In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are turning to automation to optimize operations and drive growth. At the forefront of this transformation is Ronith Pingili, a seasoned engineer and business automation expert whose expertise in Salesforce, engineering, and business automation is shaping the future of work.
As a Senior IEEE member, Fellow at Hackathon Raptors, Ronith has leveraged his technical acumen to bridge the gap between engineering and business strategy. In this interview, we discuss how automation is redefining business efficiency and why Salesforce is a game-changer for modern enterprises.
Ronith, thank you for joining us today. To start, how would you describe the role of automation in today’s business world?
Good to be here. Automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Businesses today face immense pressure to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver seamless customer experiences. Automation helps by eliminating repetitive tasks, reducing human error, and allowing teams to focus on high-value work. Salesforce, for example, provides an integrated platform where automation isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating a connected and intelligent enterprise.
You’ve worked extensively with Salesforce. What makes it such a powerful tool for business automation?
Salesforce is unique because it combines CRM, AI, and automation under one ecosystem. It enables organizations to streamline workflows, personalize customer interactions, and derive actionable insights from data.
Features like Flow Builder, AI-driven analytics, and process automation help companies automate customer service, sales, and marketing processes effortlessly. It’s not just about automating tasks—it’s about strategically aligning technology with business objectives.
What are some of the biggest challenges businesses face when implementing automation, and how can they overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is resistance to change. Many organizations fear that automation will replace human jobs, but in reality, it enhances human capabilities by removing mundane tasks. Another challenge is poor implementation strategies—companies often deploy automation without a clear roadmap, leading to inefficiencies. The solution is a phased approach: start small, analyze impact, and scale gradually. Also, investing in employee training ensures that teams can adapt to automation seamlessly.
You’ve participated in hackathons and high-impact innovation projects. How has that influenced your approach to automation?
Hackathons teach you to think outside the box. In a high-pressure environment, you learn to identify problems quickly, collaborate efficiently, and build functional solutions in a short time. This mindset translates well into business automation—where agility, problem-solving, and rapid iteration are key to success. Working on hackathon projects has also allowed me to experiment with cutting-edge AI and machine learning tools, giving me an edge in designing intelligent automation solutions.
Where do you see the future of automation heading?
The future of automation is AI-driven and deeply integrated across all business functions. We’re moving towards hyperautomation, where technologies like machine learning, robotic process automation (RPA), and predictive analytics work together to make real-time decisions. In the next few years, I see businesses shifting from rule-based automation to intelligent, self-learning systems that anticipate needs and optimize operations dynamically.
Finally, what advice would you give to businesses looking to scale with automation?
I would advise to start with a clear strategy—automation should align with your business goals, not just be a tech upgrade. Leverage AI and data analytics to drive smarter decision-making. Most importantly, keep the human element intact—automation should empower employees, not replace them. Always stay adaptable—technology evolves rapidly, and businesses that thrive are those that continuously innovate.
As Ronith Pingili,a judge at the Globee Business Award for Cybersecurity, highlights, automation is not just about streamlining tasks—it’s about strategic execution that powers business growth. By leveraging platforms like Salesforce and embracing AI-driven automation, businesses can stay ahead of the curve, enhance efficiency, and drive long-term success.