Are your employees overwhelmed by repetitive tasks? Do such processes slow down productivity and hinder innovation? Citizen automation offers a way out, letting your team shift focus to valuable, high-impact work. Around 63 percent of businesses are setting their sights on AI/automation solutions to boost innovation and productivity.
Citizen automation is more than just an idea — it's happening now. Understanding how to adapt it successfully might seem challenging. This guide aims to provide you with the insights and tools needed to empower your workforce with citizen automation.
57 percent of enterprises plan to adopt automation methods in two years. Citizen automation adoption isn't a one-size-fits-all process. However, there are essential stages every organization should consider:
Think of this stage as laying the foundation for your citizen automation journey. Here's what you need to consider:
Not every task is a good candidate for automation. Focus on repetitive, rule-based processes that drain employee productivity. Conduct workshops or surveys to gather employee input on areas ripe for automation.
Citizen developers don't need to be coding ninjas, but a basic understanding of concepts and process mapping is crucial. Evaluate your workforce's skillsets and identify potential training needs.
Consider saved time, improved accuracy, and employee satisfaction. You must have clear metrics that help you to track progress and demonstrate the program's value.
Identifying the right tasks for automation can be tricky. Involve process owners and employees throughout the assessment phase to ensure you're targeting the most impactful areas.
The platform you select plays a pivotal role in the citizen automation experience. Here's what to look for:
26 percent of company executives labeled low-code/ no-code tools as their most crucial automation investment, which has increased from 10 percent to 26 percent since COVID-19. Remember, citizen developers aren't IT specialists. The platform should be intuitive, with a drag-and-drop interface that minimizes the need for coding expertise.
A seamless connection with your existing business systems (CRM, ERP, etc.) is essential. By taking this approach, you empower citizen developers to build solutions that integrate with your existing workflow.
Security is paramount. Look for a platform with robust safeguards to protect sensitive data and ensure responsible development.
With a wide range of citizen automation platforms available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Conduct thorough research, explore free trials, and consider user reviews to find the best platform.
Start small with pilot projects before embarking on a full-scale citizen automation rollout, allowing you to:
Pilot projects provide a safe space to test the effectiveness and identify technical glitches.
You can uncover inefficiencies in existing workflows and refine them before deploying company-wide.
Successful pilot projects can generate excitement and buy-in among employees, paving the way for wider adoption.
It's tempting to rush into large-scale automation but resist the urge. Failing to test and refine adequately during the pilot stage can frustrate and hinder program adoption.
Imagine handing your employees a complex blueprint without any instructions. That's what citizen automation can feel like without proper training. Here's how to empower your citizen developers:
Ensure your citizen developers are comfortable navigating the chosen platform. Understanding automation building blocks, utilizing pre-built components, and troubleshooting common issues are included in the process.
Citizen developers must understand best practices like building modular automation, maintaining documentation, and designing for scalability. Training should equip them to create robust and sustainable automation.
Data security is non-negotiable. Train your citizen developers on data privacy regulations and best practices for handling sensitive information.
Providing adequate training can be a resource hurdle. Explore e-learning modules and pre-recorded training sessions, and establish a knowledge-sharing culture within your citizen developer community.
As your citizen automation program flourishes, it's crucial to establish clear guidelines and frameworks:
Define how you'll manage the increasing number of automations and citizen developers. Creating centers of excellence or establishing tiered access levels within the platform might be involved in the process.
Define approval processes, access controls, and data security protocols to prevent the sprawl of uncontrolled automation.
Scaling automation can impact workflows and employee roles. Implement effective change management strategies to address potential anxieties and ensure user adoption.
Scaling a citizen automation program without proper governance can lead to chaos. Actively manage the landscape; don't be afraid to seek expert guidance.
Kissflow emerges as a powerful ally for organizations embarking on or seeking to enhance their citizen automation journey.
Kissflow's user-friendly, low-code platform empowers businesses to:
The intuitive interface eliminates the need for extensive coding knowledge, making automation accessible to a broader range of employees.
Drag-and-drop functionality and pre-built templates enable users to create sophisticated automation without technical expertise.
Robust security features and access controls ensure citizen-developed automation complies with internal regulations and data privacy standards.
Kissflow integrates seamlessly with existing enterprise applications, eliminating data silos and streamlining workflows.
Citizen automation represents a significant shift in how businesses leverage technology. By empowering employees and fostering a culture of innovation, it unlocks a wealth of potential for organizations seeking to:
Kissflow stands ready to be your guide on this transformative journey. With its user-friendly platform and commitment to empowering citizen developers, Kissflow equips businesses to navigate the complexities of digital transformation and emerge as leaders in the digital age.