RPA Vs IPA: The Difference

It's easy to understand why there's also some confusion regarding both technological applications if you happen to google the difference between robotic process automation (RPA) and intelligent process automation (IPA).

 

First, the innovation at its heart is now in the early adopter period, which means that many corporate executives have yet to investigate what this technology is, let alone comprehend its distinctions. Considering this, a recent Deloitte poll predicted near universal RPA usage by 2023.

 

Second, while RPA and IPA operate differently, they work well together. Given that this coupling is likely to exacerbate customer misunderstanding about the particular function and purpose of these bots, there are a few key aspects to address to improve consumer awareness.

 

To put it simply, consider RPA to be "the engine" in your automobile and IPA to be "the driver." RPA performs what it was designed to do: it burns gasoline to propel the car. 

 

The intelligence in the automobile known as IPA, or "the driver," has learnt how to drive it from point A to point B in the safest and most productive way imaginable. Now that we've established a foundational grasp of RPA and RPI, let's go further by separating their key qualities.

 

(Recommended blog - RPA in Manufacturing Industry)

 

 

What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

 

To complete a commercial process, robotic process automation (RPA) uses technology to mimic human duties. RPA bots imitate routine computer-based processes that are rule-based, have specified output signals, are repeatable, and occur often.

 

To execute tasks, robotic process automation makes use of structured data. Data input, data processing and mapping, and customer onboarding and account opening setups are examples of jobs where RPA technology excels.

 

RPA can:

 

• Imitate predefined tasks using data sets such as numbers.

 

• Processes should be accelerated.

 

• Reduce human error and improve accuracy

 

• Should be installed before to or concurrently with IPA

 

(Related read - RPA in Big Data)

 

What is Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)?

 

Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) is a term that refers to the automation of business processes. IPA, short for Intelligent Process Automation, refers to a group of innovative, new technologies such as RPA, AI, and Machine Learning that enable organisations to automate processes by eliminating repetitive, tedious, and conventional operations. 

 

IPA is a subset of RPA that blends basic process reform with RPA and machine learning. 

 

IPA assists enterprises in automating back-end activities that were previously primarily manual and inefficient by merging RPA and AI technology. Intelligent RPA automates these typical operations, making them faster, more dependable, and more efficient while decreasing human error. It also makes it easy to grow resources that would otherwise be spent elsewhere by activating more bots.

 

IPA can:

 

• Interpret unstructured data such as photos or text

• Convert unstructured data into structured data for RPA to use.

• Recognize the context

• Processes should be simplified.

• Continue to learn and iterate

 

 

IPA Technologies

 

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

 

It is a data analysis technology that enables software to detect and analyse human speech in order to extract relevant information. For example, NLP could be used in conjunction with voice recognition to enable users to search corporate databases for critical information using ordinary speech rather than proprietary search phrases or codes.

 

Data Extraction

 

Data Extraction is the process of analysing and mining unstructured content for relevant information that may then be saved, categorised, and accessible by other applications. This might include:

 

1. Optical character recognition (OCR), which scans text and translates it to editable formats while analysing it for content.

2. NLP, which can do the same thing with audio or video.

3. A hybrid of the two.

 

 

Machine Learning

 

Machine Learning, which improves RPA software robots' "IQ" by enabling them to assess their own efficiency and the effectiveness in doing tasks. In essence, each repetition of a given activity gets more efficient and useful as the system makes changes to the method(s) involved in order to reach predetermined goals for reducing costs, accuracy, and so on.

 

Intelligent Workflows

 

When bots are introduced into workflows, they can cause confusion and inefficiencies. Human stakeholders must be aware of their roles and obligations. When, for example, does a robot pass off a duty to a person, and vice versa? Process management software assists stakeholders in comprehending and tracking processes in order to minimise bottlenecks.

 

IPA has a significant impact on both staff happiness and consumer experiences. Employees benefit from a greater understanding of their duties and the chance to focus on activities that are less monotonous and add more value to their firm. Customers benefit because additional resources may be allocated to delivering outstanding customer service.

 

(Related read - Customer Experience Trends in 2022)

 

 

RPA VS IPA: Comparison Table

RPA	IPA
RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation.	IPA stands for Intelligent Process Automation.
RPA refers to an operating system robot or bot that can automate human actions or behaviour in the workforce.	IPA is a technology that combines RPA with AI to handle more complicated procedures rather than merely automating basic chores.
Aids in the automation of high-volume procedures that were previously handled by humans.	To fulfil the tough demand, IPA adds a level of decision making to the process.
RPA grew out of three major technologies: screen scraping, workflow automation, and artificial intelligence.	Natural Language Processing (NLP), machine learning, data extraction, and artificial intelligence (AI) are some of the revolutionary, new technologies brought to RPA by IPA.

