Automation to subtract or multiply?
The advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence has raised the question: where do we replace human labor? That’s a reasonable question. If technology can move inventory faster, operate without getting tired, or process transactions faster, it makes sense to use it.
But how you answer the question sends a signal about how the organization views the work:
- Work as a cost center: Uses technology to remove people, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
- Work as a differentiator: Uses technology to improve people, mitigate risks, and improve relevance.
The organizations that pull ahead will likely be the ones that use machines to remove strain and use the freed capacity to raise standards, not just lower expense.
Replacing work can create short-term efficiency. Strengthening work builds long-term advantage.