THINK: Intelligent Automation (IA): What, How, Why?

AI Automation Life Daily. AI and automation are transforming how work gets done, bringing both opportunities and challenges. Intelligent automation (IA) refers to software that can mimic human actions and judgement to automate business processes. It combines technologies like robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and natural language processing.

Whereas RPA automates repetitive, rules-based tasks, IA adds capabilities like sensing, learning, predicting and decision making. This allows IA systems to handle unstructured data and adapt to changing conditions, taking automation to the next level.

How Intelligent Automation Works

IA relies on various technologies working together:

• RPA bots perform repetitive tasks like data entry according to programmed rules.

• AI algorithms analyze data, identify patterns, and make predictions.

• Machine learning allows systems to improve through experience without explicit programming.

• Computer vision reads and interprets text, images, and documents.

• Natural language processing understands spoken or written language.

These technologies automate end-to-end processes or workflows that previously required human judgement and discretion. For example, an IA system could process an insurance claim by validating forms, extracting data, checking for fraud, determining the payout amount and approving the claim.

The Benefits of Intelligent Automation

IA allows individuals and organizations to reduce costs, grow revenue, and keep up with the competition. According to Gartner, the IA market will exceed $232 billion by 2025.

However, IA adoption comes with hurdles like:

- Identifying the right processes and use cases

- Integrating IA tools into existing IT systems

- Managing regulatory compliance and ethical risks

- Retraining employees and maintaining organizational agility

To succeed with IA, companies need an implementation roadmap aligned to business goals, change management strategies, and governance frameworks.

The Future of Work

As IA becomes more prevalent, how will it impact jobs and the workplace? Experts say IA will mostly automate repetitive tasks rather than whole jobs. Employees can then focus on higher-value work. But the nature of some jobs will likely change, requiring new skills.

Overall, IA promises benefits like improved productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction. The future of work lies in humans and intelligent automation collaborating effectively rather than competing. Adopting this human-centric mindset will allow organizations to realize the full benefits.