 

 

Difference Between RPA and IPA

 

Definition

 

Robotic Process Automation, or RPA, refers to a collection of automated solutions that aid companies or corporations in automating processes by simulating human behaviours on computers with little or no human intervention. RPA solutions are intended to reduce the load of dull, repetitive activities on employees. 

 

Intelligent Process Automation (IPA), often known as intelligent automation, covers a broader place of expertise than RPA; it augments traditional regulation automation with decision-making skills to provide outcomes as efficiently as possible. IPA is a blend of RPA and AI technology designed to handle more complicated operations rather than just automating regular chores.

 

Simplicity

 

RPA automates high-volume procedures that were previously handled by humans, and the greatest part is that no prior programming experience is required. 

 

Most systems include flowchart-based designs that make it simple to automate business processes, freeing up IT personnel to focus on other high-priority activities. Intelligent RPA, on either hand, makes traditional processes faster, more reliable, and more efficient, while also introducing a level of decision making to address tough needs.

 

Scalability

 

RPA is a developing technology that blends keyboard robotics with business requirements and artificial intelligence to automate manual, repetitive processes that do not necessitate considerable decision-making. 

 

Even though the business process necessitates an increase or decrease in the virtual workforce, software robots may be easily deployed at zero or low cost without sacrificing job quality. 

 

Furthermore, you may broaden the scope of use by bringing RPA solutions to other sectors of the organisation. By activating new bots, intelligent process automation makes it easy to scale resources to meet tough needs.

 

Technologies

 

RPA originated from three key technologies: screen scraping, process automation, and artificial intelligence (AI). Businesses are increasingly adopting RPA in conjunction with AI technology to assist automate back-end business activities, which were previously primarily manual and consequently slower, less accurate, and less efficient. 

 

This business automation ecosystem, which comprises scripting tools, process automation tools, and AI tools, is dominated by RPA and AI. IPA, on the other hand, offers some unique, new technologies to RPA, such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning, Data Extraction, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

 

(Check out - Hyper Automation)

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Benefits of IPA Over RPA

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Examples of IPA

 

Intelligent automation allows businesses to focus their attention on more important business tasks. Finally, IPA saves time, and as we all know, time is money. Let's have a look at some examples of IPA in action in various industries.

 

Example 1: Healthcare

 

Intelligent automation software in healthcare can filter through massive amounts of structured data and offer therapy or diagnosis based on criteria such as health information or symptoms. What it would take a doctor hours to investigate takes a machine seconds. This allows doctors and other healthcare staff to devote more time to clients rather than sifting through scientific research materials.

 

(Speaking of healthcare, check out the Emerging Technologies in Healthcare in 2022)

 

Example 2: Onboarding and offboarding of Employees

 

Onboarding and offboarding are processes that can take a long time and need a significant amount of staff work. Although paperwork, accreditation, payment methods, and obtaining resignation letters are all very simple tasks, they may be time-consuming and exhausting. 

 

IPA, on the other hand, may be used to simplify and perform these tasks in a fast and error-free manner. Employees can focus their energy somewhere, putting the hard task to the computers.

 

 

Examples of RPA

 

There are several RPA application cases in various industries that might benefit from automation to free up some workers' time for creative pursuits. The RPA examples shown here are some of the most common applications of robotic process automation.

 

Example 1: Processing of Payroll

 

Payroll processing needs multiple phases of human labour throughout the year. RPA technologies, fortunately, can automate operations like creating pay stubs, calculating expenses and deductions, organising and storing vital data, and creating yearly reports. 

 

Payroll processing automation alleviates the stress of complying with complex tax requirements while also cutting costs and enhancing productivity and accuracy.

 

Example 2: Web Analytics

 

To get a better understanding of their customers, all organisations rely on the ability to analyse large amounts of behavioural data online. Fully automated web analytics software can precisely predict client behaviour, allowing firms to sell products and services based entirely on this new data. This results not just in more money, but also in a better user experience.

 

(Suggested Read - RPA in Healthcare)

 

 

Conclusion

 

With the raging rivalry in consideration, the advent of sophisticated work automation technologies has accelerated, and it is expected to accelerate even further in the next few years. Beyond the limitations of traditional business process management. IPA software is designed to assist processes in areas other than operations management. 

 

Begin by identifying and removing performance bottlenecks. Smart automation software makes advantage of advanced analytics. This facilitates the study of overall performance, awareness of ever-changing market structure, and development of relevant plans.