The much-anticipated SMEICC Exhibition 2023, organized by SCCCI, has kicked off with a powerful theme, “Leadership Next: Rising Above Adversity.” The event was held at Suntec Singapore on August 15-16, with the role of a guiding light for businesses striving to overcome obstacles.

Gleematic AI – Cognitive Automation team is proud to be an active participant in the SMEICC 2023 Conference Series, alongside our partners Pand.ai and OPSOLUTIONS. We were excited to share the transformative potential of technology solutions for reshaping the business landscape.

About SMEICC 2023

The SME & Infocomm Commerce Comference(SMIECC) is where the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) unveils this year’s dynamic theme, “Leadership Next: Rising Above Adversity.” This year’s theme, ‘Leadership Next: Rising Above Adversity,’ encapsulates the challenges businesses navigate during economic downturns. Strong leadership is the compass guiding organizations through difficulties, leading them towards greater strength and success. The conference sets the stage for thought-provoking discussions and groundbreaking solutions that guide businesses toward greater strength and success.

Our team at Gleematic AI – Cognitive Automation is excited to take part in the SMEICC Conference Series. Joining us, there are our fellow partners from Pand.ai and OPSOLUTIONS – altogether with us showcasing how our technology solutions can transform and improve the way business runs.

Christopher’s Sharing: Creating Autonomous Office

Christopher Lim, CEO and “Father” of Gleematic, delivered a compelling sharing session as part of the SMEICC SCCCI conference tracks. The track is “New Business Frontier with Artificial Intelligence”. The track focused on Artificial intelligence that appears to have set the world ablaze in 2023 with ChatGPT hitting all the right ‘musical notes’. Many other interesting A.I.-centric tools are getting on the bandwagon to demonstrate the different ways in which A.I. can be applicable to both businesses and individuals.

Joining Christopher Lim as speakers, for the panel discuthere were also be Bryan Chua (CTO for Strategic Customers, Microsoft Singapore), Zhi Xuan Pek (APAC AI Pillar Lead, Microsoft Singapore), Ashley Fernandez (Chief Data & AI Officer, Huawei International Pte Ltd). The track started with presentation by each speaker, each delivered a very interesting topic to delve into. The session then followed by panel discussions, led and moderated by Peter Leong, PhD (Senior Specialist (AI & Analytics), Singapore Polytechnic).

The core message he conveyed was the transformative power of the Autonomous Office, a concept where the amalgamation of automation and AI creates a dynamic workplace that enhances productivity, efficiency, and the overall employee experience.

Here are some key insights from Christopher’s session:

40% of Time Saved

The staggering statistic that individuals spend 40% of their time on administrative and recurring tasks underscores the need for a transformation towards an Autonomous Office. This vision is realized by harnessing the synergy between Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and AI.

Defining the Autonomous Office

Autonomous office means technologically advanced workplace where automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart systems to optimize various aspects of the working environment. It encompasses automated tasks, data-driven insights, AI assistance, and adaptable infrastructure, aiming to enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall employee experience. This concept envisions a workplace where routine operations are handled seamlessly by technology, enabling employees to focus on more strategic and value-added tasks while promoting collaboration and flexibility.

Key Characteristics of Autonomous Office

• Automation and AI Integration: The office leverages automation technologies and AI to streamline workflows, reduce manual errors, and accelerate processes.

• Smart Infrastructure: The workplace incorporates Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors to create a connected environment that gathers and analyzes data for optimal decision-making.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: An autonomous office relies on data analytics and machine learning algorithms to make data-driven decisions and optimize operations.

• Employee Empowerment: Automation is utilized to empower employees by automating repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic responsibilities that require creativity and critical thinking.

• Adaptability and Learning: The autonomous office continuously adapts and learns from its operations, identifying areas for improvement and optimizing processes over time.

How Autonomous Office Can Transform Office

Autonomous office can transform businesses by optimizing and automating office’s mundane and repetitive tasks in 6 ways:

1. Automated Processes

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Machine Learning algorithms, are revolutionizing how businesses handle repetitive and rule-based tasks. Automation eliminates the need for manual, repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on more complex and value-added activities. This reduction in mundane work leads to enhanced productivity as it frees up time and resources.

2. Process Optimization

Automation and technology enable the optimization of workflows and business processes. Companies can identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks, leading to process improvements that boost overall productivity.

3. Enhanced Efficiency, Increased Productivity

Automation streamlines workflows, reduces manual errors, and accelerates processes, leading to increased efficiency and productivity in the workplace.

4. Digital Transformation

Workplaces are undergoing digital transformations, adopting cloud-based software, and leveraging data analytics to make informed decisions and stay competitive.

5. Improved Customer Experience

Automation and technology improve customer service by providing faster responses, personalized interactions, and access to information at any time. Satisfied customers lead to increased loyalty and business growth.

6. Upskilling and Reskilling

The adoption of technology often requires employees to acquire new skills. Investing in upskilling and reskilling programs ensures that employees can leverage technology effectively, enhancing productivity in the long run.

Levels of Office Automation

A hierarchical categorization ranging from Lv.0 (no automation) to Lv.5 (fully automated tasks) helps organizations evaluate their automation maturity level:

• Level 0: Office with NO automation at all
• Level 1: Automation with human assistance
• Level 2: Office with partial automation
• Level 3: Office with conditional automation
• Level 4: Office that deploys high automation
• Level 5: Office with fully automated tasks

Core Technologies

Christopher delved into the core technologies underpinning the Autonomous Office. Robotic Process Automation involves Recognizing Screen Images, Controlling Software Applications, and Decision-Making functions. Artificial Intelligence encompasses Structured Data Machine Learning, Image/Face Recognition, and Natural Language Processing.

Real-World Applications: Synergy with ChatGPT

The “marriage” of Gleematic AI and these technologies opens doors to captivating applications. Examples included Data Validation with Face Recognition for the banking sector’s KYC process and Logistics Automation for streamlined data entry to Freight Forwarding Systems.

The integration of ChatGPT and AI-automation represents a new frontier. This pairing allows users to automate tasks and decision-making while facilitating meaningful conversations and end-to-end automation. One of the use cases shared was using ChatGPT and Automation for customer support.

Implementation Steps

Christopher highlighted the steps for implementing Cognitive Automation, including Process Mapping, Selecting Processes, and Process Re-engineering. He emphasized understanding business processes to determine the most effective automation approach.

The ultimate goal of these advancements is to liberate workers from manual and repetitive tasks, thereby enabling them to allocate more time to value-added activities and enhancing their overall work-life balance.

Read for more: How to Build A Successful Automation Strategy

A specials thanks to the organizers, partners and visitors for making SMEICC 2023 a sucessful exhibition. We are looking forwad to the next event to share the power of Cognitive Automation. Gleematic hopes to illuminate the path towards a future where technology catalyzes business growth and human potential.

Written by: Reiko Anjani