The AI & RPA Revolution…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is arguably the most exciting field in robotics. It’s certainly the most controversial. Everybody agrees that a robot can automate repetitive tasks, but there’s no consensus on whether a robot can ever be intelligent. Ultimate AI would be a recreation of the human thought process, a man-made machine with our intellectual abilities. This would include the ability to learn just about anything, the ability to reason, the ability to use language and the ability to formulate original ideas. The industry is nowhere near achieving this level of artificial intelligence, but has made a lot of progress. Today’s AI machines can now replicate specific elements of intellectual ability.
Whilst RPA is an established technology, its application and benefits to organisation processes are now becoming understood and realised with tangible ROI. Whilst companies see the value, there is often confusion as to the process attributes which will benefit from RPA. Artificial Intelligence and its subsets terms like Machine Learning, Automation, NLP etc. have gained tremendous attention in just a few years. What came with this limelight was equally persistent confusion regarding the general terminology. Many of us are unclear regarding the differences that make these terms distinct in meaning and applications.
One of the clear trends in RPA and AI is around doing more and more administrative work. More decisions will be made by robots and we’ll likely rely on AI more often for decision making support. It’s not a question of whether it will happen – but how fast it will happen.
Artificial Intelligence is the term used to describe the ability of computer systems to mimic human mental capabilities like cognition, reasoning, problem-solving etc. The computer systems are made intelligent using training data that helps them develop an understanding of the environment. Once the machine develops enough level of cognition it begins making a guess about the objects which weren’t even in the data initially fed to the system. The best thing about an AI algorithm is that it can adapt to a new environment, learn from the outcomes of decisions and improve itself over time. The most common way of creating artificial intelligence is by using machine learning (ML).
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) on the other hand is a software solution where a software robot, rather than a physical machine, replicates human actions when using a software program. The software robot uses the same software and same user interface that the human uses. This is different to typical software integration, where Application Process Interfaces (APIs) enable machine to machine communication on a layer below the User Interface (UI).
The software robot in this case can be considered a worker in so far as they need to have their own virtual workstation. The actions the software robot takes mimic that of a human worker, using the same mouse clicks and keyboard inputs to execute the actions but at least five times faster than a human, and 24/7/365.
As you might have understood by now, AI and RPA are two distinct terms. RPA is practically a software that reduces human efforts and compliments their work. On the other hand, AI has the potential to remove the human effort from a process altogether. Obviously, these solutions complement each other very well. By combining the potential of artificial intelligence and RPA we can create a completely autonomous process.
JifJaff is a specialised independent RPA & AI consultancy. JifJaff can help you throughout your entire RPA & AI project cycle. From initially accessing which processes will most benefit from automation and onto scoping the project. By helping you choose the right and relevant solutions and vendors for your business, we can reduce your overheads and increase your capacity, accuracy and profitability. We understand the difficulties you face and can advise on and implement an RPA/AI system that will help your business embrace the future. We can design, deliver and manage your solution. There are many RPA/AI systems, offering a multitude of functions. The breadth of choice can be overwhelming. Our consultants will bring their expertise to help you navigate the automation minefield and advise you as to what is important and necessary for your company’s specific requirements, whether that is for a stand-alone project or companywide deployments.
Before you start your Process Automation project speak to JifJaff, we can save you money, remove risk and ensure the success of your project.
