Improved efficiency through micro-automation...and the difficulties involved in the implementation

The term “micro-automation” is used to describe the process of an individual or small group of individuals creating small-scale and highly customized tools to automate repetitive tasks. This process is typically performed on computer based tasks but is not explicitly limited to such. Two examples of micro-automation tools are presented and the topic of return-on-investment (ROI) calculation is briefly covered. Some generic difficulties that are encountered during the organizational implementation of a micro-automation program are discussed and various implementation methodologies are presented. The conclusion is that micro-automation can provide enormous efficiency increases but a strong change advocate is required in many organizations before the benefits of microautomation can be reaped on a large-scale basis