I recently came across an article about automation and future of work, published by Anna Bruce-Lockhart (World Economic Forum). The author wrote about the increasing rate of automation, the need for new skills and changing work environment.

The graph below caught my attention:

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How relevant is the automation for professionals working in quality, certification, continuous improvement etc.?

Is it possible to substitute 100% of human-driven processes with machines?

Let me give you a few examples for consideration:

1. Fault investigation and reporting on customer complaints

2. Concession process for non-conforming goods

3. Differentiation between minor and major non-conformities based on a unique business situation

4. Prioritization of continuous improvement projects

5. Internal/external auditing

No doubt, all of the processes listed above can benefit from automation. Can the decision-making process be fully automated, though? Let’s not forget that it’s not always “black or white”. There is a lot of “grey” where human judgement prevails.

Call me old school, but I cannot see how automation can take >50% ownership of the decision-making process in the business.

What is your experience with automation in the business? Can you see immediate or long term risk of substituting humans with machines?

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