Automation is becoming a key trend for Japanese enterprises to maintain and enhance operational efficiency. However, implementing these technologies isn’t straightforward, with challenges ranging from an aging workforce to outdated IT infrastructure. The question arises: how can companies optimize automation while ensuring security and cost-effectiveness?
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Challenges in optimizing automation in Japan
The aging workforce dilemma
According to the World Economic Forum‘s “Future of Jobs 2023” report, nearly half of Japanese companies employ workers over 70 years old. This growing workforce gap is especially pronounced in high-skill industries. Enhancing technical skills for these employees is crucial, but it also presents challenges in terms of cost and time.
Moreover, Japanese employees are generally more risk-averse and resistant to change compared to their global counterparts. Long-standing work culture and conservative approaches create barriers to technological change and automation. Companies need effective internal communication and training strategies to mitigate employee resistance to new technologies.
Current IT systems in Japanese enterprises
Although Japan is renowned for its technological achievements, it ranked only 32nd out of 64 economies in the IMD World Competitiveness Center’s 2023 Digital Competitiveness Ranking. Most Japanese enterprises operate on outdated IT systems developed many years ago, which are no longer sufficient for current business needs, especially in the context of optimizing automation.
59% of IT leaders recognize that legacy systems hinder operational efficiency, causing businesses to miss growth opportunities and lose competitive advantage to those adopting more modern technologies. However, choosing technology that aligns with business needs and specifics is a significant challenge, causing many leaders to hesitate in platform migration.
High security demands
Information security is a top priority for Japanese enterprises as they develop towards Society 5.0. Government regulations on security and privacy are often stringent, requiring significant investment in advanced security solutions.
Moreover, optimizing automation typically involves large amounts of data being stored and processed, creating potential vulnerabilities within the system. This demands robust measures to ensure information security and protect sensitive corporate data.
Expert recommendations
Migrating to new automated platforms
In response to the challenges within Japan’s enterprise IT systems, a recommended solution is migrating to more advanced platforms. Fifty-eight percent of businesses globally are either transitioning or planning to transition to new automation platforms (according to Blueprint). Modern RPA platforms integrate seamlessly with existing systems, enhancing efficiency and freeing up human resources for higher-value tasks.
With high flexibility, new RPA platforms allow businesses to customize and scale applications as needed, thereby reducing costs and improving operational efficiency. Migration also helps companies comply with information security regulations and strengthens their competitive edge.
Read more: Migration to new automation platforms: A solution for Japanese businesses
Choosing the right provider for the automation journey
Experts advise enterprises to choose reputable, experienced providers committed to supporting the automation implementation process. A trustworthy provider not only offers advanced technology solutions but also provides consulting, training, and effective technology transfer. Selecting the right provider helps businesses save on implementation costs and time, enhancing operational performance.
akaBot (FPT) is a leading provider of intelligent automation solutions with nearly 4,000 enterprise customers across 21 countries (as of Q3 2024). akaBot’s solution has demonstrated clear effectiveness, backed by solution capabilities and customer support recognized by top global organizations (Gartner Peer Insights, Everest Group, IDC). This ensures satisfaction for Japanese customers when deploying and using akaBot in the automation optimization process.
By understanding and addressing challenges while applying expert recommendations, Japanese enterprises can overcome barriers and achieve outstanding results in their automation journey.
References:
Japan won its ‘war’ on floppy disks, but its love of archaic tech lingers
Why Application Migration is Essential for Tech Companies
akaBot (FPT) is the operation optimization solution for enterprises based on the RPA (Robotic Process Automation) platform combined with Artificial Intelligence, Process Mining, OCR, Intelligent Document Processing, Machine Learning, Conversational AI, etc. Serving clients in 21+ countries, across 08 domains such as Banking & Finances, Retail, IT Services, Manufacturing, and Logistics…, akaBot is featured in “Voice of the Customer” for Robotics Process Automation” by Gartner Peer Insights, G2, and ranked as Top 6 Global RPA Platform by Software Reviews. akaBot also won the prestigious Stevie Award, The Asian Banker Award 2021, Everest Group’s RPA Products PEAK Matrix® 2023, etc.
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