In an effort to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, many companies jump into automation without considering the bigger picture. They adopt one tool to solve a problem, and then another one to handle a different set of challenges. The end result is that organisations use multiple tools and technologies – many of which don't co-operate and collaborate with each other – to handle different parts of a larger process. What else causes friction in the business journey? Processes that exist but haven't yet been automated.

Digital transformation is the key to remaining competitive and accelerating growth in a digital-first world. Yet for many companies, the dream of end-to-end automation of business operations is easier said than done. In a recent Forbes Global Insight survey of business leaders conducted in partnership with my company, only 1 in 4 said they were able to automate a larger business process. The reason is simple: In an effort to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, many companies jump into automation without considering the bigger picture. They adopt one tool to solve a problem -- and then another one to handle a different set of challenges.