The benefits of people-centric automation with Epicor Kinetic ERP

The benefits of people-centric automation with Epicor Kinetic ERP

People-centric automation is an approach that can tackle any reservations about the threat of automation to the manufacturing workforce.

Despite the obvious benefits of automating processes (70% of corporate strategists see AI and analytics as critical to business success), there is still some resistance to doing so, not only due to cost, but also because of perceived threats to the tasks that make staff within businesses so integral.

However, what if we told you a people-centric approach to automation could not only increase productivity, but also help your workers feel more fulfilled and more valued?

Here’s how people-centric automation with Epicor Kinetic ERP can help workers at both ends of the manufacturing pyramid.

 

Data entry

The bread and butter of people-centric automation is in streamlining everyday tasks, minimising the need for manual data entry that can be so time-consuming for staff across your business.

Indeed, 94% of small to medium-size businesses perform repetitive and time-consuming tasks.

Epicor ECM workflow modules have the ability to reduce manual intervention into routine processes, and in doing so, saves staff time and the likelihood of human error.

There are modules within the system that import orders from fax machines, emails, scanners or file drops that speed up sales paperwork.

Other features, such as AP Automation, capture, match and verify invoices instantaneously, while vendor responses can be imported to your system, reducing paperwork and communication leg.

Further efficiencies can be found through Epicor CPQ, which automatically configurates, prices and quotes on customisable products, making the sales process quicker and simpler for system users.

So far it is clear how these features speed up processes and reduce intensive manual intervention, but how does this reduction in workload benefit your staff without putting jobs at risk?

Thankfully when you streamline routine processes, rather than staff becoming obsolete, they can be freed up to finally deliver real business value.

Reducing the time spent processes forms and instead allowing them to contribute to strategic or creative tasks is more likely to produce fulfilled workers and improve staff retention, as opposed to having individuals carry out wasteful tasks unnecessarily.

With AI and analytics tools complimenting automated processes, staff now have the tools to identify bottlenecks, perfect workflows and predict future trends or challenges.

 

Improved Collaboration

People-centric automation can also be seen in the ability to collaborate more quickly and accurately.

Epicor Kinetic ERP provides information to teams in real-time, meaning the need to wait for an email to be sent manually is removed.

Automated reminders mean no-longer missing out on inventory shortages or order status changes, meaning staff can move away from a reactive to a proactive way of work.

Meanwhile, Epicor Collaborate allows for speedy responses to changes such as customer credit holds, stock adjustments and more, ensuring accuracy is maintained at all times and the pressure is taken off workers’ shoulders.

Integration with Microsoft Teams facilitates better communication between and within departments.

 

Workflow Management Control

People-centric automation when it comes to workflow management can reduce bottlenecks and improve staff productivity.

In doing so, you can reduce the chance of duplicated tasks that cause tension between staff and needly increase workloads.

Epicor ECM Workflow is key to creating and editing content-driven workflows that are intuitive for staff to use.

Other modules such as Epicor Automation Studio allow workers to create custom workflow designs that tackle specific operational challenges.

All of these features provide staff with the control and usability that is lacking without automation tools.

Want to learn more about how automation can benefit your workers? Contact us here to discuss your options with a CBO expert.