rebuilding businesses for a 21st-century digital economy are not the types of challenges that companies can hope to address successfully by cutting costs and cutting corners. Smart, agile companies know how to unlock their own parts and move them around at will. They are modular. Job descriptions and departments evolve. IT managers at these companies aren’t operating the way they were 10 years ago or 5 years ago, or even a year ago. Every aspect of the business is in a state of constant change and adaptation. Automation for these types of companies, which are typically digital leaders, isn’t used to shrink the number of employees. It is used to free up capital to hire more people, and free up human workers to focus on more high-value and meaningful tasks.
About the Authors
For more information please visit https://www.koganpage.com/product/human-machine-9780749484248
Careers For The Academically Minded
/in Professional Development/by Nathan IvesA lot of people can’t wait to get out of academia when they first set foot into it. However, there are some to whom the practices of finding sources, compiling information, and coming to conclusions is almost a rush. If you find yourself dreading leaving the libraries and computer halls of academia, then here are some careers worth considering.
Research
If you love hitting the books, performing experiments, and collecting data to help come to a conclusion, then sticking to the world of research might be just the solution for you. A career in research can be wildly different depending on, for instance, the field of academia you are in. For instance, medical research can involve either working in clinical research with live patients or in medical research, testing the effects of medicines but not on live humans. Similarly, a marine biology PhD could see you researching with data from a lab or at sea studying natural habitats.
Teaching
For some people, academia means education, the feeling of learning and teaching and helping the brightest minds of tomorrow reach their potential. For those who are academically minded, then it is more likely you will want to look at working as a professor rather than in high school or below, as it can involve staying up-to-date with and contributing to research in the field that you teach. The Bradley University website shows some of the steps and qualifications necessary in most cases to become a professor. While it can be tough to break into the world of teaching in college, the tenure you can eventually earn offers a lot of job security.
Data science
Love academia and researching but not the particular field of the sciences you’ve chosen to study? You don’t have to stick with it. In fact, data analysis and data science are becoming increasingly common career moves for those who started with a science education. It puts your skills of gathering, organizing and analysing data and applies it, in most cases, to business questions and problems rather than inherently scientific one. Data analysis is becoming an increasingly important part of the modern business world, and demand is shooting for people with the skills necessary to fill those roles.
Librarians
Don’t assume that working as a librarian simply involves shushing people. In many places, especially academic libraries, they play an essential role in helping organize a wide range of materials, from books to papers to research materials and publications stored from throughout history. Librarians also help researchers, students, and professors find the materials they need for their work, so they play an instrumental role in modern academia. Look to the Library Association website to see what it takes to become a librarian.
Those with an academic mindset have more options than you might initially think. Hopefully, the above examples give you some ideas of where you could take that keen mind and love for research and to make a real career out of it.
Spending Money To Save Money (Yes, Really)
/in Managing Your Finances/by StrategyDrivenAs the owner of a modern business, you naturally understand the need to make your capital work harder. This removes a great deal of stress from the venture while also allowing you to pass some of the savings onto your clients. Price comparisons and cutbacks can have a positive impact. Still, it’s possible to find investments that spearhead further savings.
Spending money in the right places is essential or creating an efficient company built for sustained results. Here’s are the best solutions at your disposal.
1. Security, Safety, & Protection
Prevention is the best form of protection for your business. Aside from removing the threat of damaged reputations, it can actively reduce insurance fees and put an end to wasted time. Hiring a site safety manager may feel like an added expense, but it’ll save you vast sums of money in the long run. Data protection is equally important in this modern age. Updating your systems can prevent major problems including penalties as well as direct damages. Given that almost half of all hacks hit small business, now is the time to take control of the situation.
2. Accountancy
Like a site safety manager, a professional accountant can seem to be an unnecessary expense. However, they will save you money in the long run as they have a far greater understanding of the financial and legal elements. When added to the time savings on offer, it is evident that this will be a wise addition for your company. Related investments into automated accountancy software can seriously boost your endeavors. Aside from the financial benefits, you will gain peace of mind and enjoy easier time management. You’d be very foolish to ignore it.
3. Eco-Friendly Upgrades
It’s very easy to embrace a “why fix something that isn’t broke?” mindset. In reality, though, upgrading the workplace with eco-friendly features is essential. While you may not see the property value improvements seen by residential users, the monthly energy savings are huge. Boosting the company’s green credentials can also enhance its reputation. For the sake of your finances, brand image, and personal responsibility, this is a vital addition. Even the employees will respond positively to this new approach. Better still, the results can be seen right away.
