Home » Blog » Difference Between AI and RPA Automation
Two of the most successful technologies that have been making headlines frequently are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Whether it’s to increase customer satisfaction and employee morale or operational efficiencies and costs, AI and RPA have two very different functionalities. Let’s explore further what these have to offer and how they may improve your business process automation.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Artificial intelligence, or AI, has revolutionised the way we interact with technology. It involves the simulation of human intelligence processes, including learning, reasoning and self-correction, by computer systems. They’re designed to learn and act on what they learn, rather than take orders. The capabilities of AI are endless, with popular applications including image recognition, speech recognition, and natural language generation. One of the most transformative aspects of AI is automation, which has the potential to drastically improve efficiency and productivity across industries. With AI constantly evolving and improving, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of this technology in the future. As we continue to explore the potential of AI, it’s clear that it holds enormous promise for businesses and individuals alike.
What is RPA Automation?
Robotic Process Automation or (RPA) is much more than just setting up robots to follow orders. It’s about defining rules for machines to perform tasks that are tedious, error-prone, and repetitive. With the advancement of AI and automation, humans can now work on more challenging and creative tasks while machines take care of the routine ones. Employers also benefit from automation since machines can work faster, are more consistent, and eliminate the need for sick and holiday leave. RPA should be seen as a tool that supports us and enhances our productivity, rather than a threat to our jobs. By embracing automation, we can free up time to focus on more complex and meaningful work.
Where do RPA Automation and AI Collide?
As we delve further into the differences between AI and automation, it becomes clear that they both share a fundamental feature: data. Automated systems gather and organise data, while AI technology interprets it to gain insights. However, these two technologies are not mutually exclusive, and in fact, when combined, they generate a powerful force. Through the integration of RPA and AI, the process of data collection is not only efficient but also leads to a better understanding of that data. This knowledge can be used to inform automated actions, thereby unleashing the full potential of AI and automation working together.
How to Get Started with AI Based Automation
With the popularity of AI, many businesses wonder how to get started with the technology and implement it as part of their digital transformation. It’s best to look for the right case study for AI, rather than implementing AI without any parameters or understanding what outcomes are required.
1. Identify a business need
It’s essential to identify specific challenges and bottlenecks within your current tools and processes first. By asking for customer feedback, you can pinpoint the root of the problem and determine which technology is best suited to address it. For instance, if customers report slow response times, a chatbot that uses natural language processing may be the solution. On the other hand, if customers complain about the quality of responses, robotic responses may not be the answer. By carefully investigating and implementing the right technology, businesses can improve customer satisfaction and have that competitive advantage.
2. Research available technologies
Next should be a thorough research phase into which AI and RPA technologies to focus on. If you are a mid-size organisation and require support from experts who specialise in providing consulting and implementation services, our team at Valenta can guide you to achieve these strategic goals.
3. Select your tool and implement it
Choose a tool that can handle a range of technologies and seamlessly integrate AI and RPA capabilities with your current systems. Before deploying to customers, test new technologies internally to gauge effectiveness. Tackle small issues initially and perfect your solutions before scaling up. These steps will lead to long-term benefits for your organisation.
Our Partners offer a range of customised solutions using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Conversational AI services in collaboration with nearshore and offshore teams. We specialise in providing these solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), whether its end to end services, or vendor agnostic, visit our main Digital Transformation menu for more information. Also, we provide a complimentary consultation with one of our Managing Partners, so let us help streamline your business processes today with our RPA and AI expertise.