How Process Automation Saved This Employer $10M Annually—and How It Can Work for Your Business

When I reflect on some of the most impactful work in my career, my time at UnitedHealth Group (UHG) stands out. Despite its challenges and public reputation, I witnessed firsthand how the right automation strategies could cut inefficiencies, reduce human error, and ultimately improve customer health outcomes. These lessons weren’t just about saving money—they were about driving transformation.

Leading a project that delivered measurable results in customer health was rewarding, but writing cost-benefit analyses (CBAs) that saved over $10M annually was a game-changer. The insights I gained about process automation from one of the largest corporations in the world apply to businesses of any size. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Understand Your Data First

The first step to meaningful automation is identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Data-driven decisions are only as good as the insights you extract.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Stakeholder Interviews: Understand where challenges lie.
• Tools to Use: Domo, Alteryx, and Google BigQuery.

By analyzing workflows and cross-checking results with these tools, we uncovered inefficiencies that had gone unnoticed. Once we had clarity, the rest of the process unfolded seamlessly.

2. Prioritize Scalable Solutions

Not all automation tools are created equal. Choosing the right platform can make all the difference.
At UHG, platforms like UiPath, Blue Prism, and Automation Anywhere helped us replace manual processes with AI-driven robotics and machine learning. The result? Bottlenecks were reduced by 25% or more, leading to significant savings. These tools aren’t just for Fortune 500 companies—they can scale for startups too.

3. Align Your Team for Success

Automation is as much about people as it is about technology. Without team alignment, even the best tools won’t deliver.

Here’s an example:

For a tech client, I reduced execution bugs by 52% by streamlining collaboration with tools like Asana, Jira, and Trello. Automating workflows between marketing and development teams allowed us to sync data and improve communication. When your team is aligned, implementation becomes smoother and more effective.

Why Automation Is Worth It

Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, automation pays for itself many times over. From cutting costs to improving customer experiences, the benefits are undeniable. And while massive organizations like UHG may seem too big to optimize, automation has the power to make even the largest systems feel more agile and efficient.

If you’re curious about how automation could transform your business, let’s chat. Whether you’re starting small or tackling enterprise-level challenges, the efficiencies you gain can change everything.