We are stating here an interesting debatable topic. The plot is to discuss various
points on the personal skills and automation in the field of implementing small
business software. To keep our plot easy and simple we will not touch the ERP systems
or integrated software, otherwise it will be a large discussion, as ERPs are majorly
for large scale business and not for the small scale businesses.
Another reason for keeping ERP systems aside is because they are more governing
in nature and are bound by the rules and restrictions plus proper training is required
for them to be operated by individuals. While, small business software operates
more of individual skills to generate productivity out of them as they have few
operative restrictions and rules as compared to ERP systems. So let’s discuss
how skills of individuals have its impact in increasing productivity of business
software.
As rightly said, software tools are just to help the individual; so how can we compare
human with its helping tool. I would put some of the scenarios and will keep it
open for our readers to judge the statements. The scenarios will explain more from
the automation side; as for human skills, we are already aware of ourselves and
with the same ability, you will be able to judge this discussion.
Scenario 1. How to use software from different approaches.
In this scenario, we will use some simple task feature of the software or may be
the complete software with all its features. Let’s discuss it with both the
approaches. In performing simple tasks, say for example, in a project management
software which has loads of features, the project manager just uses a simple scheduling
feature which gives a to-do list. In this approach, project manager needs not to
use lot of skills to operate the software and also the software does not provide
much value for project management. Thus, software’s 90% features are not used
and goes waste and same for project manager as all his skills also does not get
involved at greater level.
If a project manager uses the same software for the automation for its complete
project management, he can use most of the intelligent features of the software
and add value, for example, using the Gantt chart to do complete project scheduling,
task management, assignment of tasks and other intelligent features, the value is
added to management. To elaborate the example, here by using Gantt chart and its
features, a project manager can handle multiple projects at a same time, handles
task milestones and deadlines and at the same time can manage the employee workload,
keeping the team happy and managing the project efficiently. To achieve this scenario,
project manager should have a good knowledge of how to work on Gantt Charts and
take logical decisions from time to time for highest productivity from himself and
the team.
Scenario 2. Saving time and increasing efficiency of work.
This is the most important concern these days as we say time is money, so if software
in use helps in saving time, it directly saves money. This time, we will take an
example of an Inventory Management software. If the operation manager uses it for generating invoices and purchase
orders, he might be saving lot of time as most of the information is preloaded and
accurate like item’s name, its properties (Price, discount, taxes, packaging)
and the information related to the vendor or customer, etc. This directly increases
the efficiency as invoice is created within few seconds, and if it’s done
manually, it would take more of time and more error prone. In this type of scenario,
skills of the operation executive are of lesser scope but accuracy is very important,
which can be achieved with the help of software.
Scenario 3. Transfer of duties and workflow from one individual to another.
This is a most dynamic part for any organization as people leave or gets transferred
to different positions. At that point of time, it becomes very difficult for a new
individual to take the charge with efficient productivity soon after joining, as
lot of things are to be taken care of, like team members, projects, small tasks,
customers, requirements and lot many things. Here, if a person having great skills
takes the charge of completing the pending assignments, he needs lot of pre-requisite
and correspondence from the previous employee and has to manage complete information
set. In such a case, software loaded with all required information along with working
style with teams, proves to be of great help. Hence it can be deduced that with
a combo of skills and software, the targets can be achieved.
Scenario 4. Up-gradation of Skills or Up-gradation of Software.
This in itself, a big question. And again we should not compare both the things
as we have seen both are important for the execution of work. Constant improvement
in skills as well as the software is required. This is true because in today’s
world where the business is changing very often and so do peoples’ expectations
to achieve the highest peak of their career, application of personal skills and
software are incomplete without one another. So I think, we have come to the conclusion
i.e. upgrading both, skills and software.
If I summarize in one line, the fight is between personal skills and automation
and above discussion points that personal skills is on heavy side of the measuring
balance. Automation is of no worth if manager do not possess skills to use the automation
to its fullest.
I will keep this discussion open for all our readers as some may disagree with certain
points or may be some readers want to contribute more towards it. Thanks for your
upcoming suggestions.
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