How do RPA and IA differ in the processes that they can automate?
There are many benefits to RPA, especially when the differences between intelligent automation (IA) are known and each technologies strength is utilized to complement the other. Many of the top RPA tools have enhanced the ability of the technology, although process improvement could require intelligent automation.
IA is an "automation system that can sense and synthesize vast amounts of information that enable it to automate entire processes and workflows", defined by Vivek Mishra (AVP of Technology and Solutions). IA is a broad term used to describe various technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), NLP, Intelligent OCR, and BPM - RPA vs AI, RPA vs BPM.
RPA is the "hands" of the operation, while IA is the "brains" of the operation, based on Erwin De Leeuw's comment. Vivek goes on to explain RPA is best for "automating rules-based activities or just mimicking human action." Tasks like "reading data, entering data, passing data along from one system to another, and extracting data are great for RPA, says Scott Francis, while IA is better suited for "streamlining the processes from end to end", says Mohammad.
Both technologies, RPA and IA, can work together and leverage each other's strengths. IA can optimize processes while RPA can be utilized for more structured and repetitive tasks. Sriram provides great insight by highlighting that "the sophistication of the decision making however depends on the depth of the AI engine itself and the adaptive capacity depends on the functionality of the defined bot." Nonetheless, both IA and RPA working together can automate and optimize your business from both a process and tactical perspective.