At Arbor One Mortgage Group we are focused on more than the current trend in connecting the online application to DU for an automated approval.  We are working on automating the back office operations.  Here is a one example.  Just last month we automated the loan estimate.  It has allowed us to free up four staff members to focus on other high value tasks. Automating the loan estimate also keeps the loan originators from having to beg staff members to stop what they are doing and work on reviewing their LE’s.      This type of automation, at this critical point of the process, keeps the entire team focused on providing service to the client rather than begging each other to give their file priority over others.  We will continue to go through our back office procedures and automate every step in the process as we roll out our Digital Mortgage next month.  Our automation strategy is to free up our team to focus on the high return tasks. Automation will never replace people but it can provide individuals more time to cultivate deeper more meaningful relationships.  As automation reduces tedious tasks, the most valuable team members will be the ones that can create meaningful long lasting relationships.