The robots aren’t coming for your job – they’re making it easier

Technology is advancing more quickly than ever, and with that comes the worry that it will create job instability—and, eventually, render the human workforce obsolete. We’ve all seen headlines that claim, “Robots, Automation and Technology Taking Over,” or that “AI and Automation Will Replace Most Human Workers.”

But looking beyond the headlines, it’s easy to find evidence to the contrary: thriving segments of the economy that have embraced data mining, machine learning, analytics, and other advanced technologies. In these segments, it’s clear that automation is not replacing humans but instead supporting workers by helping them manage their workloads and deliver better business results.

In healthcare, for example, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered bots assist with surgery. Robotic tools in surgery have been shown to improve accuracy and lower the risk of complications, resulting in shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times. The technology did not replace surgeons, but rather enhances their performance.

The HR, staffing and hiring industries rely on machine learning algorithms to rapidly scan hundreds of profiles and resumes to give recruiters insights on the talent pool. These tools accelerate the job search process for all participants, but they haven’t taken the human out of ‘Human Resources.’

In another example, marketers have traditionally endured a laborious trial and error methodology to manage pay-per-click ad campaigns. New technology drives digital ad management systems that help optimize targeting, right down to the mobile device or street corner location. Advanced digital advertising technologies have revitalized marketing and advertising, and the industry is projected to grow to $300 billion in 2019.

These are just a few examples of industry segments where the adoption of advanced technology have resulted in improved insights, better-informed decision making and better results. The good news is that, in each case, the role of people in the process has evolved – not dissolved. All of the segments described here are growing, not suffering the elimination of jobs.

Gary Lessels, General Manager of HotDocs, recently shared his perspective on the misplaced fear of technology in an article “Between the lines: Technology is not stealing our jobs – it enhances them” , published in The Scotsman, Scotland’s national newspaper. In the article, Gary observes:

“Many are calling the current technological surge the next Industrial Revolution, and just like those before, we will come out stronger with help from innovation. Once upon a time, the typewriter was an invention that disrupted the writing process, ultimately making it easier. Then came computers and keyboards, simplifying the activity even more. Technology is not stealing our jobs – it’s enhancing our ability to do those jobs.”

Gary knows of what he speaks; he leads the advancement of automated document assembly software that enables banks, insurance companies, law firms, corporations, government bodies and publishers to reduce risk, and save time when creating core business documents.

AbacusNext product offerings are all about automating your day-to-day workflows so you can focus on adding value for your clients. If your firm or organization works with contracts, forms, agreements, compliance documents or other standardized content, document automation technology could contribute significantly to your future growth. Read Gary’s article in the Scotsman, then learn more about HotDocs here.