The Triple Bottom Line of Automation: People, Planet, and Profit
This Japanese company has spent a century honing its human-centric approach to automation. Here are their lessons.
In the race to embrace automation, many companies focus solely on efficiency gains and cost reduction. However, forward-thinking organizations are discovering that a more holistic approach can yield even greater benefits. Azbil, a Japanese industrial automation company with over a century of experience, is leading the charge with its human-centric philosophy that addresses the triple bottom line*: people, planet, and profit.
Ippei Aota, Managing Director at Azbil Europe NV, explains, “The key principle of a human-centric approach to automation is sustainability. We aim to contribute directly to a sustainable society by balancing comfort and productivity for people, while harmonizing energy and resource input with global environmental preservation.”
This approach, rooted in Azbil’s founding principle of “freeing people from drudgery through advanced technology,” offers a blueprint for companies seeking to navigate the complexities of automation while maintaining a focus on human well-being and environmental stewardship.
People: Enhancing Employee Well-being and Engagement
Contrary to fears that automation leads to job losses, Azbil’s experience suggests that investing in human capital remains crucial. Aota emphasizes, “Automation should be designed as a tool to complement employees’ work, enhancing their capabilities, and allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.”
To support this vision, Azbil established the “Azbil Academy” in 2012, an internal platform that promotes autonomous learning among employees. “We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and aim to be an organization that never stops evolving,” Aota explains.
This commitment to employee development pays dividends in engagement and productivity. By freeing workers from repetitive tasks, automation allows them to engage in more fulfilling work that leverages uniquely human skills like creativity and problem-solving.
However, implementing such initiatives requires careful consideration. Aota advises, “When introducing automation, open communication about its impact on employees’ roles is crucial. Providing employees with opportunities to participate and offer feedback helps align the automation project with the company’s culture and builds trust among the workforce.”
Planet: Harmonizing Automation with Environmental Preservation
In an era where environmental concerns are paramount, Azbil’s approach to automation places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Aota states, “Automation projects should optimize energy consumption and improve resource efficiency, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals. This allows companies to fulfill their social responsibilities and contribute to reducing environmental impact.”
This focus on environmental harmony isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business. As markets increasingly prioritize sustainable practices, companies that integrate environmental considerations into their automation strategies position themselves for long-term success.
Aota suggests that companies can implement this philosophy by “raising employee awareness and understanding of sustainability. Providing training and education on environmentally conscious practices empowers employees to actively contribute to sustainable initiatives in their daily work.”
Profit: Driving Business Success Through Human-Centric Automation
While people and planet are crucial components of Azbil’s approach, profit remains an essential consideration. The company’s experience demonstrates that a human-centric approach to automation can drive significant business benefits.
“This approach can lead to improved workplace safety, enhanced comfort, increased operational efficiency, and alignment with global sustainability trends,” Aota explains. “These benefits not only address current market needs but also future-proof businesses, enabling them to adapt to the ongoing shifts in work environments and sustainability standards.”
Moreover, by investing in employee development and fostering a culture of continuous learning, companies can build a workforce capable of adapting to rapid technological change. Aota notes, “In rapidly changing markets, a workforce equipped with continuously updated skills enables businesses to adapt quickly and effectively.”
Implementing the Triple Bottom Line Approach
For companies looking to adopt this holistic approach to automation, Aota offers several key recommendations:
- Focus on sustainability: “Automation should not be viewed solely as a tool for efficiency or cost reduction, but as a means to enhance the well-being of employees, end-users, and society as a whole.”
- Invest in employee development: “As technological advancements reshape business processes, companies should implement targeted programs for reskilling and upskilling.”
- Communicate openly: “Clear communication around automation helps employees understand that it complements their roles and adds value to their work, rather than replacing them.”
- Consider societal impact: “Automation should support initiatives such as environmental protection and sustainable growth, ensuring businesses contribute positively to the broader well-being of society.”
- Align with organizational culture: “By aligning the team around a shared vision, leaders can enhance employee motivation and engagement, driving long-term success for the organization.”
As automation continues to reshape industries across the globe, companies that adopt a triple bottom line approach stand to gain a significant competitive advantage. By focusing on people, planet, and profit, organizations can create sustainable business models that drive success while contributing positively to society and the environment.
Aota concludes, “By aligning technology with the happiness of individuals, companies can build a sustainable business model that goes beyond financial success, contributing to both human happiness and societal progress.” In the automation age, this holistic approach may well be the key to long-term business success and societal well-being.
*The Triple Bottom Line refers to a general method of evaluating a company by connecting three aspects: people, planet, and profit.
