Looking back in time with 42-year-old eyes, I am often awestruck at how technology has transformed almost every part of my life at what feels like a fever-dream pace. I remember the first time I “died from dysentery” while playing Oregon Trail on an Apple IIE when corded phones gave way to cordless phones with *gasp* answering machines.
In 1999 as a freshman at Monmouth College, I can vividly recall the freedom of not having to dial onto the internet using a modem. I remember setting my away message on AIM (~insert angsty Elliott Smith lyrics here~). This technology has grown so rapidly that it can feel demanding to keep pace.
A brief history of personal automation
“Personal automation” has existed since 1961, when the concept of home automation was first introduced. This early form of personal automation focused on providing comfort and convenience through simple automated tasks we totally take for granted today, including turning the lights on and off or adjusting the temperature in a room.
Over time, personal automation has evolved to include all kinds of platforms, like personal digital assistants (Alexa and Google Home) and our ever-present smartphones (which contain a veritable sea of apps that automatically track fitness, our sleep, and even how we communicate.
As personal automation has transformed our lives, businesses have always embraced the concept of digital transformation over the decades. Since the late 1970s and 1980s, companies have been using technology and automation to streamline their business processes to increase efficiency and productivity.
From personal automation to business automation
Throughout my career, I have watched email give way to instant communication (Slack, Microsoft Teams) and watched as businesses used tools like this to automate a cornucopia of tasks. Here are 8 ways that businesses have taken queues from personal automation.
- Manual customer onboarding ➡ automated digital onboarding
- Calling a 1-800 number ➡ Automated help desks and self-service
- Receipts processing ➡ AI-driven digital receipt processing
- Manual supply chain management ➡ automated manufacturing processes
- Document authentication process ➡ online document verification systems
- Handwritten invoices and bills ➡ to e-invoicing systems
- Manual data entry ➡ automated machine learning (RPA) algorithms
- Traditional marketing ➡ digital personalization and automation
- Paper-based HR management system ➡ automated HR software
Today, personal and business automation plays a huge role in how we live and work. Automation has transformed our lives from personal tasks to financial processes while freeing our time, energy, and money.
The road to automation
Automation has made it easier for people and businesses to personalize their services and create more meaningful customer experiences. From personal automation to business automation, digital transformation is here to stay.
If I could go back in time, I’m sure I’d find a way to bring a personal digital assistant (or two) for my journey. 😉 Good luck on the Oregon Trail! 🐃 🚣♂️ 🏕️ 🤠
Oh, and if you’re looking to automate your business, Capacity can help. Start by requesting a demo. Either way, we promise you will not have to go it alone, run out of food, or ford a river.