4. Marketing
Regardless of the industry, reaching the target market in a cost-effective manner is vital. However, the cheap option doesn’t necessarily offer the best value for money. It’s important to focus on the cost per acquisition rather than the actual overheads. With this in mind, social influencers can be the best investment for your business. When supported by improved web design and a conscious effort to gain positive customer reviews, you should see the very best returns.
The Final Word
While wasting money is the worst thing a business can do, there’s no reason to fear spending money. As long as you invest in the right features and expertise, your venture will begin to see positive outcomes in the very near future. The positive outcomes can bring upgrades for many years to come.
Put Better Business Strategies In Place
/in Managing Your Business, Tactical Execution/by StrategyDrivenThe business strategies that you have in place are going to change all the while. Business is about the ability to adapt and grow, and that’s only going to happen if you keep changing the strategies that you have in place. One might work for you for some while, but times change and better processes are developed to help businesses evolve. There is now more software and support packages offered by companies than ever before, making it easier than ever before to run a business. If we had all of the technology and equipment that we have now, twenty years ago, far more businesses would still be established and probably be very rich. So the point is, if you don’t adapt to the changes of the world and the changes that you can make, your business is always going to fall behind. We’re here to try and make sure that doesn’t happen. We want to show you some of the better business strategies that you can have in place, to ensure your business is always flourishing.
Better Use Of Software & Computers
Software and computers are the staple to any office. Whether it be a home office or a huge one full of staff, the amount of technology in the room will be astounding. But that doesn’t mean that everyone is going to be using it properly. Software and computing is always evolving to make sure that the user has the best experience. So, you need to be looking at tools that can make the use of software easier, such as the different sql join types. You should also be looking at software to download that helps you with the management of different areas of your business. For example, there is financial management software that will show you the precise profits, loses, and trends that you’re following.
More Invasive Marketing
Invasive marketing is definitely a technique that you need to put in place. Invasive marketing is different because it focuses on direct attention to the customer. Non invasive techniques are ones such as SEO and PPC. They’re harder to spot in the sense that they’re more likely to be ignored. But if you were to use TV or radio advertising, for example, it would be far harder to ignore because it’s right there in your face. All of the marketing techniques out there should be explored if you want to get the most out of your business.
Customer Retention Strategies
Customer retention is another strategy that you need to focus on. The more you can retain loyal customers, the more the news about your business will spread, and the more profit you’ll be able to make. To retain customers, you can use software that will analyse good and bad reviews, leaving you to comment and resolve the negatives. The more you track what people are saying about you, the less likely you’ll be to go wrong. Customer retention can also be improved by offering personalised discounts, customer aftercare, and 24 hour support.
Organizations Should Recycle Their E-Waste?
/in Managing Your Business/by StrategyDrivenWhy Should Organizations Recycle Their E-Waste?
The primary reason for recycling their E-waste – it is the law. Many local and state communities have enacted several rules to encourage organizations to dispose of their E-waste in better ways. Non-compliance could result in penalties for organizations including recyclers.
The secondary reason is that recycling can be lucrative. You can sell your E-waste at an electronics recycling center that purchases e-scrap of various electronic devices. Some E-waste recycling companies host drives and accept everything in one place to get residents and businesses motivated to dispose of their old electronic devices and electrical equipment. However, it is important to know that most E-waste recycling companies will not accept any material that is radioactive, flammable, hazardous material, and devices containing mercury.
Data Protection
Erasing data from your device sadly does not erase all the information on it. Organizations put themselves at high-risk when they trash their E-waste. While organizations spend thousands of dollars to set up firewalls, infiltration and exfiltration monitoring, and anti-phishing software to protect their data; the same data is left unsecured when trashing the device. Electronic data security is a major issue and an essential part of the recycling process. Professional recycling companies have invested in data wipers, high-tech shredders, and equipment that track the device every moment that it is in their hands. They also provide you with documentation and certification that states how your device has been wiped clean and recycled.
Start Recycling Today
Organizations taking an active role in recycling are recognized by the EPA, some local and state municipalities as role models for doing the right thing. In addition, the EPA invites organizations to the SMM Electronics Challenge, an event that recognizes transparency, responsible recycling, and corporate leadership. The challenge involves taking a pledge to recycle all E-waste generated or collected to recyclers. The recyclers in turn pledge to ensure the safe and secure management of the devices. Organizations, especially those that come up with innovative ideas, and those that are successful in getting through the challenge, earn recognition as Champions on the EPA site.
The Bottom Line
Organizations should put in the extra effort to take a closer look at what they are trashing and make it a point to send all their E-waste for recycling. This is not just good for the environment alone; it also ensures that organizations do not end up with their data in the wrong hands. Creating internal promotions to encourage recycling is a good way to inculcate the habit of recycling amongst the employees. This will also ensure that their identities and data is safe when they decide to get rid of their old devices.