Manufacturing Monday 12.16.2024: Back to Basics: Revisiting Automation’s “OGs”

Scaling Intelligent Automation (IA) programs is no easy feat. Manufacturers are under constant pressure to innovate while grappling with complexity, securing internal buy-in, and driving value realization. 

In the race to adopt transformative technologies like GenAI and Agentic AI, it’s easy to overlook the simpler, foundational opportunities that deliver measurable results today.

This isn’t about pressing pause on innovation — it’s about running two parallel tracks. While embracing new technologies, manufacturers should also revisit the “OG” opportunities that form the backbone of scalable IA programs. As legendary coach John Wooden taught his players: success starts with mastering the basics.

The Problem with Shiny Objects

The temptation is real: new technology promises big rewards but often requires significant time to implement and gain buy-in. Meanwhile, those foundational opportunities — the “OGs” of automation — are lying in wait, ready to unlock value now.

What makes these OG opportunities worth revisiting?

• Lower Complexity: These processes are often straightforward, scalable, and quick to implement.
• Consistent Value Realization: They create immediate efficiencies while funding more complex technology expansions.
• Process Flow Mastery: They ensure that automation programs stay grounded, scalable, and sustainable.

Top Back-Office Automation Opportunities

Here are some core processes that consistently deliver results across manufacturing operations:

1. Finance — AP Invoice Entry (RPA/DU): Reduces manual entry errors while accelerating accounts payable.
2. Supply Chain — Purchase Order Management (RPA): Improves visibility and compliance in procurement workflows.
3. Finance — AP/PO 3-Way Match (RPA/DU): Ensures invoice accuracy while cutting processing time.
4. Finance — Cash Application (RPA/DU): Speeds up cash reconciliation for healthier working capital.
5. Human Resources — Employee Onboarding/Offboarding (LCA/RPA): Automates repetitive steps like provisioning equipment and updating HR systems.
6. Payroll — Timecard Management (ML/RPA): Simplifies payroll processing while ensuring compliance.
7. Various Departments — Document Indexing/Filing (DU/RPA): Eliminates hours of manual data entry and improves audit readiness.

These are the automation equivalents of tying your shoes. They’re straightforward but foundational, enabling you to walk (and eventually sprint) confidently toward innovation.

Bridging the Value Gap

To successfully scale IA programs, manufacturers must focus on two critical milestones:

1. Value Identified Goal: This involves qualifying opportunities by clearly understanding the automation opportunity’s complexity, size, and scope. Identifying value upfront ensures alignment with business objectives and prioritizes the highest-impact initiatives.
2. Value Realized Goal: Beyond identification, organizations must measure the tangible benefits of automation efforts, such as time saved, cost reductions, or improved accuracy. Establishing this goal ensures that initial expectations are met or exceeded, solidifying credibility for future investments.

Striking this balance between value identified and value realized creates a foundation for sustainable momentum.

A Lesson from John Wooden

John Wooden famously began each season by teaching players how to properly tie their shoes — a simple, yet powerful reminder that excellence starts with fundamentals.

For manufacturers, “tying your shoes” means revisiting core processes that set the stage for future innovation. These are the low-complexity opportunities that keep automation programs grounded, scalable, and impactful.

The Path Forward

In an industry where Hyperautomation is quickly evolving from a competitive advantage to a business necessity, manufacturers must balance advanced technologies with foundational process mastery.

At Ashling Partners, we can help you:

• Identify additional “low-hanging fruit” automation opportunities, even if not listed here.
• Build both a Value Identified Goal and a Value Realized Goal, ensuring your automation program delivers measurable success.
• Strengthen process rigor to support both foundational and advanced automation initiatives.

Let’s work together to re-tie the laces on your automation strategy and drive real value today. Schedule a consultation to get started.

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