Automation: A Zimbabwean case

Introduction

Zimbabwe like most countries in the global village needs to start thinking about automation. Automation differs from mechanisation in that the former refers to processes to do with transactional processing like filing, data capturing etc. For the purposes of this article mechanisation on the other hand refers to the use of machinery in a manufacturing environment.

Advantages of automation

The automation of accounting  and related business processes is very critical in creating competitive advantage. The competitive advantage gained is very sustainable in the long run as other global examples like Walmart would testify. The entities that have automated have reaped the advantages through lower overhead costs and efficient execution of strategy. Automation has been proved to free resources from the mundane manual processes to focus on value adding activities. 

The case of Zimbabwe

The discussion on automation is not topical in Zimbabwe as yet,  but it should given that the country seeks to engage global partners and enter international markets. The technology that brings about automation does not come cheap and it is only the financially stable and established entities that seem to afford. At face value this argument seems logical but a closer analysis reveals that this is not so as there are software packages that cater for small, medium and large entities. From the turn of the century technology has been heavily commoditised and is becoming affordable to those previously excluded. The computer as an example is now accessible to a rural primary school kid (a fantasy in the 1990's). 

Way forward

Those keen on success need to consider technological issues as strategic and not tactical they should be part of any boardroom discussion. Stockbroking firms need online trading platforms, trade payables need to be automated, data capturing, receipting and all manual processes that are tedious and time consuming. Going forward this also calls for a relook at some functions within an organisation mainly the accounting function. Accountants in the next four to ten years will not be recruited for their numerical prowess (for ERP's and machines can do this better), they will be hired for their ability to synthesise data into valuable strategic information. They will be hired for identifying patterns and trends and interpreting them. Accountants need to change their curriculum at tertiary institutions to deal with future expectations. In Zimbabwe, contrary to popular beliefs those companies that have embraced technology have been posting excellent financial results.

Conclusion

 Companies in the telecommunication sector as well as financial institutions posted remarkable results owing to their reliance on technology. In conclusion whether Zimbabwean entities are ready for automation or not it is here and we should adapt.