The Automation Trap: Why We Don’t Trust Automation (Yet)
Burned by Bad Tech? Here’s Why This Time, It’s Different.
🧠 We’ve Been Burned Before and We Remember
Automation sounds brilliant in theory, fewer manual tasks, faster processes, and more time to lead. For many SME owners and decision-makers though, there is a lingering doubt, “Can I trust a system to run parts of my business?” Maybe you have tried a platform before that promised everything and delivered very little. Maybe it created more problems than it solved. Afterall, once bitten, we are all twice as shy. Trust isn’t just about features either; it’s emotional. You’ve worked too hard to let automation make a mess of things.
🔍 Trust Is Earned, and Built, One Detail at a Time
We have all read the headlines about Klarna’s CEO reversing the decision to make customer service AI focused (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/klarna-ceo-sebastian-siemiatkowski-ai-job-cuts-hiring-b2755580.html), or how Birmingham City’s new computer systems went from £19 million to £109 million and still isn’t working. (https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2094965-birmingham-city-council’s-it-chaos-as-costs-soar-to-109m). These are scary stories and most businesses have neither the cash nor the time to get into these kinds of quagmires. No wonder most SME leaders are nervous about changing computer systems.
Let’s face it, the devils in the details. Trusting automation isn’t about flipping a switch and walking away. It’s about understanding exactly what’s being automated, how it works, and who’s still ultimately in the driver’s seat. The best way to overcome doubt is to start small and build confidence gradually.
Here’s what smart SMEs are doing to rebuild trust in automation and to forge ahead:
Think about where your team spend time and what earns your business money. Identify the jobs that must be done, but not necessarily by a person. Remember, every little action takes time and can cause frustration, so you should aim to remove those.
Start with simple, visible workflows and processes that reduce admin. Quoting, invoicing, stock management, or stakeholder communication are a great place to start.
Specify what you need carefully, and decide where to compromise and where not to. This will save you time and money. Remember, off the shelf is cheaper at the outset, but sometimes bespoke elements save a lot of time and money in day to day activities.
Choose a tool that enhances existing processes, either with lots of little tools & integrations that you can keep adding to or with one holistic platform that can grow with your business, so you don’t need to keep changing the fundamentals of how you work.
Use platforms that offer transparency and adaptability, so that you retain control, particularly when the process changes, so you can reduce running costs.
Keep staff involved throughout the process, as they will be using the systems, will know where the opportunities are, and need to be part of the culture change
Review and refine processes regularly to ensure they stay effective
Remember that sometimes you need the human touch! People like people, so allow automation to give staff time for customer care & people management.
🚀 Why PruneSoftware Is Different
At PruneSoftware, we understand the scepticism. That’s why our platforms are designed to keep you informed, empowered, and in control. Our no-code automation software puts you in charge at every point, from what’s automated, to how the system integrates with your business. It’s built for people who’ve tried before and been let down.
With Prune, you can:
Start small and build confidence through visible, repeatable wins
Automate tasks without removing the human touch where required
Stay in control with full visibility into every process
Customise the platform to suit your pace and comfort
Not all that glitters is gold, but when it comes to automation, Prune delivers.
🔗 You Deserve Tools You Can Trust
You don’t need to hand over the keys to your business to benefit from automation. You just need the right partner, the right tools, and a platform that earns your trust one workflow at a time.
Take the first step today. Rebuild trust in automation with confidence.
👉 Visit www.prunesoftware.com
#TrustInTech #AIForBusiness #AutomationJourney #EthicalAutomation #SMEChallenge
Email us using hello@prunesoftware.com, or call us on 01926 512475.