Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is the art of using mouse clicks and keystrokes to replicate the behavior of a human. RPA leverages pre-built if/then statements to follow business logic based on structured, standardized information
When to Use: RPA is great for transferring structured data from one system into another when APIs are not available. As it requires clear business rules, it is perfect for extremely simply automations.
When to Avoid: This technology is a very poor solution for any level of unstructured data or when business logic is more complicated than a few if/then statements.
Generation 2: Intelligent Process Automation
Intelligent Process Automation (RPA) is RPA infused with a bit of machine learning. These automations are able to deal with limited, semi-structured data. As the automations encounter more data, they learn and get more accurate.
When to Use: IPA is great when you have relatively structured data that does have the occasional exceptions to business logic. These automations can deal with slightly more advanced processes.
When to Avoid: IPA still requires predominantly structured data with few exceptions to if/then statements. For complex processes, reading documents, and making decisions, IPA will be vastly limited.
Generation 3: Cognitive Process Automation
Cognitive Process Automation (CPA) is the merging of human intelligence with the speed of automation. This generation of technology is able to learn, deal with unstructured data, and interface with humans like a fellow colleague. When to Use: CPA is great to use when you're looking to increase operational capacity but processes are too complex for simple if/then business logic found in RPA and IPA. When to Avoid: One should avoid using CPA on low-volume activities. The machine learning that this automation relies on requires repetitive tasks, as opposed to one-off transactions.
What Makes the Right Partner?
Maximizing efficiency and mitigating rising costs has to come without damaging the customer experience. This is particularly true in heavily regulated, people-centric industries like Insurance and Financial Services. There are countless automation tools on the market, but many are lacking the components our team at Roots Automation believes is necessary to bring maximum value:
Transparency
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) must be clear and up-front across everything from implementation and developers to maintenance and software licenses.
Adaptability
Traditional automation is inherently rigid, built on if/then statements. A true solution is one that learns and accomodates systems and process changes.
Scalability
The costs of automation shouldn't scale linearly with growth. Any investment in technology should be able to accommodate the ebbs and flows of your business.
Value
Automation should break-even in months, not years. Creating operational capacity in an organization isn't enough. It must create financial value as well.
