The latest episode of the Cg Business Advisor Podcast features an insightful conversation with Alan Hester, President of Nividous Software Solutions, where he shares his expertise on leveraging technology to help businesses achieve peak efficiency. With over 25 years in the tech industry and past leadership roles at Xerox and Freedom Mortgage, Hester’s experience is deeply rooted in solving complex business problems through innovative solutions.
The Evolution and Impact of AI in Business
Hester notes that although artificial intelligence (AI) seems like a buzzword today, it’s far from a new concept. He explains how AI, once largely theoretical, is now a practical tool reshaping industries. From customer service to data analysis, businesses are using AI to streamline processes, predict trends, and drive innovation. What’s more, AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data allows businesses to make smarter decisions faster than ever before, revolutionizing how organizations operate. He emphasizes that AI is no longer just about automation of simple tasks but involves enhancing how companies approach their work. AI can predict customer behavior, personalize services, and even allow businesses to innovate in ways that weren’t possible before.
Nividous Software Solutions: A Holistic Approach to Automation
Nividous Software Solutions focuses on what Hester refers to as “intelligent automation”—a fusion of AI, robotic process automation (RPA), and business process management (BPM). According to Hester, Nividous is dedicated to end-to-end automation, helping businesses offload repetitive tasks so employees can focus on strategic initiatives.
By automating mundane tasks, Nividous’ technology reduces human error, speeds up processes, and frees up employees to engage in more meaningful, high-value activities. This shift not only enhances productivity but also improves employee satisfaction, as they no longer need to perform routine tasks that drain time and energy.
Holistic vs. Siloed Automation: The Next Step in Business Efficiency
Hester highlights the difference between siloed automation and holistic automation. Siloed automation focuses on automating individual tasks, whereas holistic automation spans across departments and integrates workflows, creating a seamless ecosystem that enhances overall business agility and scalability. Hester champions holistic automation, explaining that this approach maximizes the potential of automation throughout an organization, rather than limiting it to specific tasks.
Addressing Common Fears Around Automation
One of the misconceptions Hester tackles is the fear among employees that automation and AI will replace jobs. He stresses that these technologies are not about replacing humans but about enabling them to be more productive and creative. By automating routine work, businesses empower employees to focus on higher-order tasks like innovation, strategy, and problem-solving. Hester believes this leads to happier, more engaged employees who can contribute more effectively to the organization’s success.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Automation
Hester also discusses the broader benefits of automation, such as scalability, error reduction, and improved decision-making through actionable insights from data. However, he acknowledges that the transition can sometimes be met with resistance, especially if employees fear job loss. Therefore, effective change management and clear communication are essential when implementing automation solutions.
Starting Small: How Businesses Can Test Automation
For companies looking to experiment with automation, Hester suggests starting with robotic process automation (RPA)—a task-based automation approach that allows organizations to take small, manageable steps. He advises businesses to begin by automating simple, low cost tasks with high returns, demonstrating the value of automation to internal stakeholders before scaling up.
Final Thoughts
Alan Hester’s conversation on the Cg Business Advisor Podcast is a powerful reminder that while automation and AI are transforming the business landscape, their true potential lies in augmenting human capabilities. By offloading mundane tasks, intelligent automation enables employees to focus on what really matters—innovation, strategy, and creativity.
For businesses interested in exploring intelligent automation, Nividous offers a wealth of resources, including webinars and case studies on their website. Alan Hester is also available for further conversations on LinkedIn.
As Hester wisely advises, the key to success in today’s rapidly evolving business world is to “work smarter, not harder.”
Stay tuned to Cg Business Advisor for more insights on how businesses can achieve their goals and . Listen to this episode and other Cg Business Advisor episodes here: cgbusinessadvisor.com© 2024