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Continue ShoppingUnderstanding the Pros and Cons of Automation
You might have heard of companies introducing automation or artificial intelligence (AI) to their production lines, but what does automation really mean in the context of business and manufacturing?
According to media reports, automation could lead to the loss of thousands—if not millions—of jobs, eventually pushing society toward full dependency on technology. Some labour groups have warned that AI-driven business automation might be the first step toward a dystopian future where robots control production and human workers become obsolete. Sounds ominous, doesn’t it?
However, the reality is more nuanced. If you were to ask today’s engineers about AI, many would say automation does not mean robots will rule over society. In fact, a world powered by AI systems could be shaped and influenced by the very people who understand how to develop, manage, and optimize these technologies.
The Pros of Automation
1. Lower Production Costs and Improved Efficiency
For businesses, automation often translates into reduced production costs, as machines only require occasional inspections, repairs, and electricity. Once installed, automated systems tend to be more cost-effective than manual labour in the long run.
Beyond cost savings, AI-powered machines can perform tasks with high accuracy, minimizing human error—unless, of course, a technical malfunction occurs.
2. Increased Focus on Revenue-Generating Tasks
By assigning repetitive or low-value tasks to automated systems, employees can dedicate more time to work that directly impacts revenue. Many roles that consume resources without generating profit are among the first to be replaced by AI. If you work in a profit-focused department, AI might already be reducing your paperwork and administrative load.
3. Creation of New Jobs in Technology
As AI and automation become more integrated into daily business operations, new career opportunities will emerge—particularly in system maintenance, programming, and AI development. This shift is already influencing education trends, with more students choosing STEM fields over traditional liberal arts degrees to meet the rising demand for tech professionals.
The Cons of Automation
1. Rising Technology Costs
While automation can reduce labour costs, the upfront investment can be substantial. Businesses must hire skilled engineers and software developers to design, build, and maintain automated systems, and as demand for these professionals grows, so will their rates.
2. Decline in Customized Services
One major concern for consumers is that widespread automation could reduce the availability of personalized services. AI excels at repetitive, standardized tasks but may struggle with unique requests unless systems are specifically reprogrammed—something that isn’t always cost-effective.
3. Risk of Overdependence on Technology
Perhaps the greatest long-term risk is full dependency on AI. Relying too heavily on one system or process can expose businesses to vulnerabilities, particularly if that technology fails or becomes outdated.
Looking Ahead: Balancing AI and Human Talent
While automation is often framed as a threat to jobs, it can also be an opportunity to transition workers into higher-value, more creative roles. For example, instead of hiring someone to screw caps onto toothpaste tubes, why not train that person to operate and maintain the machine that does it? This shift can foster a more skilled workforce and create room for innovation.
At the same time, businesses should avoid relying entirely on AI. A hybrid approach—where automation handles repetitive tasks and humans focus on strategy, creativity, and customer engagement—can offer the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
Automation in business is not about replacing humans; it’s about redefining work. As technology continues to advance, companies that adopt automation strategically—while still valuing human expertise—will likely see the greatest long-term benefits. The future of work won’t be about man versus machine, but rather man working with machine to create better, faster, and more efficient results.
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Feb 24, 2023
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