From the Desk of Katie Hall, VP of Professional Services, InflexionPoint
December 4, 2024
The other day in the office, I noticed a sticker on our CTO, Chris Monchinski’s laptop: “Automation Depends on People.” It’s a simple statement, but it struck a chord. At InflexionPoint, those four words perfectly capture how we see the future of automation—and our role in helping companies navigate it.
The International Society of Automation (ISA) recently published a position paper that expands on this idea. It highlights how automation empowers industries—from making vital goods more affordable to keeping people out of harm’s way in hazardous environments. But what stood out most is their reminder that automation doesn’t just run on technology; it runs on skilled, innovative people.
We couldn’t agree more.
InflexionPoint has been working in automation since 1983. Over the decades, we’ve integrated everything from control systems to technologies like AI-driven predictive maintenance and manufacturing intelligence.Through it all, one truth remains constant: it’s not the tech that defines success—it’s the people who design, operate, and maintain it. This belief isn’t just lip service. It’s a core part of how we operate and why our clients trust us as their no-nonsense partner.
The ISA paper reinforces a few key points that align with our experience:
- Automation Doesn’t Eliminate Jobs; It Transforms Them
From warehouses to pharmaceutical facilities, automation is solving labor shortages and enabling greater productivity. But it’s not about replacing jobs—it’s about evolving them. Skilled operators and technicians are essential to ensure systems run smoothly. Without them, even the best technology falls short.
- People Are Key to Innovation
Engineers, technicians, and automation professionals are the driving force behind advancements in automation. Whether it’s using augmented reality to enhance maintenance or deploying AI in manufacturing, it takes expertise and creativity to bring technology to life. We’ve seen firsthand how empowering people to embrace new tools can unlock innovation in industries like life sciences, renewable energy, and water/wastewater.
- A Balanced Approach to Digital Transformation
Moving toward digital transformation isn’t about abandoning traditional methods or replacing people with robots. It’s about collaboration. Automation should enhance the human element, not erase it. Our work focuses on bridging the gap between advanced technology and the people who use it every day.
At InflexionPoint, we’ve built our reputation as the trusted partner who gets the job done—grounded, honest, and no-nonsense. We believe that moving digitally forward doesn’t mean leaving people behind. It’s about supporting them, whether they’re operators, technicians, or engineers running your facilities. After all, automation isn’t just about machines. It’s about the people who make it work.
As the ISA article suggests, decision-makers need to understand the broader impact of automation—not just its potential to solve technical problems, but also its ability to empower teams, protect workers, and spark innovation. We’re proud to stand with ISA in advocating for an automation-powered future where people remain at the center of progress.
So, the next time you think about your automation strategy, remember: the technology is only part of the equation. The people behind it—your team and ours—are what make automation truly transformative.