2024 automation trends

After painstakingly reviewing trends in automation over the last couple of years, few have stood the test of time, and fewer show great potential for the future. So, the hope for reviewing the trends mid-year in 2024 is to see if these still hold their weight next year and longer.

Automation, despite the bad reputation it garners being an over-saturated buzzword in the business technology realm, is actually sought after more than anything else in growing enterprises right now. Automation, as it was, is a more nuanced topic than it has been portrayed, as automation can mean a myriad of things, and its application and concepts are just as vast.

As companies scale and operations grow, their processes and departments tend to lean heavily on technology-based solutions to handle the majority of the workload and filter high-value-adding processes to capable hands.

Here are five top-funnel automation trends to be aware of for the rest of 2024.

1.  Hyperautomation    

What is hyperautomation?   

Enhanced automation involves utilizing cutting-edge technologies, like robotic process automation (RPA), business process management (BPM), and customer relationship management (CRM) to automate business processes from start to finish.

It surpasses automation methods by merging tools and systems to establish a seamlessly efficient workflow. The goal of enhanced automation is to streamline operations, minimize effort, and boost productivity by linking systems and automating recurring tasks throughout an organization.

Complete autonomy of operations and full enterprise efficiency   

Companies pursue hyperautomation to achieve full autonomy in their operations and business by eliminating inefficiencies, reducing errors, and accelerating processes. By integrating various automation tools, businesses can ensure seamless data flow, improve decision-making, and enhance operational agility.

The up-and-coming trend of hyperautomation in 2024 is poised to revolutionize business operations by driving efficiency and fostering integration. Leveraging technologies such as customer relationship management (CRM) and business process management (BPM), hyperautomation enables workflow automation, dismantling barriers between different departments.

This proactive approach to enhancing all facets of business operations not only optimizes processes; it also enhances data precision and accelerates decision-making processes, granting businesses a competitive advantage.

In the quest for heightened productivity and adaptability, hyperautomation facilitates the blending of automation tools to ensure smoother operations that align better with strategic goals.

2.  Procurement trends    

In 2024, businesses increasingly turn to automation in supply chain management and quality process review (QPR) to boost efficiency and accuracy. Companies prioritize adopting procurement automation trends like BPMS, SCM tools, and robust RPA to streamline operations and cut costs. Time tracking and data analysis play a role in making better decisions and strengthening supplier relationships. Valiantly, blockchain technology is gaining popularity for its ability to offer secure transaction records, enhancing trust and traceability in the supply chain.

Sustainability is also a focus for companies using automation to monitor and reduce their impact. Automated procurement systems now come with features that assist businesses in sourcing eco-materials and ensuring compliance with regulations.

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices enables monitoring of inventory and logistics, leading to reduced waste and optimized resource utilization. 

As companies strive to stay competitive, incorporating technologies into supply chain and procurement processes is essential for agility and meeting market demands.

These developments signify a shift towards more efficient and sustainable practices in supply chain management in 2024.

3.  No-code automation    

No-code automation tools, such as BPM solutions on the market, enable users to automate tasks without the need for coding through user drag-and-drop interfaces. These tools are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to all, allowing project managers and non-technical staff alike to create and manage workflows without any coding experience.

These tools improve efficiency by simplifying tasks, cut costs by reducing reliance on IT resources, and offer flexibility through swift adjustments to workflows. They empower employees to optimize processes and strengthen collaboration between the business and IT teams while scaling alongside business expansion.

A significant advantage of these tools is their integration with systems, facilitating smooth data flow and informed decision-making that drives overall business success.

The  democratization of tech    

Adoption of cloud-native platforms

Cloud-native platforms (CNPs) have become integral to modern digital infrastructure. As cloud adoption matures, managing workloads across hybrid and multi-cloud environments is increasingly complex, with edge computing gaining importance.

Central to optimizing CNPs are key strategies like Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD).

IaC automates the provisioning and configuration of cloud infrastructure, streamlining setup and ensuring consistency. CI/CD pipelines, on the other hand, automate the software development and deployment process, accelerating delivery and enhancing reliability. Organizations that effectively leverage IaC and CI/CD will be at the forefront of the digital evolution.

