Intelligent process automation - what is it and how can it help your business?

You've probably encountered intelligent process automation before, even if you didn't realize it. You may have purchased insurance online or opened a bank account without talking to a representative. Even paying at a self-service checkout in the supermarket is an automated process using technology. But what exactly is smart process automation?

What is intelligent process automation?

Intelligent process automation encompasses a range of technologies used to integrate, automate and manage digital operations. Using software, process automation capabilities are combined with machine learning and AI, which form the "intelligent" part. Intelligent process automation has already been implemented in many companies, but others are just beginning the journey to effectively automating previously manual processes.

What technologies make process automation intelligent?

The "intelligent" part of process automation is in the various technologies used to collect, process and structure often vast amounts of data in a meaningful way. Here are some of the technologies used to build intelligent process automation solutions.

Robotic process automation (RPA)

Robotized process automation mimics the way humans interact with computer programs. By using programmable software robots or "bots," routine tasks can be performed automatically and workers can spend their time on other tasks. Applications for RPA range from processing forms and retrieving data to operating complex electronic systems. Another interesting example are the harvest robots created by Advanced.farm, who take on the tedious and strenuous work of harvesting strawberries in California.

Digital process automation (DPA)

Digital process automation refers to the digitization of systems and processes, as well as the automation of information transfer. DPA can help give users access to all the data and information they need to perform their tasks. This optimizes workflows that were previously based on human interactions. An evolution of classic Business Process Management (BPM), DPA focuses on improving the customer experience and interactions between customers, suppliers and partners.

Artificial intelligence (AI) 

Not every process to be automated requires artificial intelligence. However, machine learning or deep learning, machine vision and Natural Language Processing (NLP) can be a useful complement to intelligent process automation. RPA takes on repetitive tasks that do not require a learning or thinking component. AI, on the other hand, can also be useful in areas where, for example, large amounts of data need to be analyzed and structured or compared.

What processes can be automated?

Often processes are automated that are time-consuming and repetitive, or that take up capacity among employees. Intelligent process automation is therefore suitable for the following types of tasks:

• Time- and resource-intensive as well as error-prone manual tasks (with Robotic Process Automation, RPA)
• Repetitive and predictable workflows (rule-based decisions by Machine Learning, ML)
• Workflows with little personalization or very general technical standards and specifications (compliance, invoice processing)
• Intensive textual communication (Natural Language Processing, NLP)
• Customer service (cognitive agents)
• Real-time tracking of transfer between systems and teams (smart workflows)

Benefits of intelligent process automation

As outlined above, intelligent process automation offers a number of benefits to businesses, including:

• Lower operating costs
• Improved communication within the organization
• Higher productivity
• Higher quality of work and/or products

Intelligent process automation made possible by OnLogic computers

The heart of an automation project is the hardware that performs data processing. Because they are used in every environment, from dusty production areas to ice-cold refrigerated warehouses, computers used for process automation get a lot of abuse. OnLogic offers automation computers that are designed specifically for this purpose. Have questions about your project? Contact our team for help choosing and configuring the perfect industrial computer.