A Complete Overview of Intelligent Automation

Imagine a world where businesses can perform complex tasks like decision-making, data analysis, and customer service without human intervention. This is the future of intelligent automation, and it’s already becoming a reality. By 2025, intelligent automation will be deeply integrated into businesses, transforming industries and providing a significant competitive edge. Whether it’s automating routine tasks or making data-driven decisions, intelligent automation will help organizations streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.

In today’s fast-paced world, organizations need to remain agile and efficient. Intelligent automation offers the key to achieving this by using technologies like AI, machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA) to handle tasks that were once exclusively managed by humans. The future of business will be driven by these technologies, allowing businesses to scale, innovate, and deliver better customer experiences.

First things first, however – what does Intelligent Automation entail anyway? 

Introduction to Intelligent Automation

For the uninitiated, Intelligent Automation refers to using technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to perform tasks that usually require human intervention. It can automate a wide range of processes, from simple tasks like data entry to complex processes like decision-making. Intelligent automation has the potential to improve efficiency and productivity significantly, as well as reduce the need for human labor in specific industries.

Imagine you’re a customer service representative overwhelmed by thousands of customer inquiries. Instead of spending hours answering repetitive questions, an AI-powered chatbot steps in to handle the workload, providing instant responses to customers. This is a simple example of intelligent automation at work.

Intelligent automation is designed to handle both simple and complex tasks by combining AI, machine learning, RPA, and other technologies. It allows businesses to automate repetitive tasks like data entry and even complex decision-making processes, such as loan approvals based on credit scores. Intelligent automation systems analyze data, learn from it, and use this knowledge to improve their performance over time, making them more efficient and accurate.

Key components of intelligent automation include:

• Rule-based automation: Using predefined rules to automate repetitive tasks like data processing.
• Machine learning-based automation: Automating tasks that require pattern recognition or decision-making based on historical data.
• Cognitive automation: Using AI and ML to make decisions and solve problems, such as troubleshooting technical issues or personalizing customer interactions.

By incorporating these technologies, businesses can automate complex workflows, reduce human error, and improve operational efficiency.

Related article: Top 10 Intelligent Automation Trends and Predictions in 2023

The Importance of Intelligent Automation in 2025

Picture a scenario where a global retailer is trying to manage its supply chain during a time of uncertainty. Traditional methods of tracking inventory and managing shipments would take weeks to adjust. However, with intelligent automation, the retailer can use AI-powered systems to analyze data in real-time, predict shortages, and automatically reorder stock—keeping shelves full and customers happy.

Intelligent automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven environment. It helps organizations remain competitive by:

• Reducing operational costs: By automating repetitive tasks, businesses can significantly reduce the time and labor needed to complete them.
• Improving accuracy: With AI and machine learning, businesses can automate tasks that require a high degree of precision, such as financial analysis or regulatory compliance.
• Enhancing customer experience: Automated systems can quickly respond to customer inquiries, improving response times and satisfaction.

As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, intelligent automation will become a critical tool for staying ahead of competitors and meeting customer expectations.

How does Intelligent Automation work?

Intelligence Automation is designed to improve efficiency and accuracy by automating repetitive, predictable tasks and making decisions based on data. 

Listed below are a few of the several ways in which it can be implemented:

Rule-based automation

This automation involves using predefined rules to make decisions and perform tasks. For example, a rule-based system might automatically approve or reject loan applications based on credit score, income, and other factors.

Machine learning-based automation

This type of automation involves using algorithms that can learn from data and improve their performance over time. Machine learning-based systems can be used to automate tasks that require pattern recognition or even decision-making based on input data.

Knowledge-based automation

This automation involves using a knowledge base, a collection of information and rules, to make decisions and perform tasks. A knowledge-based system, when applied, might be used to diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues.

Intelligent Automation systems can be trained using a variety of methods, including supervised learning, where the system is provided with labeled examples and learns to make predictions based on them, and unsupervised learning, where the system is provided with a large amount of data and must find patterns and relationships within it. It also extensively involves using technology to automate tasks that humans usually do. There are several ways that this can be accomplished:

• Robotic process automation (RPA): RPA involves using software robots or “bots” to automate tasks. These bots are programmed to mimic human actions, such as typing and clicking, to complete tasks on a computer.
• Cognitive automation involves using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to automate tasks. This automation can analyse data and make decisions based on that data, enabling it to perform more complex tasks than RPA.
• Natural language processing (NLP): NLP is a type of AI that allows computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. This can automate tasks such as customer service inquiries or document reviews.

