Automation Successfully Done

Identify opportunities for automation: some processes are more adaptable and open to automation than others.

Validate opportunities: Check how adaptable the process is to being automated. Automation can be designed to achieve some quick wins on the transactional part which is the more time-consuming repetitive task.

Select a Design Model: Select the best model for your requirements. You may need to redesign the process to maximize the scope for automation. In some cases this yields additional benefits. Design the automation plan that suits the business structure. Customize the automation model to suit the process needs.

Develop the Plan: Deep dive into the process and identify all exception scenarios. In some processes, it is best to automate the time consuming part of the process and then build additional incremental automation. Develop the automation implementation process in phases. Observe how your plan works and performs in each phase.

Acceptance Testing: When you develop an automation plan and are ready to implement it, run a pilot project first and observe the effectiveness and overall performance of your automation plan with an actual process in real-time. Make adjustments or modify the areas that need improved. 

Transition to Production: Plan built for training and handling contingency depending on the criticality of the process. Include all required documents on the process to handle any contingency due to change in applications, and/or systems (inputs). Ask yourself: How can someone potentially break the system or process to drive change in my process/ organization? Include the staffing requirements (maintenance) you need to retain to sustain the automation system and production processes. Thoroughly documenting all testing and recovery procedures. Identify operational training plans that you will need to roll out to the end users.

Sustainment: This is often an overlooked area, automation is not a one-time activity. There will be changes to the process and systems where a good change management process is needed. Include the staffing requirements (maintenance) you need to retain to keep the automation system and production processes running.