Final answer:
Automation features self-driven and human intervention reduction, with its presence felt across various job sectors. Supermarkets with self-scan aisles exemplify the shift in how labor is allocated, highlighting the broader impact on the job market.
Step-by-step explanation:
Features of Automation
Automation in the workplace entails two significant features: self-driven processes and the reduction or elimination of human intervention. The idea is that by introducing technology, routine and repetitive tasks which were once performed by humans can now be completed more efficiently and at a lower cost by machines. For instance, bookkeeping, clerical work, and tasks on production assembly lines are prime candidates for automation. One notable example can be seen in supermarkets, where self-scan checkout aisles enable a single cashier to manage multiple checkout points, unlike traditional systems where one cashier would be needed for each aisle.
Moreover, automation leads to a significant shift in the job market, as jobs that are easily automatable change the required skill set for workers. The integration of software into work processes also means that humans will interact with and be supported by automated systems, especially in decision-making processes. This evolution is particularly evident in environments with complex automated systems such as those seen in advanced manufacturing and service industries.