Companies globally have noted this efficiency, and reports from Deloitte state that over 85 percent of organizations are rethinking how work is done and have or will soon begin using intelligent automation. 

Related article: A Complete Guide to No-code Development for 2023

Benefits of Intelligent Automation 

The number of benefits to organizations. include increased efficiency, accuracy, and speed. Some specific advantages of intelligent automation include the following: 

On this note, studies conducted by Accenture indicate that even a standard automation solution, such as a successful RPA implementation, has the ability to generate a 40 to 80 percent reduction in processing costs and an 80 percent reduction in processing time. 

Imagine a financial services firm struggling with the high costs of processing loan applications. By implementing intelligent automation, the company can reduce processing time by 80%, lowering costs while improving accuracy. This is just one of the many benefits of intelligent automation.

Here are some key benefits businesses can expect from implementing intelligent automation:

• Increased efficiency: Automating tasks like data entry, document processing, and decision-making can free up employees to focus on more strategic tasks.
• Cost reduction: As mentioned, businesses can reduce processing costs by up to 80% by automating manual tasks.
• Faster decision-making: AI and machine learning enable businesses to make data-driven decisions in real-time, improving speed and agility.
• Enhanced scalability: Intelligent automation enables businesses to scale operations without having to hire additional employees, handling increased demand without added costs.

These benefits contribute to a more efficient, cost-effective, and innovative business model that can adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

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RPA and Intelligent Automation: What are the differences?

Robotic process automation (RPA) is a technology that allows organizations to automate repetitive, predictable tasks by using bots to mimic human actions, such as typing and clicking. RPA is typically used to automate tasks performed on a computer, such as data entry or document processing.

Intelligent automation, on the other hand, refers to the use of technology, including AI and ML, to automate tasks. This can include RPA, as well as other types of automation, such as cognitive automation, as mentioned above, which involves the use of AI and machine learning to automate tasks, and NLP.

To summarise, RPA is a specific type of automation involving software robots to automate tasks. In contrast, intelligent automation is a broader term for using technology, including RPA, to automate tasks.

Related article: A complete overview of Intelligent Automation role in Banking

Intelligent Automation Examples / Use Cases

Here are a few examples of how intelligent automation is being used

• Data entry: Intelligent automation can automate the process of entering data into computer systems, improving the speed and accuracy of data entry.
• Customer service: AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries, freeing up human customer service representatives to focus on more complex tasks.
• Supply chain management: Intelligent automation can optimize the movement of goods through a supply chain, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
• Healthcare: AI can be used to analyze medical images and assist with diagnosis, freeing up doctors to focus on more complex tasks.
• Finance: Intelligent automation can process and analyze financial data, enabling organizations to make more informed decisions.

These are just a few examples of how intelligent automation is being used. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more use cases for intelligent automation in the future. 

This is why intelligent automation can be found at the top of every organization’s strategic and tactical agendas. In fact, Gartner expects that by 2024, organizations will lower operational costs by 30% by combining hyper-automation technologies with redesigned operational processes. Overall, the future of intelligent automation is expected to be characterized by the increasing integration of AI and ML technologies into various aspects of modern life and the continued development of new and more advanced applications of these technologies.

How to choose the right Intelligent Automation platform for your business?

There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the right intelligent automation platform for your business.

1. Compatibility: Ensure the platform is compatible with your existing systems and processes.
2. Integration: Consider how well the platform integrates with your other tools and technologies.
3. Scalability: Choose a platform that can scale your business as it grows.
4. Functionality: Look for a platform with the features and capabilities you need to automate your business processes.
5. Support: Ensure the platform has good customer support and a strong track record of reliability.
6. Cost: Compare the costs of different platforms and choose one that fits within your budget.
7. Ease of use: Consider the learning curve and complexity of the platform, and choose one that is easy for your team to use.

It may also be helpful to research and read reviews or case studies from other businesses that have used the platform you are considering. This can help you better understand the platform’s strengths and weaknesses and how it has worked for others in similar situations.

Intelligent Automation Platform Trial – Autonom8

When you’re looking for the right Intelligent Automation platform for your business needs, consider using Autonom8.

The Intelligent Automation trial we offer allows our users to experience firsthand how the platform can effectively streamline business processes and increase efficiency by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks and workflows.  As a bonus, the intelligent Automation platform has been widely popular among its users owing to its ability to integrate with existing systems and its convenient, user-friendly interface.

Our users tell us that utilizing Autonom8’s Intelligent Automation platform is an exceedingly positive experience. Their testimonials state that many enterprises may benefit from integrating this technology into their operations to significantly improve efficiency and cost savings for organizations across various industries.

Start your trial today!

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