Microservices

“From Macro to Micro”

In the current business climate, automation and efficiency are key to success. One of the most effective ways to automate simple tasks is to make use of microservices.

Microservices are small, independent services that can be integrated into larger systems and automate repetitive tasks that are currently most often performed by employees using macros on their computers. By using microservices, companies can reduce the workload for their employees, freeing up time for more complex and valuable tasks, as well as eliminating the dependency on a macro on the computer of individual employee.

Micro

Microservices offer the possibility of automatic reporting, as well as a central overview and maintenance. If so desired, the employee concerned can access relevant microservices for maintenance.

Macro

Macros (VBA) are located decentrally on the computer of the individual employee, and reporting is initiated manually. A central overview and maintenance are lacking.

Microservices build bridges

API calls can be used to interact with microservices. An API (Application Programming Interface) bridges the gap between different applications, enabling them to communicate with one another and exchange data. By using an API, requests can be sent to a microservice and responses received. This enables different applications and systems to work together to achieve greater efficiency.

There are many advantages to using microservices, including:

Scalability: Microservices can be scaled up or down easily as required, enabling businesses to adapt to changes in demand and needs.

Flexibility: Microservices can be updated or replaced independently of one another, making it possible to update and improve the system without having to change it entirely.

Easy maintenance: As microservices are small and independent, it is easier to maintain and debug them.

Isolated purpose: Microservices are designed to perform a single task or function, making it easier to isolate problems and errors.

Independently deployable: Microservices can be accessed through HTTP calls to an API interface, which means that the microservice can be accessed by already existing systems, built up of multiple programming languages. This significantly simplifies the integration of microservices.

Microservices can be used for a wide range of tasks, including:

Email services: An email service can be used to automate the sending of emails, such as order confirmations, invoices, order updates and the like.

Sales optimisation: The numerous filtering and sorting options make it possible to set up intelligent email routing, e.g. in customer service or the sales department, cf. customer or competence parameters.

Lead list generation: based on specified parameters, it is possible to generate lists such as lead lists by correlating relevant data from different data sources.

And many more besides!

Microservices can add value in an incredible number of places in the digital processes, and when looking across the organisation, there are some overall themes to look for. These can be tasks where there is a need to classify or predict something, or simple routine tasks. Below are some examples from each area.

Tasks requiring classification:

Determining what category an email belongs to and following up on this with an automatic action
Identifying the next product a customer is likely to buy
Determining whether a component on a production line is of the required quality

Examples of tasks requiring prediction:

Predicting resource/energy consumption
Predicting when a machine should be serviced to avoid breakdowns or increased energy consumption
Predicting employee churn (when we are about to lose an employee)

Examples of routine tasks that are often suitable for automation

Answering frequently asked questions in service and updating FAQ
Generating and sending reports once the task has been completed/the period has ended
And generally a wide range of back-office functions

Get off to a quick start with AI

Incorporating an AI model into an existing IT system is often difficult. Implementing the AI model in a microservice instead makes adding AI models to an existing system far simpler.

Microservices can be an effective way to automate tasks and functions in a business, and they can be integrated into a larger system in a way that is flexible and scalable. By using microservices, benefits such as increased productivity, lower costs and faster Time to Market can be achieved.

If you are considering implementing a microservice solution at your company, please do not hesitate to contact us for help and advice on setting up and implementing a suitable solution. We have expertise in the field and want to help ensure that your business gets the most out of this technology.