AI-powered automation combines decision automation (DDP), digital process automation (DPA), and machine learning (ML). Together, these technologies enable endless possibilities for the business to streamline its ways of working; we covered this in our last blog post, “4 fast facts about intelligence automation“. However, with several named automation methodologies available, intelligence automation can easily be confused with other solutions.
1. AI automation is not the same as intelligent automation nor hyper-automation
Although the names are fundamentally identical, there are differences between intelligence and intelligent automation.
Intelligent automation, coined by Forrester, is the combination of robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), and in some cases, business process management (BPM) or digital process automation (DPA). So, it’s not just the naming that bears a resemblance.
But there are differences between the two solutions. Intelligence automation leverages decision automation (rather than RPA) and includes machine learning. These are the two most significant differences.
To make things a bit more confusing hyper-automation is, in fact, the equivalent of intelligent automation. The difference between the two is that one was coined by Forrester, and the other by Gartner. The key difference is that hyper-automation always includes DPA while intelligent automation doesn’t necessarily include DPA.
Bottom line: intelligence automation is human-centric automation that seeks to enhance current operations and relieve us from tedious tasks. Intelligent automation and hyper-automation are more focused on robotics that will, to some extent, replace human actions.
2. AI-powered automation does not compete with RPA
A common misconception when evaluating automation software is that you have to choose one or the other. In reality, this couldn’t be more untrue. These automation solutions are often complementary. Just as AI-powered automation combines several different methods, you can still add RPA into the mix to further enhance your business outcomes.
3. AI-powered automation is not a silver bullet
There’s no single answer when automating a process or specific way of working, just like most things. When using intelligence automation, we often recommend our customers to start small and then scale the automation initiatives. The important part is to start, however.
Gartner has created a great infographic on the topic, from mapping out the landscape to taking the first step and finding winning combinations.
Also worth mentioning is that automation can’t take care of everything. Human interaction is often still necessary. The automation software still relies on what a human tells it to do. We enhance and perfect what automation gives us. However, it’s important to keep humans in the loop in intelligence automation to provide governance and to ensure that the decisions and predictions are practical, correct, or ethical.
4. AI-powered automation is not here to steal your job
Automation, in some cases, is associated with being supplanted by either a robot or artificial intelligence. These theories are primarily grounded in sci-fi movies and popular culture. Therefore, when hearing the word “robot” anything, some may link it to a doomsday scenario. But automation is here to augment human capabilities and relieve them from tedious work tasks. It’s here to give us the right tools to succeed in whatever we undertake and propel the business to move faster and become more capable.
We offer a free trial of our entire product suite if you’re interested in taking the first steps of your automation journey today. Follow the link and learn more about how intelligence automation can facilitate your ways of working.
