In North Central Ohio and across the state, business owners continue to face a shortage of qualified staff. No matter what industry you’re in, finding skilled workers remains a significant hurdle. Why? Several reasons. An aging workforce, fewer younger workers entering skilled trades, and shifting expectations around how and where people want to work.
But there’s good news: automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer futuristic concepts only for big corporations. These tools are becoming easier to access—and effective—for businesses of all sizes. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer service, automation and AI are proving to be practical ways to maintain productivity despite staffing issues.
The Case for Automation and AI
According to Deloitte, many organizations report adopting automation tools at scale, with surveys showing well over two‑thirds already implementing Robotic Process Automation, software that efficiently handles repetitive processes and tasks. For Ohio businesses, this is a great signal that now is the time to explore how technology can help close the labor gap.
By automating repetitive or time-consuming tasks, businesses can reassign their teams to focus on higher-value work—like customer engagement, creative problem-solving, and innovation. Tasks such as scheduling, invoicing, payroll, and customer follow-ups are just a few areas where automation can save hours each week—time that can be reinvested into growth.
Ohio Businesses Are Already Making Moves
You don’t have to look far to find examples of Ohio companies embracing automation and AI to meet staffing challenges head-on.
Kroger, headquartered in Cincinnati, has been investing heavily in robotics and AI across its operations. At its Customer Fulfillment Center in Monroe, over 1,000 robots operate on a three-dimensional grid to pick, sort, and package orders—dramatically reducing the need for manual labor in repetitive tasks.
In Northeast Ohio, Baldwin Wallace University is helping small businesses adopt practical AI tools through its hands-on AI 4 Small Biz workshops—introducing ways to automate marketing and streamline operations.
Meanwhile, at Cleveland Clinic, AI is already embedded into daily workflows. A “Virtual Command Center” helps forecast staffing needs, track bed availability, and align staff schedules with patient demand.
These local success stories prove that automation and AI are not only possible—they’re already helping Ohio businesses thrive.
How to Get Started
You might be exploring automation for a single process—or looking at a broader workflow overhaul. Either way, the first step is identifying where technology can add the most value.
Start with tasks that eat up time or are prone to errors. Talk to your team—what slows them down? From there, explore tools that address those pain points.
Then, take a look at your budget and speak with a financial advisor about funding options. With the right plan, automation becomes more than a convenience—it becomes a smart investment that helps your current team do more and sets you up for long-term success.
How First Citizens Can Help
Whether you’re in manufacturing, healthcare, retail, or professional services, automation tools can help with staffing pressures and improve how your business operates. At First Citizens, we’re here to help you bridge the gap: fund the technology, advise on implementation, and align those systems with your cash flow, risk, and growth goals.
With staffing challenges continuing in many industries, the right financial partner can help turn technology from a “someday” idea into a strategic advantage.
At First Citizens National Bank, we’re dedicated to helping our community businesses thrive. Automation and AI aren’t just about keeping up—they’re about getting ahead.
Let’s talk about what’s possible for your business.
