There are many business tasks that can be automated to increase productivity. In most cases, these are repetitive tasks that can easily be performed by the correct implementation of IT automation. For an employee, a repetitive job can be stressful and demotivating. Doing the same thing over and over again is boring, and IT automation can reduce the tediousness, while the true talents and skills of this employee could be put to better use to perform other tasks.

Ways in which IT automation can contribute include the following:

• Freeing up time of valuable employees who spend their days performing repetitive tasks.
• Eliminating human error during important but repetitive business activities and calculations.
• Reducing stress and increasing motivation.
• Increasing productivity because more gets done in a shorter time.
• Accuracy of reporting and risk management.

When considering IT automation, start with tasks that are repetitive and recurring. If the same thing must happen in the same way or at the same time of day, this task can be automated with the use of computer technology. There are many different software packages on the market that can automate virtually anything – from accounting to warehouse and asset management, and often, employing the use of IT automation saves money by eliminating the need for an employee to perform each of these tasks.

Things that can easily be automated include regular and predictable events, such as:

• The payment of bills and accounts – all you have to do is to set up a schedule with a tool used for bill payments. It can ensure that bills are paid on time, to the right accounts, and that a record of all payments is kept and reported automatically. Most larger companies now use IT automation for their payroll systems. It includes the deductions for PAYE, UIF, calculation of hours worked, and many other things that could take one person a lot of time to calculate.
• An IT automation system can send out reminders and other documentation that has to do with repeating events.
• Calculations can easily be performed through IT automation. Setting up spreadsheets with macros that run certain activities can increase productivity, because an employee does not have to do it time and time again.
• Backing up of data is crucial to any business, yet most people forget to do this if it is not automated. Setting up an automated data backup system is one of the best ways to protect your business information when things go wrong with your IT system.
• Social media scheduling is easy with IT automation. Managing different accounts on a variety of platforms can be a nightmare. Usually, social media managers set up scheduled posts to certain accounts to sustain a consistent presence on social media to perform beneficial marketing activities.

There are many other business-crucial activities that can be automated through custom-designed IT automation that is specifically created for those activities. If you have business processes that can be simplified with IT automation, give our team at Sequoia a call and we will find or build the ideal IT automation process to increase your productivity!