Why It’s Time To Adopt A Digital Workforce

In this age and time, technology comes with infinite possibilities to improve businesses. One such adaptable solution is the digital workforce, a flexible blend of software robots and human employees to achieve agility and efficiency in business processes.  

From chatbots to automated workflows, there is a lot that companies can accomplish by embracing these digital workers. These robots are programmed to adopt systematic and repetitive workflows to augment businesses. Consequently, the human workforce is free to carry out high-demand and valuable work.  

An ideal collaborative human and digital workforce is malleable to alter according to individual business needs. Thus, it finds the happy medium between machine speed and human semblance. Before we go over why a company needs to adapt to a digital workforce, let us discuss its implications and benefits in today’s world.  

What is a digital workforce?  

The term digital workforce can signify a wide variety of automated and robotic solutions used to revolutionize the workplace. In most cases, digital workers are software or technologies accessed by employees or customers to fast-track the business process. Whether simple chatbots or automating cost-intensive processes, businesses are slowly integrating digital workers into their workplaces.  

In our fast-moving digital world, the successful adoption of a digital workforce can put companies ahead of the curve. They will be able to automate manual and repetitive tasks to drive quality and momentum into business processes. And continuously improved workflow leads to better productivity, customer relationships, and satisfaction.   

What are the various digital workforce solutions?    

Digital workers perform a variety of tasks to enhance human work and business. They have the cognitive and intellectual ability to think, analyze, and perform end-to-end processes. Some of the primary digital components of the digital workforce include:    

• Robotic process automation  

One of the most popular digital workforce solutions, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), enables businesses automation of repetitive tasks formerly manually performed by human employees. It eliminates the need for employees to engage in low-level tasks. Instead, they can focus on complex processes that require human attention. Consequently, businesses can reduce high labor costs. RBA technologies provide reliable automation solutions for transactions, document management, calculation, and more.   

• Cognitive computing     

Cognitive computing utilizes computerized models to mimic the human brain and thought processes. In unclear and complex situations, cognitive computing uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and so on to simulate human thought. Some popular cognitive computing solutions are Alexa, Google Assistant, predictive text, and more.  

• Artificial intelligence  

Artificial intelligence refers to the human intelligence exhibited by machines, especially computers. It is when systems mimic human emotions and thinking to develop problem-solving skills. It does not have the sophistication of the human mind, but AI digital workforce solutions enhance business processes to provide the best results. Facial recognition and speech detection are some examples of Artificial intelligence.  

• Machine learning  

Machine learning is a type of Artificial intelligence that empowers computer software to give more accurate results without being specially programmed. Instead, machine learning uses historical data to provide new outputs. When we feed a large amount of data to a system, it analyzes the data to suggest data-driven outcomes. Traffic alerts, google maps, medical diagnoses, and so on utilize machine learning.   

• Digital process automation  

As the name suggests, digital process automation is software that utilizes digital technology to automate and optimize workflows. Whether you are working in marketing, sales, or finance, DPA automates tasks that require human interaction. Logistics, transporting, and customer onboarding are some of the areas where digital process automation can get better results. Now that you know the components, we can discuss why an organization needs digital workers.  

Why adopt a digital workforce?  

Digital process automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and all solve diverse problems for businesses. But the underlying reasons for a company to adopt a digital workforce are quite the same across the board. They all are looking to get more from less. Some of the benefits of a digital workforce are:    

• Reduced labor  

With digital workforce solutions, repetitive and straightforward processes are automated. Naturally, this eliminates the need for a higher count of human resources. Moreover, the employees will have time to focus on more crucial tasks.  

• Improved efficiency and quality  

Unlike human employees, digital workers can perform a task with utmost efficiency. With automated digital solutions, there is less scope for error or inaccuracy. Consequently, the results produced will be reliable, accurate, and efficient. Also, they can add value to human efforts to augment processes.  

•   Risk management

No business is devoid of risks or humans. That is why organizations need to vet operations thoroughly to avoid human error. Optimizing business processes with digital workforce solutions can reduce the overall risk. They help to identify and eliminate potential threats and mistakes. Thus, workflow automation ensures that the business follows the most efficient path for minimum losses. 

•  Return of investment  

When a well-established automated work system is in place, productivity increases over time. As we already discussed, a company with a robust digital workforce can save money on operation costs and human resources. Therefore, digital workers make it easier for a company to achieve ROI.  

•    Scalability & Speed  

Quick results are the most evident benefit of an automated business process. Digital workers complete tasks faster and more efficiently than regular employees. And unlike the human workforce, the digital workforce can be scaled up or down according to company needs.    

How to adopt a digital workforce  

In the long term, it is far easier to manage digital workers than human employees. Moreover, they optimize business processes for improved customer satisfaction and reduced costs. So many benefits! But you cannot digitally transform your whole organization in one go. Some measures are necessary to get the best results from digital workers.  

•    Training    

The digital transformation of an organization occurs gradually. During the transformation period, the company must take appropriate actions to familiarize its employees with the digital workforce system. The transformation process changes the way an organization works. It creates new or changes existing operations and cultures. That is why it is essential to train the employees for the transition.  

The training period is imperative for digital workers too. They need to be trained to perform specific tasks and processes. Also, regularly evaluate and update the digital workforce to ensure that they are adding value to the business. 

• Prioritize   

When you are introducing new digital technology to an organization, do not do it for the sake of doing it. Specify your goals and lay down your expectations from the digital workforce system. Once that is decided, outline the various stages of the digital transformation process. An organization must always prioritize transformation levels according to its business needs. 

•   Personalize    

A digital worker is more than just an automated robot. A well-established digital workforce will interact with your vendors, consumers, and employees. Hence, they must reflect the brand’s values and attitudes. Whether it is the chatbot or the management system, they must adhere to the organization’s mindset.  

•  Continuous improvement   

Transformation to a digital workforce is an ongoing process. Hence, every organization must regularly review its digital structure and operations. And ensure that at each stage the automation process has been successfully established. Only with regular evaluation and updates can a digital workforce achieve continuous improvement.  

For the future  

In the coming years, organizations will double their effort to integrate digital workers into their business. Contract management software, vendor portals, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and all will continue to solve potential problems for companies. Apart from optimizing the workflow, the digital workforce will also add value to human employees. The organization will be able to provide exceptional goods and services to its consumers for less.   

Dock 365 offers a contract management system powered by Microsoft 365 and SharePoint. The software will completely automate your contract creation and approval process. The Dock 365 CMS (Content Management Systems) provides efficient features like flexible workflows, a centralized repository, contract templates, and more to optimize the whole contract management lifecycle.   

To learn more about automation solutions, book a live demo today!