Intelligent automation (IA) is the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA). It gives companies the ability to automate rule-based and repetitive tasks. This results in data-driven decision-making and improved operational efficiency. While IA is a concept that is becoming increasingly popular, it is not just a buzzword. It's becoming a standard that is transforming various business domains.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global IA market is expected to reach $24.35 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42.2%. IA can deliver significant benefits for businesses. Let's look at the four top ones:

In this blog, we will explore how IA combines AI and RPA to increase business efficiency, how IA transforms business process management, and how IA represents a new era for business operations. In order to assist you in implementing and scaling IA successfully and sustainably, we will also offer some examples, best practices, and pointers.

AI is a subfield of computer science that seeks to develop robots and systems capable of performing activities that would ordinarily require human intelligence. This would include interpreting language, recognizing images, learning from data, and making decisions. AI offers a variety of characteristics that improve RPA, allowing it to tackle more complex and dynamic tasks. RPA, for example, can process and analyze text and speech using natural language processing (NLP), enabling applications like chatbots, sentiment analysis, and document extraction. RPA can process and analyze images and videos using computer vision (CV), which enables face recognition, object detection, and optical character recognition. Machine learning (ML) allows RPA to learn from data and improve performance over time. Fraud detection, recommendation systems, and predictive analytics are all powered by ML. Cognitive automation (CA) allows RPA to mimic human cognition and reasoning. It backs applications like natural language generation, knowledge extraction, and cognitive search.

RPA uses software robots or digital workers to automate repetitive and rule-based tasks, such as data entry, invoice processing, and email handling. RPA provides a platform to execute and orchestrate automated workflows across applications and systems without requiring any changes or integrations. For example, desktop automation allows RPA to automate tasks on a single desktop or laptop, such as opening files, copying data, and filling out forms. Web automation enables RPA to automate web browser functions like website navigation, data scraping, and form submission. RPA can automate processes across enterprise programs, including SAP, Oracle, and Salesforce, by leveraging APIs, connections, and screen scraping.

Business process management (BPM) is the discipline of designing, executing, monitoring, and improving business processes to achieve organizational goals and objectives. Businesses can redesign their business processes in accordance with customer preferences and business goals by eliminating, simplifying, or automating steps. For example, IA can eliminate unnecessary or redundant steps, such as manual verification, approval, or validation, by using AI to validate data, check compliance, or authorize transactions. IA can simplify complex or cumbersome steps, such as data transformation, aggregation, or integration, by using RPA to extract, transform, and load data from various sources and formats. RPA can be used by IA to trigger and coordinate actions across multiple applications and systems, automating end-to-end processes such as order fulfillment, customer service, and compliance.

Data and analytics are the sources of information and insights that help businesses measure and improve their performance and outcomes. IA leverages data and analytics to provide insights and recommendations for process improvement and innovation by capturing, analyzing, and delivering data. For example, IA can capture and store data from various sources, such as applications, systems, sensors, or devices, by using RPA to collect and store data in a centralized database or cloud platform. IA can analyze and visualize data using various techniques, such as descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, or prescriptive analytics, by using AI to apply statistical, mathematical, or machine learning models to data and generate charts, graphs, or dashboards. IA can generate and deliver insights and recommendations using various methods, such as dashboards, reports, alerts, or notifications, by using RPA to distribute and display data to relevant stakeholders or systems.

Related: Read our blog on how to leverage data and analytics for business growth.

The digital transformation is taking the business world by storm. It has come to be known as the practice that elevates company processes, services, and products by implementing digital technologies. You can imagine IA being its right hand. IA can assist firms with digital transformation by allowing them to react to changing customer expectations, market situations, and regulatory needs. Using AI and RPA to create new products and services, IA can assist businesses in undergoing a digital transformation. These products and services provide innovative and convenient answers to customer expectations and challenges. Voice assistants, chatbots, smart gadgets, and self-service portals, for example, can let clients get information, support, or transactions quickly and easily.

Another way that IA can help businesses achieve digital transformation is by enhancing existing products and services to improve their features, functionality, and usability. These products and services can increase customer satisfaction and retention. For example, adding voice or image recognition, personalization, or recommendation engines can make products and services more user-friendly, customized, and relevant.

A third way that IA can help businesses achieve digital transformation is by delivering better customer experiences by providing faster, more convenient, and more satisfying interactions. These interactions can build customer trust and loyalty. For example, reducing wait times, offering 24/7 support, or providing proactive solutions can make customers feel valued, respected, and appreciated.