Shift to distributed cloud and hybrid IT

In 2024, distributed cloud has emerged as a preferred infrastructure model. This approach is more than using multiple cloud services by decentralizing resources across cloud platforms, on-premises data centers, and user devices.

Intelligent automation and orchestration are essential for managing and optimizing these diverse environments. Embracing the distributed cloud model provides businesses with greater agility, resilience, and a competitive edge.

Infrastructure moving from mainframes to cloud

Mainframes, once the backbone of enterprise IT, are being challenged by cloud-native platforms that offer greater agility and scalability. Infrastructure modernization is key, with a focus on migrating mainframe workloads to the cloud.

This migration requires thorough planning, skilled personnel, and effective tools. For some critical applications, a hybrid approach combining cloud and mainframe might be necessary. Effective automation is crucial for managing both cloud and on-premises tasks efficiently.

4.  Shift-left testing    

What is shift-left testing automation?   

Shift-left testing automation involves conducting testing activities in the software development lifecycle. Instead of waiting until the end of the development process, shift-left testing moves these tasks to phases, such as during requirements and design stages.

This proactive approach helps detect defects, reduces the risk of late-stage failures, and speeds up development by integrating continuous testing with development processes.

Why should companies incorporate shift-left testing in every cycle before launching a product? 

It's crucial for companies to implement automation-based shift-left testing in each process cycle before launch to ensure ongoing quality assurance. Hyperautomation utilizes technologies like AI, machine learning, and RPA to automate processes, leading to comprehensive and swift testing coverage.

This method decreases errors, improves test accuracy, and accelerates the development cycle, ensuring products are robust, dependable, and ready for market release. By addressing issues, companies can avoid costly post-launch corrections and enhance their time-to-market strategy while staying competitive.

In 2024, there is a growing trend towards shift-left testing automation in IT departments as businesses strive for increased efficiency and early defect identification.

Integrating testing at a stage in the development process allows organizations to spot and resolve problems sooner, ultimately cutting down on time and expenses. This strategy aligns with the trend of automation, making IT operations like integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) more efficient, which is crucial for staying competitive.

Automated testing tools and frameworks have become indispensable for IT teams, facilitating feedback cycles, enhancing software quality, and promoting development methods.

5.  Digital twins   

What are digital twins?   

Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical assets, systems, or processes that use real-time data and advanced simulations to mirror their real-world counterparts. These digital models allow for continuous monitoring, analysis, and optimization, enabling organizations to understand and predict the behavior and performance of their physical counterparts under various conditions.

Why adopt digital twins methodology?   

Using digital twin techniques to examine each process cycle ensures analysis and improvement, resulting in increased efficiency and minimized downtime. By simulating scenarios and detecting issues beforehand, digital twins support maintenance and well-informed decision-making.

The concept of digital twins is revolutionizing automation trends in 2024 by offering replicas of physical assets, systems, and processes. These advanced simulations allow for real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization, leading to operations and predictive maintenance. In the realm of IT processes, digital twins play a role in enhancing cybersecurity measures, optimizing data centers, and streamlining DevOps workflows.

Businesses rely on twins to replicate situations, anticipate potential challenges early on, and base decisions on data insights, fostering innovation and sustaining competitiveness in an increasingly automated environment.

Speed, sustainability, and data security via automation   

 Speed   

• Automation accelerates task completion, significantly reducing processing times and enhancing operational efficiency.
• It minimizes delays, facilitating real-time data processing and decision-making.
• Automated systems streamline workflows, ensuring faster execution of business operations.

 Sustainability   

• Automation optimizes resource use, cutting down on waste and energy consumption.
• It supports eco-friendly practices by making processes more efficient and sustainable.
• Companies can meet global environmental standards and goals through automated systems.

 Data security   

• Automation minimizes human error, thereby reducing the risk of data breaches.
• It implements robust protection measures, ensuring sensitive information is safeguarded.
• Automated systems ensure consistent and secure data handling, maintaining high data security standards.