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How Big Companies Like Dell & HCL Are Using Automation to Save Millions

Written by Div | Aug 13, 2025 12:07:11 PM

 

Introduction — The $1 Billion Question: How Do Big Companies Keep Getting Leaner?

Here’s a staggering fact: according to McKinsey, companies that embrace process automation can cut operational costs by up to 30% while improving productivity and customer experience at the same time.

For tech giants like Dell and HCL, these aren’t just incremental improvements — we’re talking millions of dollars saved each year through strategic automation. From reducing repetitive tasks in IT to streamlining customer onboarding and sales processes, automation has become their silent profit multiplier.

In this blog, we’ll explore how companies like Dell and HCL implemented automation, the exact technologies and workflows they use, and how you — whether you’re running a startup or a mid-sized business — can replicate their success with HubSpot automation.

By the end, you’ll have:

  • A clear understanding of enterprise automation strategies

  • Real-world ROI examples

  • A practical framework to implement HubSpot automation in your business

Let’s dive in : 

1. Why Automation is a Game-Changer for Enterprises

At its core, business automation means using technology to handle repetitive tasks with minimal human input. But in enterprise settings, automation isn’t just about saving time — it’s about reducing errors, scaling operations, and creating consistent customer experiences.

Key Benefits of Automation for Enterprises

  1. Cost Savings — Turning Hours into Dollars Saved
    Every repetitive manual task comes with a hidden price tag — employee time, training, and error correction. Automation eliminates these tasks, freeing up teams to focus on higher-value activities.
  • Dell saved millions by automating IT ticket categorization, reducing the need for first-line manual triage.

  • With HubSpot automation, businesses can cut manual data entry, lead assignment, and reporting time by up to 70%, directly lowering operational expenses.

  1. Scalability — Growth Without Growing Headcount
    Traditional scaling means hiring more staff to handle more work. Automation flips this model — you can manage thousands of transactions, leads, or support queries with the same number of employees.
  • HCL uses automated HR onboarding to process thousands of new hires annually without expanding their HR team.

  • HubSpot workflows allow marketing and sales teams to handle 10x more leads without extra manpower.

  1. Faster Turnaround — Speed as a Competitive Advantage
    In competitive markets, speed can make or break a deal. Automation accelerates core processes, ensuring quicker decision-making and delivery.
  • Dell reduced order processing time by 15% through automated supply chain triggers.

  • HubSpot automation ensures that when a lead downloads a brochure, they receive a tailored follow-up email within seconds — not hours or days.

  1. Consistency — The End of “Human Forgetfulness”
    Manual processes are prone to errors, skipped steps, and inconsistent customer experiences. Automation ensures that every workflow runs exactly as designed, every time.
  • HCL’s client reporting automation produces error-free reports, always on schedule.

  • In HubSpot, automated reminders, follow-ups, and task assignments guarantee that no lead, ticket, or task “falls through the cracks.”

 

Types of Automation Enterprises Use

  1. Marketing Automation — Always-On Lead Engagement
    Marketing automation ensures you’re engaging prospects 24/7, without adding to your marketing team’s workload.
  • Automated Email Campaigns: Send personalized sequences triggered by a lead’s behavior (e.g., downloading a whitepaper or attending a webinar).

  • Lead Nurturing: Guide leads through the buying journey with content tailored to their stage in the funnel.

  • Segmentation: Automatically group contacts by industry, behavior, or engagement level for laser-focused campaigns.

     

  1. Sales Automation — Closing Deals Faster and Smarter
    Sales automation keeps pipelines moving without relying on constant manual follow-ups.
  • Deal Stage Updates: Automatically move opportunities through stages when conditions are met.

  • Lead Scoring: Rank leads based on engagement and readiness to buy, ensuring sales teams focus on high-value prospects first.

  • Follow-Up Reminders: Trigger timely outreach so no hot lead is left waiting.

     

  1. Customer Service Automation — Faster Support, Happier Customers
    Customer service automation allows you to serve more customers without compromising quality.
  • AI Chatbots: Instantly answer common questions and guide users to the right resources.

  • Knowledge Base Triggers: Automatically suggest relevant articles based on keywords in a customer’s message.

  • Automated Ticket Routing: Direct tickets to the correct department or agent instantly.

