Alexandr Khomich, Founder of Andersen.
As artificial intelligence significantly impacts industries, business leaders strive to adopt this technology immediately to remain competitive. Some want to follow trends, while others are concerned about losing profit by relying on manual processes. They are certainly right to rethink their strategies and make the most of today’s tech advancements.
However, does every company today need AI? I am convinced that process automation is what matters more.
Figures To Think About
Facts speak louder than words, so let’s look at some figures. According to McKinsey, about 50% of current work activities, representing nearly $15 trillion in global wages, could potentially be automated using existing technology such as robotics or AI. This shift might occur by 2055, but given social, political and economic turbulence, it could happen up to 20 years earlier or later.
Regardless of the exact timing, it will happen anyway. So why wait for demand?
Definitely, part of these processes are enhanced through artificial intelligence. By 2030, generative AI could automate as much as 70% of business activities across virtually all occupations. According to a Forbes Advisor survey, 64% of businesses view AI as a productivity booster. An impressive 65% of businesses now use smart technology in at least one function, and integrating it into two functions has become increasingly common—a significant increase from just a few years ago.
Seamless Recruitment: Unlocking Efficiency With Automation
Let me give you an example of how AI-driven automation can help boost productivity in recruiting. Every company needs to hire skilled employees, so it’s an area that every business must continually improve.
Automated recruitment is one of the key trends as 97% of employers plan to increase its use. Fifty-four percent of HR specialists have expressed support for automation. This is quite intriguing because, typically, specialists fear losing their jobs to technology. However, conscientious professionals have no reason to worry.
Recognizing AI’s impressive capabilities in search, analysis and sourcing, Andersen’s specialists designed a feature-rich solution to enhance the recruitment process. Smart algorithms analyze applications and match candidates to job requirements. The program allows us to conduct unbiased, automated tech and non-tech interviews, assessing not only skills but also the tone and demeanor of candidates. Finally, it handles personalized job offers and manages responses to complete the hiring process.
This has already helped us cut recruiting costs by 40%, reduce the time spent on each task by at least half and improve the quality of work. The product has found applications beyond traditional hiring, with one banking client using it to evaluate call center communication quality.
However, you need to remember that AI is just one way of automating your workflows. There are other options to consider, such as cloud migration or revamping current systems. Even though many think of intelligent technology first, it’s not a solution to each and every problem. What’s more, according to Eurostat, in 2023, only 8% of EU businesses used AI—this might come as a surprise, given the current hype.
So Is AI Necessary For Your Automation Initiatives?
In my view, not really, and here’s why. AI isn’t solely about generative capabilities—though much of the hype is centered around this aspect. While GenAI can be incredibly useful for content-related tasks, it doesn’t apply to every process.
Additionally, successful AI adoption requires careful attention to model accuracy, data quality, the relevance of the business case and robust ML/LLM operations. Simply put, a strategic plan that considers both current needs and future demands is essential. Yet, as McKinsey points out, many companies still lack such a plan.
Developing a well-thought-out strategy can increase your chances of staying competitive, with automation—and perhaps AI—being key elements of this approach.
What You Actually Need
An audit of your company’s data and IT infrastructure, along with reliable tech partnerships, is what you need. Many businesses struggle to assess their current IT infrastructure and workflows adequately. They often fail to notice when gaps appear, such as when the cost of maintaining a team becomes too high. This is common if businesses rely solely on in-house experts—things can become subjective, making it difficult to properly judge the speed of development or the quality of a product.
What’s more, traditional development teams and business units working separately are no longer effective. As a result, they may have different visions of goals and won’t be able to scale a product efficiently. There is a solution to this problem as well.
Recognizing the importance of AI and automation for businesses, Andersen took part in the Conversational AI and Customer Experience Summit held November 6-7, 2024, in Munich, Germany, with Olga Korol, business development manager DACH at Andersen, giving a speech there. As one of my colleagues put it, “You need a role that can bridge this gap—someone who understands both business and IT. This can be an external expert—a consultant or an architect who is perfectly aware of both areas. Such specialists will conduct data quality audits and identify whether your company needs AI at this point.”
Companies in the DACH region are widely seeking fresh insights and external perspectives. One of the common requests sent to IT vendors is for an assessment or revision of existing programs. Building software from scratch is more likely to come from a startup than from an enterprise or mid-sized company.
Conclusion
Businesses that want to automate their workflows often believe the process should start with AI. However, you may simply need to upgrade your current software for greater efficiency.
The key is to thoroughly assess your IT infrastructure. External digital transformation experts can suggest the necessary changes. You may need to build your own smart solution, such as the recruitment platform mentioned above, or simply move your applications to the cloud. The important thing is to understand exactly what you need right now.
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