10 reasons why companies don't automate

The cost of automation exceeds the cost of running a makeshift solution or hiring a low-cost resource. Their frequency of the process or report in question is not high enough for just an automation solution.

Companies are unaware or have not researched automation solutions to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

In large companies, power and status are reflected by the number of people underneath you. Automation reduces staff, which could lead to diminished control and influence.

When you lose too many chess pieces, you forfeit the game.

Large-scale RPA solutions require support and IT infrastructure. Outside vendor or consulting costs can chew into ROI.

Large companies have to adhere to information security regulations like SOX compliance. Introducing a new technology requires reams of testing, compliance, and project management.

Staff fear losing their jobs to automation, making change management a significant challenge.

There might be insufficient budget or people resources to bring effective automation to fruition.

Another not widely discussed reason is when a company's analytics team are used as a shadow IT function because of budget constraints and the red tap associated with IT. Instead, companies repurpose data analytics teams to not only develop reports but also automate reports and processes.

A large-scale solution like RPA would compete with a data analytics team if they were placed in the role of shadow IT.

It is possible that small-scale automation projects had poor results in improvements and were scrapped due to overbudgeting, poor planning or support.