      

  1. Operational Automation — Efficiency at the Core of the Business
    Operational automation streamlines internal processes so teams can focus on strategy instead of admin.
  • Inventory Management: Trigger reorders automatically when stock runs low.

  • Procurement Approvals: Route requests through pre-defined workflows for faster sign-offs.

  • Payroll Processing: Automate salary calculations, tax deductions, and disbursements.


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2. Dell’s Automation Journey — Saving Millions in IT & Operations

Dell Technologies is a global leader with over 130,000 employees. At this scale, even a 1% improvement in efficiency can result in massive cost savings.

Before Automation

Dell faced:

  • Slow customer support resolution times.

  • Lengthy supply chain coordination.

  • Manual lead tracking for global sales teams.

Automation Solutions Implemented by Dell

  1. IT Helpdesk Automation — Instant Support at Scale

    Dell’s IT team was handling thousands of repetitive support requests each week. By introducing AI-driven chatbots, they could:
  • Instantly resolve common IT queries without human intervention.

  • Provide 24/7 availability, reducing wait times dramatically.

  • Automate ticket categorization and routing so requests went directly to the right support team, eliminating delays caused by manual sorting.

     

  1. Supply Chain Automation — Faster, Smarter Fulfillment
    Dell’s global supply chain was slowed by manual tracking and approval processes. Automation allowed them to:
  • Integrate real-time inventory tracking to monitor stock levels across multiple warehouses.

  • Trigger automated purchase orders the moment inventory dropped below threshold.

  • Replace slow, manual approval chains with pre-configured digital workflows.


  1. Marketing & Sales Automation — Personalization Without the Effort
    With thousands of leads entering their pipeline daily, Dell needed a system to engage each one without overwhelming their sales teams. By adopting HubSpot-like workflows, they:
  • Implemented lead scoring to prioritize high-intent prospects automatically.

  • Set up personalized follow-ups triggered by a lead’s specific behavior — like viewing a product page or downloading a brochure.

  • Streamlined handoffs between marketing and sales so leads were nurtured until they were sales-ready.



Results

  • 20% reduction in IT support costs.

  • 15% faster product delivery cycles.

  • Millions saved annually by reducing human-hours in repetitive processes.

3. HCL’s Automation Transformation — From Legacy to AI-Driven

HCLTech operates in over 60 countries with a massive workforce and client base. They needed automation to scale services without increasing headcount.

Challenges Before Automation

  • Legacy systems that didn’t integrate well.

  • Manual HR onboarding for thousands of employees.

  • Delays in client reporting and sales follow-up.

Automation Solutions Implemented by HCL

  1. HR Workflow Automation — Streamlining Employee Onboarding

    HCL’s HR team was manually handling hundreds of onboarding tasks for new employees across multiple regions. By automating workflows, they were able to:
  • Automate onboarding forms so new hires could complete paperwork digitally before their start date.

  • Ensure compliance checks were completed without human oversight.

  • Schedule training programs automatically based on role and department.
      

  1. Client Reporting Automation — Accurate Reports in Minutes
    Generating client reports manually was time-consuming and error-prone. HCL implemented RPA (Robotic Process Automation) to:
  • Pull data from multiple internal and external sources automatically.

  • Compile and format reports consistently without human intervention.

  • Deliver reports to clients on schedule, every time.
      
  1. Sales Process Automation with CRM — Closing Deals Smarter
    HCL needed to streamline their sales operations to handle a large volume of deals efficiently. By implementing CRM workflows similar to HubSpot automation, they could:
  • Trigger automated emails based on lead behavior and engagement.

  • Update deal stages automatically when conditions were met.

  • Assign leads to the right sales reps without manual intervention.

      

 

Results

  • Reduced HR onboarding time by 60%.

  • Saved hundreds of man-hours per month in reporting.

  • Increased lead-to-deal conversion rate by 15%.

4. The Core Automation Technologies Powering Dell & HCL

Large enterprises like Dell and HCL rely on a combination of advanced technologies to achieve their automation goals. These tools are the backbone of their cost savings, faster turnaround times, and scalable operations.

  1. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) — Automating Repetitive Tasks

    RPA is used to handle structured, rule-based tasks that were traditionally done manually. This includes:
  • Data entry from emails, forms, or spreadsheets.

