Process automation uses software and technologies to automate corporate processes and functions to achieve organisational goals. These goals can include manufacturing a product, hiring an employee, or providing customer service.

It is especially useful in automating more complex procedures, helping to centralise information and reduce the need for manual interventions. The main objectives of process automation are to remove bottlenecks, reduce the occurrence of errors, and prevent data loss.

The main advantages of implementing process automation in your company:

• Cost reduction
• Greater transparency
• More satisfied customers
• Compliance
• Document management
• Greater efficiency

With so many advantages it’s not surprising that process automation has so many advocates. In particular, automation is recognised for allowing teams to perform quickly and efficiently in executing their tasks.

Types of process automation

There are essentially four types of process automation that have evolved over the past decades.

1. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

The best known among the types of process automation, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), performs repetitive tasks so that humans do not need to execute them. This can include things like data entry, routing customer support requests, order processing and tracking etc.

2. Business Process Automation (BPA)

BPA is not just a single tool, but a set of resources and techniques for digitising, automating and monitoring business processes. BPA can combine the strengths of people, information, resources, robots and artificial intelligence to improve organisational efficiency and consistency of service.

BPA produces clearly mapped processes (eg Leave Application, Travel Approval, Order Processing etc.) and, if processes are not optimal, they can be changed quickly and easily.

3. Integration Automation (IA)

IA is a method of connecting various software applications and different systems to facilitate communication and data exchange between them. The goal is to reduce the need for manual data entry and improve the accuracy of this information. IA can involve the use of APIs, middleware, or integration platforms to automate workflows across various systems.

One example could be taking data from a SCADA system and automatically importing it into your ERP so people don’t have to type it in.

Another example could be to use a Performance Management system to harvest data from various systems, and use it to monitor and report on levels of performance in specific areas in real-time.

4. Hyperautomation (HA)

Hyperautomation is considered complete automation, a final stage where various technologies are integrated in order to optimise business processes and lead to more accurate decision-making.

HA can provide insights related to the return on investment (ROI) of automation initiatives in pursuit of continuous expansion, empowering management and the workforce with the tools and information to perform their tasks in relation to organisational goals.

A good example of HA would be the complete integration of disciplines such as risk, governance, portfolio, project, people, asset, document, environmental, quality, safety, service and supplier lifecycle management.

How AI can help in process automation

As can be seen, some types of process automation use artificial intelligence or machine learning (ML) technologies. This is because the use of these tools helps simplify processes, free up resources, and make your operations even more efficient.

For example, a pharmaceutical and life sciences company can use AI technology to reduce manufacturing costs or use its raw materials more efficiently. Meanwhile, an automobile factory can use ML tools to reduce the risk of human error or identify optimisations to speed up car production.

Conclusion

Process automation represents a milestone in the evolution of corporate operations, especially when driven by artificial intelligence. It allows organisations to reach new levels of efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction, all while freeing employees to focus on strategic and creative activities.

By integrating technologies such as RPA, BPA, and Hyperautomation, companies have the opportunity to transform processes, connect systems, and create more agile and effective workflows. Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in this journey, providing data-driven insights and assisting in complex decision-making.

In a competitive and constantly changing scenario, adopting process automation is no longer a differentiator but a necessity to maintain business relevance and sustainability. Whether for small improvements or structural changes, automation is the way to go for any company with the desire to innovate, grow, and prepare for future challenges.

Rifle-Shot Performance Holdings