Related: Read our blog on the role of digital transformation in business growth.

IA can help businesses create a competitive advantage by enabling them to offer better products, more personalized services, and faster response times. The monitization of the competitive edge can be in the form of offering superior value, quality, and service to its customers.

One way that IA does that is by making your services distinguishably different from those of your competitors. IA goes a long way in creating unique features and functionality. These benefits amount to an advantage because they're tailored directly to customer preferences and expectations. For example, using AI to generate customized content, offers, or feedback can make products and services more appealing, attractive, and persuasive.

Another way that IA can help businesses create a competitive advantage is by segmenting and targeting their customers more effectively. This is done by employing AI to analyze customer data, behavior, and preferences and then using this data to provide tailored solutions. These approaches can increase customer engagement and conversion. For instance, using RPA to send personalized emails, messages, or notifications can make customers feel more connected, involved, and interested.

Additionally, AI can be used to optimize business operations and processes by utilizing RPA to automate tasks, reduce errors, and increase efficiency. The reduced number of errors and increased efficiency minimize costs and risks. One way this is accomplished is by using AI to monitor performance, identify issues, and suggest improvements. It results in operations that are more reliable, consistent, and productive.

Despite its obvious benefits and the overall progress it brings, implementing IA is not a simple or straightforward task. It is associated with various challenges and risks, be they technical, organizational, or ethical. To overcome these obstacles and implement IA successfully, businesses need to adopt a systematic and strategic approach.

The first step of this approach is to assess the current state and readiness of the organization. At this stage, you should identify the opportunities and gaps and define the vision and goals of IA. This step helps to understand the needs, capabilities, and expectations of the organization and to set the direction and scope of the IA initiatives.

Then comes selecting the right AI and RPA technologies, tools, and platforms. These selections should be based on the requirements, capabilities, and budget of the organization. You should also ensure their compatibility and interoperability. This step helps to choose the most suitable and cost-effective solutions for the organization and to integrate them with the existing systems and applications.

Next is to design and develop the IA solutions. This should be done by following the best practices and standards of software development, testing, and deployment. Ensuring their quality and reliability, these IA solutions should meet the specifications and expectations of the organization and ensure their functionality and performance. If implemented correctly, the solutions created will boost business performance.

The fourth step entails managing and monitoring the IA solutions. This would include measuring its performance and outcomes and overseeing maintenance and improvement. This stage helps to evaluate the impact and value of the IA solutions and to ensure their sustainability and scalability.

Scaling IA is the process of expanding and extending the scope, reach, and impact of IA across the organization and beyond. Instead of being a one-time or linear process, scaling IA is an ongoing, iterative process that incorporates a variety of tactics and pointers.

One strategy for scaling IA is to align the IA initiatives with the business strategy and objectives. This would ensure the support and involvement of the leadership and the stakeholders. It helps to verify the consistency and coherence of the IA initiatives with the vision and goals of the organization. It also secures the commitment and buy-in of the key decision-makers and influencers.

Another strategy for scaling IA is to create and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. In it, you encourage the participation and feedback of employees and customers. This approach creates a conducive and supportive environment for IA. It also engages and empowers the end-users and beneficiaries of IA.

For scaling IA, leverage and share the best practices and lessons learned. A good way to do this is to create a repository of knowledge and resources for IA. This strategy allows you to disseminate and transfer the knowledge and experience of IA. It also builds a common and accessible source of information and guidance for the technology.

Another good way to level up your IA is to experiment and explore new possibilities and opportunities. Develop a roadmap and a pipeline for IA. It will go a long way in discovering and pursuing new and innovative ways of using IA and creating a plan and a sequence of actions for its best use.

Intelligent automation (IA) is the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA). Businesses can use it to automate rule-based and repetitive operations, which improves operational efficiency and allows for data-driven decision-making.

In this blog, we have explored how IA combines AI and RPA to increase business efficiency. IA transforms business process management and represents a new era for business transformation. We have also covered a few strategies for implementing and scaling IA successfully.

IA is a powerful and versatile technology that can help you create value, improve performance, and achieve competitive advantage. However, IA also requires careful planning, execution, and management. It also demands ethical and responsible use. Therefore, we encourage you to learn more about IA and to start your IA journey with a clear vision, strategy, and roadmap. To do this, you might need some guidance.

Flat Rock Technology, a trusted partner for businesses worldwide, will be your best ally in introducing IA to your business operations. Our experts create tailored solutions and ensure ease of usability. Contact us today!