  • Invoice processing for accounts payable and receivable.

  • Report generation from multiple internal systems.

 

  1. AI-Powered Chatbots & Virtual Assistants — Instant Customer Interaction
    AI chatbots and virtual assistants improve customer and employee experiences by handling queries instantly:
  • Resolve repetitive support questions without human agents.

  • Offer 24/7 assistance to customers across time zones.

  • Manage multiple interactions simultaneously, improving efficiency.

 

  1. CRM & Marketing Automation Platforms (HubSpot) — Centralized Workflows
    Platforms like HubSpot bring marketing, sales, and customer service automation under one roof, ensuring a seamless workflow:
  • Automate lead nurturing, scoring, and follow-up sequences.

  • Track deals and customer interactions automatically.

  • Generate real-time insights into campaign performance and sales pipeline.

 

  1. Integration Tools — Connecting the Entire Ecosystem

    Automation is only as strong as the connections between your systems. Integration tools like Zapier, Make, and native HubSpot integrations:
  • Connect CRMs with marketing, sales, and finance tools.

  • Automate data flow between applications without manual intervention.

  • Enable cross-platform reporting for accurate, real-time analytics.

 

5. HubSpot Automation — The Enterprise-Level Secret Weapon

Many think of HubSpot as a small-business CRM, but in reality, HubSpot Enterprise offers automation features powerful enough for companies like Dell & HCL.

Top HubSpot Automation Features for Enterprises

  1. Lead Scoring & Segmentation — Automatically assign scores based on engagement.

  2. Deal Stage Automation — Move deals through the pipeline automatically based on actions.

  3. Email Workflows — Trigger highly targeted campaigns based on behavior.

  4. Automated Reporting Dashboards — See KPIs in real time without manual updates.

  5. Multi-Channel Campaign Management — Orchestrate campaigns across email, social, and ads from one place.

Pro Tip: A HubSpot automation expert can tailor workflows to your exact business model — something HuboExperts specializes in.

6. How Any Business Can Replicate Dell & HCL’s Success with HubSpot Automation

You don’t need a billion-dollar budget to save like Dell & HCL. Here’s how you can start:

  1. Map Your Processes
    • Identify repetitive, manual tasks that eat up hours.

  2. Prioritize High-Impact Areas
    • Start with sales follow-up, lead nurturing, or client reporting.

  3. Implement HubSpot Workflows
    • Build sequences that trigger automatically when conditions are met.

  4. Integrate Your Tools
    • Connect your email, payment, and project tools to HubSpot for full visibility.

  5. Monitor & Optimize
    • Use HubSpot reports to track ROI and adjust workflows.

7. Real ROI Example — From Manual Chaos to Automated Growth

A mid-sized SaaS company implemented HubSpot automation for:

  • Lead capture from their website.

  • Automated onboarding emails.

  • Deal stage updates.

Outcome after 6 months:

  • 40% faster lead response time.

  • 20% increase in sales conversions.

  • Freed up 25+ hours/week for the sales team.

  FAQs :

Q1. How much can automation save a company?
 Depending on the scope, automation can cut costs by 20–40% in targeted areas.

Q2. Can HubSpot automation be used by enterprises?
 Yes. HubSpot Enterprise offers advanced automation features suitable for global companies.

Q3. How do Dell & HCL measure automation ROI?
 They track cost reduction, time saved, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth.

Q4. What’s the difference between HubSpot workflows and other automation tools?
 HubSpot integrates sales, marketing, and service automation into one ecosystem, unlike siloed tools.

Q5. How do I start with HubSpot automation?
 Work with a certified HubSpot consultant (like HuboExperts) to design and implement workflows.

Conclusion — Your Turn to Save Millions (or at Least Thousands)

Dell and HCL prove that strategic automation isn’t optional — it’s essential. Whether it’s reducing IT ticket costs, speeding up onboarding, or increasing sales conversions, automation delivers measurable ROI.

With HubSpot automation, you can bring these enterprise-level benefits into your business — without the complexity or cost of custom-built systems.

Ready to automate smarter?
 Contact HuboExperts today to design a HubSpot automation strategy that saves you time, money, and headaches.

Schedule a one-on-one consultation with us to discuss your needs:
https://meetings-na2.hubspot.com/div6

 

 
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