Hyperautomation has ceased to be just a promise and has become a competitive necessity for companies that wish to evolve rapidly in an increasingly digital world. In my career as a technology executive, I closely witnessed how hyperautomation transitioned from an exploratory stage to establish itself as a transformative and irreversible business strategy.
By definition, hyperautomation combines RPA (Robotic Process Automation), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), iPaaS (integration platforms as a service), and other emerging technologies to automate end-to-end complex processes. However, beyond the definition, the true value of hyperautomation lies in its ability to seamlessly and intelligently integrate people, processes, and data—an achievement previously confined to technological silos.
Today, there are solutions that go far beyond traditional RPA, such as ITSM automation, help desk automation, business process automation, integration with legacy systems via APIs or UI, and native incorporation of generative AI. This enables automations with predictive analysis, contextual decision-making, and greater adaptability.
Trends Shaping the Future
Generative AI and Cognitive Automations: With the evolution of Large Language Models (LLMs) like those powering ChatGPT, we have entered the era of cognitive automations. Now, robots not only perform repetitive tasks but also understand and interpret natural language, respond to customers contextually, and make decisions based on variables that previously required human judgment.
These technologies can be applied, for example, in processes such as automatic screening of calls, customer service via email, and automation of compliance, where reading and interpreting documents in natural language are essential.
Proactive automation with AIOps: In the field of IT management, AIOps is redefining how teams operate. Tools capable of identifying anomalous patterns, predicting failures, and initiating automatic corrections are changing the logic of operation from reactive to proactive. Service restart automation allows for disk space release, password resets, and other critical tasks, all orchestrated by predictive models.
Citizen Developers and democratization of automation: The low-code/no-code interface is becoming another consolidated trend. By empowering business area employees with intuitive tools to build their own automations, it is possible to accelerate digital transformation without relying solely on IT backlog. This movement of ‘citizen automation’ provides security and governance while areas gain agility and prominence.
Hyperautomation as an ESG lever: A less obvious but equally important trend is the role of hyperautomation in ESG goals (environmental, social, and governance). Process automation drastically reduces paper usage, improves control over sensitive data, and reduces human errors in regulatory processes, directly contributing to sustainability and compliance pillars.
Direct impact on businesses: efficiency, scale, and innovation
The impact of hyperautomation on businesses can be measured in three fundamental dimensions:
Operational Efficiency: Cost reduction and rework, along with increased productivity. The execution time of internal processes after implementing integrated AI and RPA automations can be reduced by up to 70%.
Scalability with Control: In areas such as banking, healthcare, retail, and telecommunications, the volume of processes is exponential. With hyperautomation, it is possible to scale operations without proportionally increasing the human structure, maintaining control and traceability.
Continuous Innovation: Automation frees up time and energy for professionals to focus on higher value-added activities, stimulating internal innovation and enabling quicker responses to the market.
Brazil and Latin America: Challenges and Opportunities
In Latin America, there is a window of opportunity for companies looking to lead this movement. Despite adoption still being at a mid-stage, the digital maturity of organizations is growing rapidly. In Brazil, for example, we already see robust initiatives in financial institutions, healthcare providers, industries, and the public sector.
Hyperautomation is not just a matter of technology, but a cultural, strategic, and structural change in companies. Companies that understand this and act quickly will gain a lasting competitive advantage. Those that delay risk becoming obsolete.
I believe the future of business will be autonomous, data-driven, and assisted by artificial intelligence. But above all, it will be a purpose-driven future, where automation serves people rather than the other way around.
