How Does Robotic Process Automation Differ from Intelligent Automation? 

10.03.23 12:14 AM Comment(s) By Assetsoft

It is undeniable that Robotic Process Automation and Intelligent Automation are very similar technologies. Both integrations are used to automate tasks, thereby reducing human intervention. Both RPA and IA are commonly employed in high-cost sectors like healthcare, real estate, and banking. It would be more accurate to say that RPA and IA are variations of each other instead of alternatives. 

RPA: Definition, Types, Uses 

Robotic Process Automation is an integration technology used to reduce manual intervention in workflows. It is non-invasive and is primarily used to automate repetitive, routine tasks. RPA functions UI interactions - tasks based on this integration are performed via scripts that combine API with the user interface. This RPA interaction allows the system to perform prescripted, predictable tasks among the applications. 

 

Depending on their scale, Robotic Process Automation is of two types 

 

Assisted RPA 

 

Found primarily in individual systems/desktops this variation is a conjunction of human and machine work. Assisted RPA performs certain routine work unassisted, but for other tasks, the worker has to input the data manually or at least deploy the RPA to process the output. 

 

Unassisted RPA 

 

This type of RPA is found in centralized systems and is common across all desktops on the server. Like Assisted RPA, this variation allows for manual control. However, it also automates a higher degree of end-to-end routine operations.  

 

Robotic Process Automation: Uses 

 

RPA in business is used to mimic human workflow. Based primarily on software bots, it is a sophisticated technology that is used to automate a wide range of tasks. Work requiring speed and accuracy can be integrated with Robotic Process Automation to cut back on errors and processing time. This technology can be programmed to undertake specific data-based operations. RPA is typically used in data entry and customer interaction services to read and identify onscreen data that would otherwise be done by humans.  

 

This system is well suited for performing mundane, repetitive tasks because RPA is based on fixed scripts. Simply put, this integration is not compatible with variations. Robotic Process Animation works best when employed in tasks that require human emulation. 

 

However, RPA is still a crucial component of business processes everywhere. This system orchestrates and connects multiple users, bots, apps, devices, and more, by integrating data flow across the system. RPA use in high-value tasks like the following frees up the workflow to focus on more essential work. 

 

  • Customer Support 

  • Finances 

  • Healthcare 

  • Data Entry 

  • Data Mining 

  • Process Monitoring 

  • Data Scraping 

  • Form Fill-Ups 

 

IPA: Definition, Uses, Advantages 

 

On the other hand, Intelligent Automation can do all the things RPA can do. A more advanced form of Robotic Process Automation, IA integrates the script-based system found in RPA and adds to the system. Using AI and ML, this system improves the capabilities of the program to include bots that learn and adapt in real-time. As a result, IA-based integrations have autonomy lacking in RPA systems. This feature allows it to program and self-execute decisions based on historical data and user preferences.  

 

IA can be understood to be an improvement to RPA as it is more adaptive and efficient. Along with the software bots used in RPA, Intelligent Automation makes use of integrations like 

 

  • Machine Learning 

  • Artificial Intelligence 

  • Intelligent Document Processing 

  • Structured Data Interaction 

  • Natural Language Processing 

 

Along with bots, IA may also use sensors, tech, and info pools inside or outside the system. It may also integrate devices and machines other than the ones actively connected to the current server. This system is also known to incorporate Digital Process Automation analysis to optimize the output of RPA. 

 

Advantages of Intelligent Automation 

 

Intelligent Automation adds an active data layer to the processes otherwise missing in Robotic Process Automation. Like RPA, it executes tasks to optimize workflow, but IA is also additionally always learning and adapting. This system connects various users, apps, data sources, and devices on a secure server. 

 

Once the information is centralized and ready, IA integrations use AI to run an analysis of the system. This review unearths valuable data regarding workforce management, data optimization, and system planning. As a result, IA helps program bots that can make quicker, more efficient decisions in the workflow. Because of these analytical advantages, this tech is often used in logistics, fraud detection, and healthcare. 

 

Intelligent Automation trumps RPA because it can read and process unpredictable and unstructured data While the latter can only deal with uniform, routine scripts, IA can configure bots to interpret and capture non-linear, exceptional data. Unlike RPA, it simulates instead of simply mimicking human decision-making.  

 

This quality allows IA to work exceptionally well across systems and devices. This integration possesses complex cognitive abilities that optimize workflow/data exchange between systems. With an IA set-up companies will be able to automatically read and process data related to  

 

  • Trigger responses 

  • Data transactions 

  • Cross-system communications 

Differences Between Robotic Process Automation and Intelligent Automation 

The main difference between Robotic Process Automation and Intelligent Automation is that the former emulates while the latter simulates human intelligence. 

 

RPA can only operate on and execute structured data while IA handles unstructured data as well. Because of this, Robotic Process Automation can only handle repetitive tasks with no variations. In real estate, it can be used to automate phone calls, oversee customer interactions or reply to tenant complaints. 

 

Compared to this, IA can work on more complex, end-to-end tasks. Since this system incorporates Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence among others, it can orchestrate tasks that are exceptions. Intelligent Automation in real estate can thus be used to execute tasks requiring judgment, reasoning, and analysis. 

 

From identifying strong leads to predicting property appraisals, IA can be integrated into the system for long-term success. Unlike RPA which is primarily used to cut down on the human workforce, this integration also offers a data-backed analytical edge. IA provides crucial insight into operations by working across platforms as diverse as Oracle, Sharepoint, Intranent, and more. 


Know how Assetsoft can help you improve business processes with RPA. Talk to us today! 

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