Meaning ● Sociotechnical Automation, in the context of SMB operations, signifies a strategic approach to implementing automated systems while explicitly considering the interplay between technology and the human element, impacting overall business growth. ● Focusing on user experience and employee skill sets allows SMBs to avoid common pitfalls of poorly integrated automation. Within SMBs, this involves careful selection of automation tools and processes, emphasizing training and adaptation for employees to ensure that technology augments, rather than replaces, human capabilities, thus optimizing productivity and fostering innovation. ● Strategic planning involves mapping workflows and decision-making processes prior to automation. Such planning enables business owners to see which functions or capabilities that exist will make the most sense to automate, allowing for optimized business performance. Sociotechnical system implementation within a growing SMB aims to drive business performance while improving employee engagement and organizational culture.