Mistake 1. Trying to Automate Everything at Once
Companies frequently attempt to cover all departments and processes immediately, resulting in:
-
Lengthy implementation (6-12 months)
-
High customization costs
-
Employee resistance
Solution: Start with the most problematic processes (e.g., contracts or primary documents).
Mistake 2. Choosing the Wrong Solution
Enterprise ERP systems often:
-
Require business-specific adaptations
-
Include excessive functionality
-
Have steep learning curves
Example: Implementing a full CRM when just a website form was needed.
Mistake 3. Ignoring the Human Factor
Employees typically:
-
Fear changes
-
Don't understand the new system
-
Keep working the old way
Mistake 4. Underestimating Integration Needs
Disconnected systems lead to:
-
Duplicate data entry
-
Information transfer errors
-
Wasted time
Mistake 5. Lack of Phased Implementation Plan
Without clear planning:
-
Processes get delayed
-
Unexpected costs arise
-
Results disappoint
Soft Automation: An Alternative Approach
Traditional automation often resembles replacing a bicycle with a car when you just need better pedals. Soft automation focuses on specific tasks without overhauling all processes.
5 Principles of Soft Automation:
-
Targeted problem-solving
-
Minimal disruption to existing workflows
-
Easy integration with current tools
-
Rapid implementation (days not months)
-
Gradual feature expansion
Real-World Case:
A company received 50+ daily proposals via email. Instead of complex CRM:
-
Created a website form with required fields
-
Set up automatic Telegram bot forwarding
-
Added simple tagging for sorting
Results:
-
40% faster processing
-
3x fewer errors
-
3-day implementation vs 3 months
Implementing Soft Automation:
-
Identify the most painful process
-
Define minimum required features
-
Select low-barrier tools
-
Test with a small user group
-
Expand functionality gradually
Key Benefits:
-
Low initial investment
-
Minimal risks
-
Fast ROI
-
Flexible adjustments