IPA versus RPA – What's the difference?

What is Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)?

Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) refers to the application of Artificial Intelligence and related new technologies, combined with RPA application. Examples of such technologies are Computer Vision, Cognitive Automation, and Machine Learning up to Robotic Process Automation (RPA).
With IPA, the robot learns from doing tasks and becomes smarter after the completion of every task. As a result, it grants the robot access to endless possibilities of potential tasks and processes to automate. Adding intelligence creates transformation across the full spectrum of emerging technologies.

What is the difference between RPA and IPA?

While RPA tends to focus on automating repetitive tasks and rules-based processes, intelligent automation incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, structured data interaction, and intelligent document processing. For example, when you log in to your email account with the same username and password, RPA can offer a solution because RPA is excellent for repetitive tasks which often string together to form a simple business process such as logging into an account, clicking the box or moving a file from place A to place B.

The fact is that when a variation is introduced, the RPA solution no longer works completely at its best. People adapt variations, but software bots that only follow rules do not adopt these. That is why AI-driven Intelligent Automation, also known as Intelligent Process Automation (IPA), is superior to rule-driven RPA. IPA implements the RPA capabilities plus it adds capabilities to process automation only possible through bots that can learn and adapt to data in real-time.

What are the key benefits of Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)?

One of the differences between RPA and IPA is the cost of adoption. IPA is clearly cheaper here: IPA automates more and automates more efficiently than RPA. IPA processes structured data handles exceptions and continuously learns. In short, IPA takes that extra step of automation and therefore delivers significantly greater cost reduction. Everest Group's Enterprise Intelligent Automation Adoption Maturity research report found that companies adopting IPA initiatives in their businesses have saved more than $50 million, delivered significantly higher ROI, and more than half of the businesses have been able to create more than 100 FTE work capacity using IPA.
Moreover, traditional rules-driven RPA does not actually reduce human effort. It just changes it. RPA takes over repetitive tasks, but analysts then spend a lot of time managing and re-training RPA bots. IPA examples show that within these two aspects where RPA is lacking, IPA technology improves employee engagement.

What can Deloitte Business Process Solutions do for your business?

Are you ready for Intelligent Process Automation adoption in your organization? Our Center of Analytics & Robotics Excellence (CARE) professionals can gladly show you what kind of tailor-made solutions are available for you. Do you want to know more about what CARE can do for you in the area of Robotic Process Automation, Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Data Visualization, or Robotics-as-a-Service? Click here.