IT departments have been some of the more common proponents of automation software for a variety of reasons, though likely none more so than the fight to become more efficient and capable of handling new challenges in stride. However, automation software has not truly hit a more adequate adoption rate for certain functions, potentially holding back workflow from reaching optimal levels and straining the IT department.
This has been an issue for virtually every trend that has surfaced in the past decade, in that a divide between the IT department and decision-makers in the boardroom can cause significant operational issues. Before provisioning gets underway, C-suites must ensure that they are getting buy-in from their IT departments, as well as other areas of the business, for better results, and the potential use of automation tools is no different.
Study reveals rift
FierceContentManagement recently reported that a study from camera manufacturing giant Canon USA revealed 77 percent of IT professionals are confident that paper and digital integration is critical. On the other hand, just over half of boardroom executives who are not directly related to IT share this sentiment. The source explained that document and workflow automation and other tools are in high demand among IT professionals, but executives are not quite sold.
"This nationwide study found that IT decision-makers and other executives do not always see eye-to-eye on the importance of investing in cloud, document workflow and mobile technologies," Canon Vice President and General Manager of Business Imaging Solutions Marketing Dennis Amorosano affirmed, according to the news provider. "In many cases, the survey results indicated a 'knowledge gap' between IT and non-IT professionals' awareness of which technologies their companies are deploying, and how they're being used."
FierceContentManagement noted that digital workflow technology is still somewhat novel, and it is up to IT leaders to spread the word about the benefits.
What can be done now?
Because of how quickly digital technology is impacting the average workplace, IT leaders need to take a more significant position on provisioning and budget allocations. When there is no transparency in the boardroom and IT has no voice, the chances of other executives making the best possible decisions dwindle dramatically.
By thoroughly researching workflow automation software and coming up with accurate projects for returns on investment, IT personnel can make a more solid business case for their desired additions.
