Fast growth

A Manchester automations consultancy is expanding after introducing bots into the public sector. 

Agile Automations is set to expand its scope of work with KCS, one of the largest UK suppliers to schools, nurseries and public sector organisations.

Founded in 2015, Agile Automations helps businesses identify and streamline manual processes by creating ‘bots’ to do the heavy lifting. 

Based in Blackfriars House, Manchester, the company has made two new hires in the last 12 months and works with a wide range of clients from financial institutes to property developers and now the public sector. 

KCS, a subsidiary of Commercial Services Group, gives access to more than 20,000 products and resources, as well as 30 procurement frameworks.

And since working with Agile Automations, it has cut manual processing time by up to 50% using robotic process automation (RPA). 

The new technology has reduced KCS’s need for temporary staff, saved on printing costs, as well as improved their customer experience. 

It means publicly funded organisations such as schools, local government, and emergency services are receiving their vital supplies quicker than ever. 

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Over three months the Agile Automations team developed an intelligent email order automation – which can now be adapted and used by hundreds of businesses cross-sector.

The solution consists of two ‘bots’ – one which continuously scans incoming emails for order details and the second which allows a user to review any automatically rejected orders.

Kevin Attwood, customer experience director at KCS, said: “The solution is versatile and scalable. 

“We are so happy that we are considering further areas within our organisation that would benefit through automation solutions from Agile Automations and we continue to form a long-term strategic partnership.”

According to the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant Report, RPA is the fastest-growing area in the software market and the most suitable choice for operational efficiency.

The Manchester tech consultancy automates data-led tasks such as payroll, invoice reconciliations, payments and on-boarding new customers to free up staff for more meaningful work, improving overall productivity and mental health in the workplace.

Ronak Halani, COO at Agile Automations, said: “It’s been a great 12 months for Agile Automations, we have grown the team and we are confident this use-case is only the beginning of our work in the public sector.  

“Our collaboration with KCS demonstrates the true power of bespoke automation solutions and the many benefits it brings to the workforce of the future. 

“Not only has it led to significant time savings, but it has also added extra value to KCS customers who benefit from a speedier, streamlined response to their orders.

“Our approach is to work closely with business leaders to understand their existing manual processes and deliver custom-coded solutions.” 

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