Foundations of Enterprise Automation

This unit introduces the new automation mindset by defining automation and integration, contrasting task- and process-oriented approaches, and exploring how unified strategies create business value. Students study real-world cases, the Five Towers of Automation, tools and platforms, and the enterprise challenges of generative AI to prepare for designing and implementing automation in later units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze foundational concepts of automation and integration, including the task mindset versus the process mindset, by mapping lesson case studies (e.g., Toast) to core automation principles
• Evaluate the business impact and economic value of automating front-office and back-office functions, citing potential benefits, risks, and the challenges introduced by generative AI
• Compare and contrast automation approaches, tools, enterprise platforms, and operating models, and justify selection of the most appropriate model for given business scenarios
• Apply a process-oriented redesign to a simple workflow, demonstrating a unified automation strategy that integrates tools, organizational roles, and measurable business outcomes