The rise of digital, mobility, internet and smartphone penetration and technologies such as 4G and 5G have created a proliferation in data consumption.
The deluge of data has tested capabilities of systems and accentuated the need for these systems to incorporate automation and cognitive abilities.
What is cognitive automation?
Cognitive automation is enabled due to AI-powered systems that possess natural language processing capabilities, can learn rules that govern processes, and engage human brings with reasoning. Such systems get better with each iteration, learn from each interaction, and become smarter over time.
Benefits of Cognitive Automation
Cognitive automation amalgamates the human capabilities of logical reasoning, deep thinking and solution-orientedness with machine capabilities such as analyzing huge amounts of data and inputs in near real-time.
In terms of the input data that cognitive automation powered systems can manage, it includes images, language, unstructured data, etc. These systems come with machine learning capabilities and can provide output by understanding the context of the input.
How does it differ from RPA?
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) enables to automate rule-based and redundant human tasks. The bots used in RPA frameworks can learn from repetitive human action and perform the same action as often as we want it to in the most accurate manner. However, if the input parameters change and the system needs to take a new decision, you may have to look towards systems powered with cognitive automation.
RPA relies on workflow automation, running macro scripts and mimicking the users-action to automate redundant processes. Cognitive automation works on its capabilities in data mining, artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing etc.
In terms of data processing capabilities too, Cognitive automation scores over RPA due to its ability to process unstructured data. In the digital age, almost 90% of all data that is generated and stored is unstructured, hence cognitive automation will play a vital role in automating critical processes.
Also, while RPA works on a clearly defined process and definite output, cognitive automation works based on its ability to learn and deduce patterns as per its various human interactions and multiple iterations of such interactions.
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Also Read: Automation: A Necessary Pit Stop En Route Digital Transformation
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What’s the ideal solution?
While there are visible benefits of cognitive automation over RPA, it does not mean that you do away with RPA.
It is worth considering an integrated approach to ensure a comprehensive automation solution. An RPA system can be assisted by a cognitive automation powered system so that it can extract information from unstructured data sources and empower RPA when it gets stuck.
The result of an integrated approach is faster response times which directly co-relates with customer delight. It also accelerates sales and enhances revenues and profits.
Want to get the best by leveraging all the intelligence hidden in your structured as well as unstructured data sources? Talk to us and define your Intelligent Automation Blueprint today.
