The Chris Elmore

Back to Basics – What is Automation?

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The Chris Elmore

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I am reminded that us automation nerds can’t get too far away from the general public. There are still a lot of people out there that don’t have any real good idea what Accounts Payable Automation is.

A Little Cloudy

When training people, I tell them they have to keep in mind that their first call with someone starting their automation journey may be cloudy at best when it comes to an automation definition. The worst thing someone can do is to define automation by the technology. What I mean by defining automation by the technology is when someone is asked why automate or what is automation all about the answer comes back in the form of bells, whistles or features attached to the software that automates the process. Another problem with defining automation based on the technology is you won’t have any clear objectives to pursue based on the definition.

A Little Definition

I wrote The 8 Pitfalls to help people define Accounts Payable Automation. As I presented the material in the book to anyone that was willing to listen, I found that the book’s definition wasn’t cutting it, so I decided to move away from that definition and more to a definition that explained the outcome or impact of automation.

Old Definition: “The independent movement of liabilities through a predefined set of approvals”

Not horrible, but here is the new one.

New Definition: “Automation is only good as the people, time, and effort that it frees up”

I don’t even know if the last statement is really a definition. It does explain well what automation is, and it gives people a perspective on what automation can do.

Stay tuned. In the next few days I am going to continue with the idea that automation is only as good as the people, time ,and effort that it frees up.

Want to know more? Buy My Books!

To buy the book – The Argument to Automate – How Innovation Can INSPIRE Not Fire – click here to buy

(Also) To get your copy of The 8 Pitfalls of Accounts Payable Automation – click here to buy

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The Chris Elmore
**Entrepreneur | Speaker | Author | Sales & Innovation Expert** Chris Elmore is a dynamic entrepreneur, speaker, and author known for his engaging storytelling and deep insights into sales, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With over 30 years in the tech industry, Chris has built a career at the intersection of business growth, human behavior, and market disruption. Recognized as a “Startup Hero” by *North Carolina Business Magazine*, Chris was the first employee at AvidXchange, where he played a key role in its growth and success. Today, he serves as the **Sales Director at Community Financials**, helping communities streamline financial operations with innovative solutions. A sought-after speaker, Chris captivates audiences with his unique blend of humor, wisdom, and real-world experience. He has delivered keynotes for companies like Schneider Electric USA and teaches **Entrepreneurship at UNC Charlotte**, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of business leaders. Chris is also the author of 12 books, including his latest project, *The Convergence Theory of Entrepreneurship*, which explores how innovation, people, wisdom, and market insights drive success. His practical, no-nonsense approach to business and sales makes him a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, executives, and sales professionals alike. Outside of business, Chris is a professional Christian songwriter, musician, and co-host of the *True Financial Crimes* podcast, a lighthearted yet insightful look at financial fraud. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or behind the mic, Chris brings an infectious energy that inspires and challenges audiences to think differently, sell better, and lead with impact.

4 responses to “Back to Basics – What is Automation?”

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