Introduction to Intelligent Automation

In today’s fast-paced business world, companies are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity. One way to achieve these goals is by implementing intelligent automation. Intelligent automation involves using software robots and artificial intelligence (AI) to automate repetitive and mundane tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more strategic and creative work.

The market for intelligent automation is growing rapidly, with Gartner predicting that the global market will reach $10.9 billion by 2025, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25.5% from 2020 to 2025. (1) As more companies begin to adopt intelligent automation, the need for effective tool selection becomes increasingly important.

Section 1: Understanding Intelligent Automation Tools

Before selecting the right tools for intelligent automation, it’s essential to understand what types of tools are available. There are several categories of tools, including:

  • Robotic Process Automation (RPA): RPA tools use software robots to automate repetitive and rule-based tasks. Examples of RPA tools include Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, and UiPath.
  • Business Process Management (BPM): BPM tools help organizations design, execute, and monitor business processes. Examples of BPM tools include IBM BPM, Oracle BPM, and Pegasystems.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI tools use machine learning and natural language processing to automate complex tasks. Examples of AI tools include Google Cloud AI, Microsoft Azure Machine Learning, and Amazon SageMaker.
  • Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS): iPaaS tools provide a platform for integrating different applications and services. Examples of iPaaS tools include MuleSoft, Talend, and Informatica.

Section 2: Evaluating Intelligent Automation Tools

When evaluating intelligent automation tools, there are several key factors to consider:

  • Ease of use: How easy is the tool to use, especially for non-technical users?
  • Scalability: Can the tool handle large volumes of data and traffic?
  • Security: Does the tool have robust security features to protect sensitive data?
  • Integration: Can the tool integrate with existing systems and applications?
  • Cost: What is the total cost of ownership, including licensing fees, implementation costs, and ongoing maintenance?

According to a survey by Forrester, 62% of organizations cite ease of use as a top criterion when selecting an intelligent automation tool. (2) Additionally, 55% of organizations cite scalability as a top criterion, highlighting the importance of selecting a tool that can handle growing volumes of data and traffic.

Section 3: Selecting the Right Tool for Your Business

Selecting the right tool for your business requires careful consideration of your specific needs and requirements. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Define your use cases: Clearly define the specific business processes you want to automate.
  • Assess your IT infrastructure: Evaluate your existing IT infrastructure and identify potential integration points.
  • Evaluate vendor offerings: Research and evaluate the offerings of different vendors, including their tool capabilities, pricing, and customer support.
  • Read reviews and ask for references: Read reviews from other customers and ask for references to get a sense of the tool’s performance in real-world scenarios.

According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global intelligent automation market is expected to grow from $4.2 billion in 2020 to $15.4 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 22.5%. (3) With the market growing rapidly, it’s more important than ever to select the right tool for your business.

Section 4: Implementing and Monitoring Intelligent Automation Tools

Once you’ve selected the right tool for your business, it’s essential to implement and monitor it effectively. Here are some best practices to follow:

  • Develop a clear implementation plan: Clearly define the scope, timeline, and resources required for implementation.
  • Provide training and support: Provide training and support to end-users to ensure successful adoption.
  • Monitor performance: Continuously monitor the tool’s performance and adjust as needed.

According to a report by KPMG, 71% of organizations believe that intelligent automation will have a significant impact on their business over the next three years. (4) By implementing and monitoring intelligent automation tools effectively, businesses can realize significant benefits, including improved efficiency, reduced costs, and increased productivity.

Conclusion

Intelligent automation is a rapidly growing market, with significant benefits for businesses that adopt it. However, with so many tools available, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. By understanding the different types of tools available, evaluating key factors such as ease of use and scalability, and selecting the right tool for your business, you can ensure successful implementation and realization of benefits. We’d love to hear from you - what are your experiences with intelligent automation tool selection? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts.

References:

(1) Gartner, “Market Share Analysis: Robotic Process Automation, Worldwide, 2020”, 2020.

(2) Forrester, “The State of Intelligent Automation, 2020”, 2020.

(3) ResearchAndMarkets.com, “Intelligent Automation Market by Component, Technology, Application, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2027”, 2020.

(4) KPMG, “Intelligent Automation: Reshaping the Future of Work”, 2020.