Charles Drayson

May 18 · 1 min read

Anecdotally, I hear lots about shortages of labor and materials. The press refer to difficulties caused by Covid and now disruption in Ukraine. Today, I hear the Bank of England see inflation reaching 10% by Autumn, and it seems the commentators think a recession is on the way. If inflation depresses spending, we might then also look at a return of unemployment problems in some sectors. All gloomy stuff.

The UK has had a problem with productivity, and one assumes organisations globally might now be serious about improving productivity. It’s almost a trite observation to say this ought to favor adoption of automation technologies.

Historically, organisations needed capital expenditure to fund investment in plant and machinery to boost productivity. Today, more software solutions offered as software-as-a-service on a subscription basis (no cap.ex.), favourable trials and shorter contract commitments. I don’t think cost has been the obstacle to broader adoption.

In the field of automation and business process management, I believe projects haven’t come to the top of the must-do list because it hasn’t been the most immediate priority faced by organisations. If most organisations operate with sub-optimal processes, there is less pressure to improve. That must surely be about to change.I cannot think of a period in my working life when we more badly needed to find ways to get things done. It used to be said: “Better, cheaper, faster – pick any two.” Now we can improve all three vectors at the same time.

Legito’s business is about automating document-based business processes. Such processes might seem far removed from the challenge of distributing grain, energy and health care to where they are needed, but of course they are not. Nobody processes documents for intrinsic benefit – it’s always part of a bigger mission.

Often, it’s about connecting people and organisations to enable them to work together. It’s useful, and we should do it better if we can.

Anecdotally, I hear lots about shortages of labor and materials. The press refer to difficulties caused by Covid and now disruption in Ukraine. Today, I hear the Bank of England see inflation reaching 10% by Autumn, and it seems the commentators think a recession is on the way. If inflation depresses spending, we might then also look at a return of unemployment problems in some sectors. All gloomy stuff.

The UK has had a problem with productivity, and one assumes organisations globally might now be serious about improving productivity. It’s almost a trite observation to say this ought to favor adoption of automation technologies.

Historically, organisations needed capital expenditure to fund investment in plant and machinery to boost productivity. Today, more software solutions offered as software-as-a-service on a subscription basis (no cap.ex.), favourable trials and shorter contract commitments. I don’t think cost has been the obstacle to broader adoption.

In the field of automation and business process management, I believe projects haven’t come to the top of the must-do list because it hasn’t been the most immediate priority faced by organisations. If most organisations operate with sub-optimal processes, there is less pressure to improve. That must surely be about to change.

I cannot think of a period in my working life when we more badly needed to find ways to get things done. It used to be said: “Better, cheaper, faster – pick any two.” Now we can improve all three vectors at the same time.

Legito’s business is about automating document-based business processes. Such processes might seem far removed from the challenge of distributing grain, energy and health care to where they are needed, but of course they are not. Nobody processes documents for intrinsic benefit – it’s always part of a bigger mission.

Often, it’s about connecting people and organisations to enable them to work together. It’s useful, and we should do it better if we can.

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