In the intensely competitive business landscape of today, organizations need end-to-end automated workflow management to give themselves a fighting chance. Intelligent Automation is the one-stop solution to ensure increased agility, enhance customer experience, and boost overall productivity for your business. However, intelligent automation without the necessary orchestration leaves much to be desired with regard to holistic success.
The best strategies for implementing intelligent automation involve a series of steps involving the selection of the automation tools, defining the intended outcomes, establishing a hub of operations, and so on. In this article, we will talk about five such crucial strategies without which you cannot fully reap the benefits of intelligent automation.
Intelligent automation refers to the use of the most advanced technologies that come under the umbrellas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in combination with automation to create more efficient and effective workflows, processes, and operations for businesses. It is a method of automating repetitive tasks that can be assigned to a computer and enhancing them with decision-making capabilities.
The intelligent automation approach combines the best of automation and AI, enabling businesses to automate their processes while still having the ability to adapt to unforeseen scenarios and make complex decisions. An example of intelligent automation is the use of chatbots in enhancing customer engagement. Chatbots use Natural Language Processing (NLP) and ML algorithms to understand customer inquiries and provide automated responses.
Source: recosenselabs.com
For instance, by using chatbots, companies can automate their customer service processes, reducing the need for human agents to handle simple queries, and freeing them up to focus on more complex issues. Chatbots can also provide personalized responses, ensuring that customers get the assistance they need quickly and efficiently.
Successful and holistic intelligent automation requires several strategies for business integration before its implementation. First, an in-depth analysis of ongoing operations needs to be carried out to pinpoint where any issues arise. The next step is to focus on improving decision-making approaches and expanding the scope of innovation so that intelligent automation can be implemented where necessary. Here is a series of steps that can set up any organization for success with intelligent automation:
1) Applied Intelligence
Implementing applied intelligence for intelligent automation involves utilizing advanced technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to automate business processes and decision-making.
The first step is to identify the business processes that can be automated to improve efficiency and productivity. Next, assess the data sources and ensure that they are accurate and of high quality. Once the data is ready, select the appropriate technology, whether it be machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision. Develop and train the intelligent automation solution, test it, and deploy it to the business process.
Image: Difference between AI and Applied Intelligence
Source: re-work.co
Continuous monitoring and improvement are necessary for the successful implementation of applied intelligence for intelligent automation. The solution must be continuously monitored for accuracy and performance and improved as necessary to ensure that it continues to meet the business requirements.
2) Reliable Cloud Infrastructure
Setting up a cloud infrastructure for successful intelligent automation requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. Firstly, the business needs to assess its current technology stack and identify areas where automation can be applied to optimize workflows. Next, the appropriate cloud platform should be selected based on factors such as scalability, reliability, and security.
Once the platform is selected, the business should prioritize data governance and security to ensure that sensitive information is protected. This involves setting up access controls, implementing encryption, and regularly monitoring activity logs.
The business should also invest in building a robust data pipeline that can collect and process large volumes of data from various sources. This data can then be used to train machine learning models and develop intelligent automation workflows.
3) Prepare the Workforce
A people-first approach is crucial for successful intelligent automation in business. When implementing automation technology, it's easy to focus solely on the efficiency and cost-saving benefits it provides. However, businesses must consider the impact on their employees.
To ensure successful adoption, businesses must involve their employees in the process, keeping them informed and trained. Employees must be reassured that automation technology will not replace them but rather enhance their capabilities, leading to new opportunities, increased productivity, and job satisfaction.
Furthermore, businesses must prioritize the employee experience, considering how automation technology will affect their daily work and addressing any concerns. By creating a positive culture and fostering an environment of collaboration between humans and machines, businesses can leverage automation technology to achieve their goals while empowering their workforce.
4)Continuous Iterations
Continuous small iterations are crucial for implementing intelligent automation in a business because they enable organizations to make small, incremental changes that can be quickly tested, evaluated, and refined before larger-scale implementation. This iterative approach allows organizations to identify and address issues early on, reducing the risk of failure and improving the overall success of the automation initiative.
Moreover, intelligent automation technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, are constantly evolving, and what works today may not work tomorrow. Therefore, small iterations enable businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and incorporate new features as they become available. It also allows organizations to adapt quickly to changing business needs and market conditions.
Source: smartsheet.com
In addition, small iterations can help reduce the cost and complexity of implementation, making it more manageable for businesses of all sizes. By breaking the automation initiative down into smaller, more manageable pieces, organizations can avoid large upfront costs and reduce the potential for disruption to existing business processes.
5)Develop a CoE
Building a Center of Excellence (CoE) for Intelligent Automation requires a strategic approach to identify the processes that can be automated, select the appropriate technologies, and develop a team with the right skills to manage and maintain the automation ecosystem.
Firstly, you need to define the scope of automation, determine the potential benefits, and establish the governance structure. Once the scope is defined, select the technology stack that aligns with your business objectives and train the team to manage the platform.
Next, establish a framework for selecting the automation opportunities and prioritize them based on ROI. Develop automation workflows, test and deploy them, and continuously monitor and optimize their performance.
ALSO READ: Intelligent Automation in Healthcare: Applications and Benefits
Even the biggest of businesses may sometimes find themselves struggling to effectively implement intelligent automation without help from an outside expert in AI. If an organization manages to fully implement intelligent automation, it can expect to unlock a slew of benefits in the form of better decision-making and a greater culture of innovation. This is due to the automation of daily repetitive tasks by leveraging AI-driven tools which free up organizations to focus on nurturing creative and innovative endeavors more. If you are on a similar trajectory and are looking for a technology partner to enable intelligent automation, Daffodil's AI Center of Excellence (CoE) is your best bet.