#Japan #Shibuya #back office #AI Utilization #AgileWorks

Introduction

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into back office operations is transforming traditional workflows and significantly enhancing efficiency. A recent survey conducted by Eightred, a leading provider of workflow systems, highlighted that approximately 80% of back office professionals are currently using AI tools, particularly for tasks such as document verification and proofreading. This article delves into the findings of the survey, which included responses from 110 professionals involved in driving digital transformations (DX) within their organizations.

Current Challenges in Back Office Operations

The survey revealed a range of challenges that back office employees face in their roles. The most common issue cited (57.3%) was the existence of tasks that are only understood by specific individuals, leading to inefficiencies and knowledge silos. Other significant concerns included:

• - 47.3% cited delays due to non-digitalized processes.
• - 43.6% noted the dispersal of data across multiple systems.
• - 38.2% pointed out inadequate paperless practices, leading to time costs and management overheads.

These challenges suggest a need for greater digital integration within back office functions to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The Impact of Generative AI Tools

With regards to the use of generative AI, the survey revealed noteworthy insights:

• - Around 76.4% of respondents reported utilizing generative AI tools for back office tasks.
• - Notably, 69% of those using AI affirmed its effectiveness in document verification and proofreading, showcasing AI's potential to streamline workflows dramatically.
• - Other areas where professionals noted the desire to automate include data aggregation and analysis (53.6%) and data entry (51.8%).

Information Gathering Using Generative AI

The role of generative AI extends beyond operational tasks to information gathering as well. A significant 40.9% of respondents actively utilize tools like ChatGPT or Gemini for most of their information collection needs. This reflects a shift towards leveraging AI capabilities to enhance decision-making and reduce research time.

Analyzing AI Effectiveness and Future Plans

Despite the benefits, some challenges remain in the practical application of generative AI. Approximately 66.7% of users reported difficulties in formulating the right questions to achieve desired outcomes. Some also noted that confirming the accuracy of AI-generated content can be time-consuming (48.8%).

Encouragingly, when asked about future plans, nearly 90% of participants indicated intentions to expand their use of AI in the workplace. Many aim to repurpose time saved through AI efficiencies towards other strategic tasks, like strengthening interdepartmental collaboration (52.7%) and improving business processes (50%).

Conclusion

The findings from Eightred's survey not only illustrate the current landscape of AI adoption in back office operations, but they also highlight a clear roadmap for future integration. The reported desire for a shift towards more strategic and creative tasks underscores the importance of AI in empowering employees. As organizations strive to enhance productivity and streamline processes, the move to adopt AI technologies appears both promising and necessary. The ideal future for back office functions will center around leveraging AI to relieve employees from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on innovation and strategic planning.

About AgileWorks

Eightred's AgileWorks platform represents a robust solution for complex approval flows in medium to large organizations. With features like web API integration, comprehensive document searches, and mobile accessibility, AgileWorks supports seamless workflow efficiency. The platform is designed to adapt swiftly to changes within organizational structures, making it an invaluable tool in the realm of business technology. For more details on how AgileWorks can optimize your workplace, visit here.