People have been automating tasks and processes for centuries. Still, modern advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have introduced astounding possibilities in the world of automation. As businesses move toward mature automation, professionals with a working knowledge of AI and ML are in high demand.

Here’s how automation transforms business operations — and what it means for leaders.

What is Mature Automation?

Mature automation is achieved within an organization with processes, platforms, and technologies that reduce reliance on manual operations. Automation maturity is a spectrum, with all companies falling somewhere between fully manual and fully automated. The more mature an organization’s capacity for automation, the more productive and proactive it can be.

On one end of the automation maturity spectrum lies hyperautomation — the concept of automating everything within an organization that can be automated. To reach hyperautomation, companies implement advanced, integrated artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions.

How Hyperautomation Builds on Real Success

In contrast to ad-hoc automation solutions that address siloed business processes, hyperautomation takes a holistic approach, enhancing an organization’s overall operations through integrated platforms and technologies. Many predict hyperautomation will transform the future of business as we know it.

Moving toward automation maturity and hyperautomation requires advanced technical IT expertise, strategic planning, and keen business management skills. Virginia Tech’s Master of Information Technology program, with a specialization in AI/ML, prepares students to lead businesses into a more automated future.

Self-Learning Automation Achievements

One hallmark of reaching a high level of automation maturity is the implementation of self-learning automation. Self-learning automation harnesses the power of AI and ML to create systems that can make autonomous choices according to unstructured data and preset specifications.

Self-learning automation is transforming operations across various industries, including production and manufacturing. For example, Northern Italian machine-builder E.P.F. Elettrotecnica developed a technology that uses cameras and AI-powered image processing technology to detect defective brake pads, thus enabling a fully-automated quality control workflow.

Prepare for the Future of Automation

More and more businesses are turning to automation to streamline processes and workflows. With a shortage of AI specialists in today’s job market, there is a ripe opportunity for motivated IT experts to bridge that talent gap. Virginia Tech’s Master of Information Technology program provides IT leaders with the knowledge and experience they need to help businesses reach automation maturity.