IT Decision Makers Speak: 59% of Business Processes Could Be Automated by 2022

New survey from Redwood Software shows US and UK IT decision makers are bullish on robotics

70% of IT decision makers say robotics has become more important in the last 12 months

Speed is seen as top benefit of automation to the business; security is perceived as greatest risk

74% say that robotics automation is implemented by IT – not operations

83% say that robotics is essential or a key part of their digital transformation strategy

US IT decision makers are more likely than UK counterparts to rate robotics as “very important” (77% vs 64%)

RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new study from Redwood Software and Sapio Research announced today finds that IT decision makers in the US and UK are embracing the potential of robotics.

The survey finds that IT decision makers on average think that 59% of business processes could be automated within the next five years, and that 70% say that robotics has become more of a priority in the last 12 months.

The key benefits of automation are speed of process and reduction of manual effort, according to the survey, while the key risks are security and cost.

“Companies are rapidly unlocking the potential of robotics and automation, and transforming their entire businesses in the process,’ said Dennis Walsh, President of Americas and Asia-Pacific, Redwood Software. “The acceleration of this adoption in recent years means that the majority of the repetitive tasks that make up the back office could soon be performed by software robots. That means less mundane work, more strategic thinking and ever greater prominence for the IT department.”

The report is based on responses from hundreds of IT decision makers, evenly split between the US and the UK.

Robotics puts IT in the driver’s seat for digital transformation

The results of the survey showcased the key role that robotics will play in the digital transformation, with 83% of respondents saying that they considered robotic automation to be “essential” or “very important” to digital transformation of their companies.

Notably, the study shows that the vast majority of IT decision makers see automation as being driven by the IT department, CIO or CTO, with only 26% saying that they saw automation being implemented by other personnel.

Despite this, 90% of respondents said they felt that their senior management recognized the opportunity that robotics presents.

“The IT department has the most holistic view on the impact that automation can have on a business, so it is natural that they lead the implementation of automation. As C-level executives look to transform their businesses into truly digital operations, they will increasingly look to the IT team to provide insight, clarity and guidance into company-wide automation,” Mr. Walsh noted.

US leads UK in robotics conversation

The survey results showed a clear gap in acceptance of robotics between the US and the UK, with the US consistently showing a greater adoption and prioritization of automation and robotics.

32% of US respondents said that robotics was a “top priority” for them, compared with 19% in the UK. 78% of US respondents said it had become “more of a priority” in the last 12 months, compared with 62% in the UK.

“There is no question that the US is currently the world leader in robotics automation. From heavy manufacturing to retail giants to tech innovators, the US has implemented automation solution and is seeking others. While the UK has shown an openness to adopt the same automation mindset, it still lags in the US. Post-Brexit, UK companies may need to up their game in automation in order to remain competitive with their US, European and global competitors,” Mr. Walsh concluded.

Methodology

The research was conducted among 500 (250 UK / 250 US) IT decision makers working in companies employing 1,000 or more people.

About Redwood Software:

Redwood Software was founded in 1993 with a single-minded mission – to help organizations achieve The Robotic Enterprise^TM and deliver a 100% robotized organization, where all processes such as Record-to-Report, Order-to-Cash, Procure-to-Pay, Human Capital, Supply Chain and others are automated by software robots and only include people where advanced judgment and analysis is required. Efficient back office functions are fundamental to effectively operating organizations. Robotizing these functions, where possible, has proven to be the best way to improve process efficiencies and quality, while freeing up budget and redirecting resources to be utilized where it delivers real impact to the business.

Today more than 3,000 customers worldwide use Redwood’s solutions to automate their business processes. Visit www.redwood.com for more information.