Digital Innovation Services
Hyperautomation
An end-to-end automation of all business processes
Hyperautomation – A brief definition
The term “hyperautomation” is generally taken to mean a holistic concept of process-automation. It describes a consistently applied automation strategy that encompasses the entire environment. This includes technologies for process analysis, modeling and management, as well as traditional automation technologies such as RPA (Robotic Process Automation), IPaaS (Integration Platforms as a Service), LC/NC (Low-Code/No-Code) business applications and AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the form of ML (Machine Learning) and NLP (Natural Language Processing). Many organizations are already using these technologies, but generally only in certain areas.
As companies seek to remain competitive in an age of increasingly complex global supply chains and business processes and an ever more difficult labor market, they are required to view and optimize their business-critical processes. As a result, hyperautomation represents an important competitive advantage for organizations, adding resilience. It not only allows them to adapt quickly and appropriately to unforeseen events such as crises, natural disasters, pandemics and strike action, it also ensures that specialist workers are being deployed in precisely the right roles.
A step-by-step guide to Hyperautomation
Hyperautomation is not a one-off project. It is an iterative process that operates in a constant optimizing loop. The various phases are repeated and influence the next iteration.
Process analysis
The start of every hyperautomation project begins with a critical assessment of the relevant business processes. Techniques such as process mining, task mining or more traditional workshops are used to identify and analyze end-to-end processes. The objective is to identify their potential for optimization, irrespective of whether parts of the relevant processes have already been automated, with RPA for example, or are still completely manual.
Process optimization
Once the most important levers have been defined, the second step is to make the appropriate adjustments. For this step, Syntax uses BPMN 2.0 (Business Process Modeling and Notation) as the standard for modelling operating procedures and business processes, and as the prerequisite for optimization measures.
Automation / Implementation
After the theory comes the practice. The measures developed in the second step are implemented, with end-to-end automation of the processes. An agile approach allows complications to be overcome as they are encountered.
What tools are used for hyperautomation?
At Syntax, we focus on tools from SAP and Microsoft when it comes to hyperautomation. Firstly, because both of these IT eco-systems already feature in many organizations. And secondly, because using solutions from established vendors gives organizations a solid foundation for planning in an extremely volatile market that is gradually consolidating.
All of the technologies used follow a LC/NC (Low-Code/No-Code) approach, which maximizes the number of employees who can interact with them and to achieve the aim of hyperautomation. The business departments should also be involved in the creation of digital solutions to promote a citizen developer culture. This way, the pooled specialist knowledge not only flows into the development process, it actually accelerates it and improves the quality of the outputs.
Process analysis tools
- SAP Signavio: SAP Signavio is a cloud-based suite of tools comprising numerous solutions for the analysis, modeling and optimization of business processes.
- Microsoft PowerBI: Microsoft PowerBI uses powerful analytics to transform data into intelligence and reveal potential for improvement.
Process automation tools
- SAP Process Automation: SAP Process Automation describes a range of solutions that enable users to automate repetitive processes. They also involve the use of AI components.
- Microsoft Power Automate: Microsoft Power Automate allows users to automate repetitive business processes either in the cloud (IPaaS) or at client level (RPA). Power Automate also puts AI tools in the hands of the user, with the AI Builder.
Low-Code/No-Code tools
- PowerApps and AppGyver: These two solutions allow the creation of citizen developer apps with user interfaces that are precisely tailored to individuals’ needs.
- SAP Conversational AI and Microsoft Power Virtual Agents: Create solutions featuring natural language input (NLP) to simplify process flows.
Hyperautomation – a sample scenario
A manufacturing business that already uses SAP would like to automate the maintenance of its production facility to achieve a hyperautomated end-to-end solution. Some of the individual processes are already partially digital, linked to the ERP system either directly or via Excel, but not connected to each other.
If an operator discovers a maintenance requirement on the production line, they first need to call the maintenance crew. A maintenance operative then attends and inspects the problem. They then have to return to their workstation to create the appropriate order in SAP and manually order spare parts. Everyone involved must log in to SAP regularly and check their inbox for updates in order to verify the information and request the latest order status.
With end-to-end process automation, the maintenance operative can use a handheld device to interact directly with the SAP system from the shop floor. This allows them to analyze the maintenance data generated automatically by the predictive maintenance system on their handheld device, schedule the maintenance intervention, document their actions in real time as they carry out the work, report costs and time requirements and check the availability of spare parts directly. This hyperautomated system not only accelerates the process but also makes it more efficient. It saves time and reduces costs.
Syntax – your partner for hyperautomation
Hyperautomation is not an end in itself; successful end-to-end automation is only ever as good as the underlying processes. Especially when it comes to production, this means that a good consultant will not only know how to use the IT solutions and technologies involved, but will also have in-depth understanding of the industry-specific processes. Syntax has been advising manufacturing businesses for many years in the scope of countless successful projects. We are therefore the ideal partner for medium-sized industrial companies. We know the market and the individual eco-systems, and work together with our customers to develop individual solutions for specific use-cases. Our expertise lays the foundation for automated optimization of business processes and the development of innovative business models.
Expert leadership in hyperautomation
“Hyperautomation – It’s our vision of a holistic business process automation approach. From understanding the business processes, to improving it. We focus on what’s most important, the human, enabling our full potential, taking the robot out of the human.”
Sinan Ioannidis
Director, Process Automation Excellence