Partial vs. full automation: finding the right path in process digitization

To increase efficiency, reduce costs or improve service quality, companies are constantly working on digitalizing their processes. Partial or full automation plays a decisive role in the company's success. But what exactly do these terms mean, and which solution is best suited to your company and when?

As the name suggests, partial automation involves automating only parts, i.e., individual steps of a process, namely activities that can be easily standardized using machines or software, while others continue to be carried out manually. Partial automation is primarily used when not everything can be automated, or it does not make sense to automate the entire process.

Processes with repetitive tasks

In customer service, where the manual processing of customer inquiries, orders and updating customer data takes an enormous amount of time, the use of specialized software represents a significant improvement: Customer inquiries could be categorized automatically, and customer data consolidated and updated centrally. Partial automation can help to relieve overworked employees and cope with a higher cadence of customer inquiries.

Processes with high error potential

In industries where product quality assurance is a critical factor, image processing systems are used to detect defects to automatically check products for issues or deviations. This avoids human error during manual inspection.

Processes with high transaction volumes

In online retail, where thousands of orders are received every day, automation takes over sub-tasks in order processing, such as sending order confirmations, sending invoices, or labelling deliveries. This contributes to an enormous increase in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and sales figures.

When processes are fully automated, all steps are automated. This maximizes efficiency. Errors are reduced to a minimum as there is no need for manual intervention.

High volume and repeat accuracy

In the automotive industry, full automation significantly increases production speed and quality. The use of machines makes the heavy lifting and fitting of car parts easy. The risk of injury is also significantly reduced.

Improved quality

In the manufacture of microchips, fully automated systems can perform processes with greater precision and consistency than humans, resulting in improved product quality.

Hazardous tasks

In the processing of toxic substances or the operation of high-performance machines, fully automated systems can keep people out of dangerous working environments.

Partial automation and full automation offer different advantages. The decision as to which approach is right for your company and when depends on your individual requirements and objectives.