How can Hyperautomation improve operations?
Hyperautomation is rapidly rising in significance, with its
global market projected to grow from about USD 22.7 billion in 2024 to USD 60.6
billion by
2030. Global studies indicate that integrating hyperautomation technologies
with redesigned operational processes has reduced operational costs by up to 30%
as of 2024. Reports also show that companies adopting automation technologies
have achieved up to a 70% decrease in operational errors, alongside significant
improvements in accuracy and quality.
In the Arab region, governments are accelerating digital
transformation efforts and investing heavily in advanced technologies. For
instance, IT spending in the Middle East and North Africa reached around USD
183.8 billion in 2024,
while AI-related spending surpassed USD 3 billion—a 32% increase from 2023.
However, the adoption of hyperautomation among Arab companies remains in
relatively early stages compared to global markets, due to challenges such as
limited strategic awareness, reliance on legacy systems, and a shortage of
skilled talent.
This raises a central question: how can hyperautomation be practically applied
to enhance the efficiency and agility of operational processes?
What is Hyperautomation and How Does It Work in
Operations?
Hyperautomation is an integrated approach that leverages
multiple technologies to utilize intelligent operational data and achieve
end-to-end automation. It goes beyond simple task automation by combining
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Natural Language
Processing (NLP) with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to analyze, orchestrate,
and optimize complex workflows.
According to Oracle,
hyperautomation aims to improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of daily
business operations by harnessing operational data to predict needs and
recommend optimal real-time actions.
To implement this effectively, organizations must first
identify automatable sub-processes, gather relevant data, and integrate sources
into connected information flows. Suitable technologies are then selected—from
low-code RPA platforms to advanced AI tools—training AI models on defined
business rules. The final stage establishes a unified automation ecosystem
governed by a Center of Excellence (CoE) that oversees project alignment and
operational governance.
Core Components and Technologies
Hyperautomation comprises several interconnected
technologies, including:
- Robotic
Process Automation (RPA):
the execution backbone that automates repetitive tasks.
- Business
Process Management (BPM):
for process design, control, and optimization.
- Low-code/No-code
platforms: to rapidly build workflows and
interfaces.
- Artificial
Intelligence: including ML and computer
vision, which analyze historical and real-time data to predict outcomes
and prevent errors.
In short, Oracle explains hyperautomation as “the
combination of business process automation, software integrations, and
operational data pipelines that train AI and automate complex workflows - unlocking
new levels of precision and productivity.”
Hyperautomation vs. Traditional RPA
Traditional RPA automates predefined, rule-based tasks such
as data entry or system updates. Hyperautomation, on the other hand, introduces
“cognitive intelligence,” allowing systems to understand text, interpret data,
and make decisions much like a human. While RPA is limited to repetitive
routines, hyperautomation can handle unstructured information, manage complex
customer interactions, and even forecast product demand without human
intervention.
How Hyperautomation Enhances Efficiency and
Reduces Costs
Hyperautomation significantly improves business efficiency
by minimizing errors and accelerating process execution. Reports suggest that
organizations leveraging AI and advanced analytics can reduce operational costs
by 10%–50% through automation of routine tasks.
- Reduced
operational costs: Studies show
that hyperautomation can reduce process errors by up to 70%, cutting
expenses related to rework, auditing, and corrections. Overall, businesses
can achieve a return on investment (ROI) of 30%–200% within the first year
of deployment.
- Increased
productivity and service quality:
Employees can focus on high-value strategic tasks instead of repetitive
ones, leading to faster response times and improved customer satisfaction.
For example, smart automation enables personalized and seamless customer
interactions, boosting overall organizational productivity.
- Agility
and adaptability: Predictive AI
systems can automatically adjust workflows in response to changing market
or business conditions. Hyperautomation-enabled digital transformations
have resulted in smarter, more responsive supply chains—such as Chipotle’s
use of automation to forecast inventory needs and save millions annually.
Ultimately, hyperautomation is not merely a cost-cutting
tool—it is an innovation driver that allows organizations to reimagine their
operations and deliver exceptional customer value in an increasingly
competitive market.
Global and Regional Case Studies
Hyperautomation has been implemented successfully across
multiple industries worldwide:
- Global examples: Oracle
highlights Lyft’s use
of automation to cut its financial closing time by half. Brazil’s
e-commerce platform Facily automated finance, inventory, and logistics
management, speeding order fulfillment and improving inventory accuracy.
Gaming leader Razer integrated AI-powered chatbots that now handle 50% of
customer inquiries autonomously, increasing satisfaction while reducing
support workload.
- Arab and regional examples: In the Middle
East, the banking, telecom, and government sectors in the UAE and Saudi
Arabia have begun large-scale deployments of smart robots and automation
systems. Gulf-based companies are automating digital banking services and
insurance claims through machine learning, aligning with national digital
transformation goals. Governments are also investing in AI and automation
training programs to strengthen competitiveness and build future-ready
workforces.
In Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 aims to localize 50% of
industrial production through intelligent systems. These initiatives reflect
the growing integration of hyperautomation into the Arab digital economy and
underscore the urgency for businesses to adopt it for global competitiveness.
How Arab Companies Can Adopt Hyperautomation
Adoption begins with structured planning rooted in deep
process analysis and data readiness. Key steps include:
·
Identify
automation opportunities: Pinpoint
repetitive tasks and workflow bottlenecks, involving frontline employees to
uncover automation priorities.
·
Unify
and connect data systems: Aggregate
operational data from various sources to enable effective AI learning.
Integrating legacy and modern systems ensures smooth data flow.
·
Select
suitable platforms and tools:
Combine RPA for task automation, low-code platforms for integration, and ML
tools for analytics and prediction. Cloud-based solutions such as Oracle’s
platforms can simplify deployment without heavy infrastructure investments.
·
Build
digital skills and a Center of Excellence:
Technology alone is insufficient—success requires trained teams and governance
frameworks. A CoE should oversee implementation, training, and change
management to minimize resistance and ensure long-term adoption.
·
Measure
and iterate: Establish clear KPIs to track ROI
and performance improvements. Mature organizations continuously refine
automation models to enhance adaptability and efficiency.
Common challenges include resistance to change, limited
expertise, and security or ethical concerns. To overcome them, experts
recommend adopting robust cybersecurity frameworks, developing clear governance
strategies, and collaborating with reliable solution providers. Transparent
leadership and employee incentives can further accelerate adoption.
Hyperautomation is no longer a luxury - it is a strategic
necessity for organizations aiming to thrive in the digital era. When
implemented thoughtfully, it enables Arab companies to optimize efficiency,
minimize waste, and respond faster to customer demands. With strong government
support and increasing regional investment in digital transformation, the next
frontier lies in building
internal capabilities - through workforce upskilling and strategic
technology partnerships - to unlock the full potential of this intelligent
business revolution.
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