Implementation of Intelligent Process Automation
IPA makes combined use of multiple advanced technologies like AI, ML, process mining, robotic process automation (RPA), etc. to automate business processes and enhance operational efficiency of an organization. Lets understand how these different technologies are combined together to streamline business operations within an organization.
In this chapter, we will explain the implementation of intelligent process automation (IPA).
How to Implement Intelligent Process Automation?
The implementation of IPA is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and integration of various technologies. The step-by-step explanation to implement intelligent process automation is described below −
Step 1: Identification and Selection of Processes
The implementation of intelligent process automation beings with identification of processes that can be automated using IPA. For this purpose, IPA tools like data analytics, process mining, etc. are used to perform process discovery. This step also involves the evaluation of return of investment for automating specific processes and assessment of their feasibility.
Step 2: Collection of Data
Data is the foundation for intelligent process automation. Once the processes for automation are identified and selected, then IPA collects sufficient relevant data from systems to train AI technologies and optimize automation.
Step 3: Designing Workflow Automation
After process selection and data collection, workflow automation designs are prepared. This step involves defining the sequence of automated actions that has to be executed to complete a process.
In this step, various important activities are performed like visually mapping the end-to-end processes, defining decision points for AI tools, highlighting points that require manual intervention, etc.
Step 4: Integration of Tools and Platforms
Next, the IPA implementation comes at the technology integration stage, where multiple automation technologies like RPA, AI, ML, process mining, BPA, cognitive agents, etc. are combined together to automate tasks, decision making, predictive analytics, document processing, and more.
Step 5: Training and Testing of IPA System
After integrating components of IPA, data is used to train the AI-powered tools of IPA to perform operations and make data-driven decision in process automation.
Once the training phase complete, the IPA system must be tested in a controlled environment to ensure its reliability and accuracy. If there are any needs for refinement, then it should be improved by using iterative feedback loops.
Step 6: Deployment in Real Environment
After assuring the reliability of IPA, it is deployed in live systems to implement process automation. It is also connected with other enterprise systems like ERP, CRM, etc.
Step 7: Continuous Monitoring and Optimization
IPA system must be continuously monitored by using dashboards to tack its performance, functionality, and errors. By collecting feedback from system performance, it should be refined and improved over time.
Conclusion
In this chapter, we highlighted a typical step-by-step framework to implement an IPA system that can operate reliably and efficiently to deliver value to a business organization. Let's go ahead in the tutorial and understand how does intelligent process automation benefits to a business organization?