#PaiRED: AI is not ONE thing!

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a form of software automation. It is used to mimic and replace redundant back-office tasks such as data entry, confirmation and moving information around. It uses scripts that imitate human processes. RPA completes various activities using autonomous tools. It moves transactions across a number of unrelated software systems. In theory it provides the glue between enterprise and productivity applications. RPA is based on rules. It handles high volume repetitive work. RPA frees up humans for more complex tasks. The reasons for using RPA are simple. RPA accelerates the digital change, increases ROI and decreases staff expenses.

IA (Intelligent Automation) is the reverse version of AI. IA is RPA with some AI tossed in, or strategically placed to enhance operations. IA can also be referred to as IPA (Intelligent Process Automation). Machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision are examples of incorporating subdisciplines to enhance RPA. This pushes RPA beyond simple rules. IA is about doing, thinking and learning. Using algorithms and data, software automation can make decisions and perform faster and more efficiently.

AI and IA are not the same thing. Oftentimes they are mistaken for each other, intentionally or not so intentionally. RPA is process driven and AI is data driven. RPA bots follow the processes designed by humans. AI bots use patterns in data to learn over time. RPA replicates tasks while AI is intended to simulate human intelligence.

RPA differs from other forms of automation. It supports data handled in and between multiple applications. In traditional workflow automations, the software engineer makes a list of the tasks to automate. The next step is to connect the systems using APIs (Application Program Interfaces). In contrast, RPA develops the action list by watching the user perform that task. RPA then repeats those tasks where the user performs them.

RPA software has many possibilities. It can decrease the coding to build automated scripts. It can integrate the enterprise. It can combine data design, monitoring and security. It can reach through legacy systems. It can replace human workers by performing routine tasks like logging into multiple systems, and copying and pasting from one system to another. RPA is valuable because it can quickly integrate.