At Synthwave Solutions, we specialize in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Agentic Process Automation (APA). What does that actually mean? These technologies automate business processes in a way that has never been possible before and open new doors for your business. In this article, we'll explore what RPA and APA are, how they work, and more importantly, what they can do for you. Ready to explore the opportunities these technologies can unlock for your business? Then read on for a clear overview and concrete examples of the benefits.
Business Processes and Process Automation
Every company, big or small, runs on a series of business processes. From ordering inventory to customer service, these are the activities required to run a business. Process automation transforms these activities from manual to automatic. By using software that performs routine tasks, companies save time and reduce errors. Automation can lead to a significant increase in efficiency. Studies show that companies that implement automation reduce their operational costs by an average of 30% can reduce and increase customer satisfaction through faster service.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Explained
In automating business processes, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) appears as a powerful tool. A software “robot” in RPA is an advanced program that interacts with the computer to execute specific, predefined processes automatically. These robots simulate human actions such as clicking and typing and can basically work with any application on the computer as if a human user were sitting at the computer.
Implementing RPA usually involves three core phases: mapping the process to identify which tasks can be automated, configuring the bot to mimic these tasks, and monitoring and optimizing bot performance after deployment. RPA is best used for repetitive and rule-based tasks that do not require human decision making, such as filling out standard forms or processing standard information.
Other examples of RPA include automating invoice processing where each invoice is processed in the same way, or managing inventory in real-time, where the “robot” automatically places orders when inventory falls below a certain level. While RPA is ideal for tasks that follow clear, consistent rules, it cannot handle tasks that fall outside its programmed rules and processes.
Simple Example RPA in Action | Automatically leaving reviews
Agentic Process Automation (APA) Explained
In contrast to Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Agentic Process Automation (APA) one step further by tackling more complex tasks that require real thinking through “agents”. An APA agent consists of three parts:
- Input: Here, the agent collects data via sensors or computer input.
- Reasoning Engine: Powered by advanced AI technologies such as ChatGPT, this engine analyses and interprets the collected data to make decisions.
- Action: Based on these decisions, the agent takes actions using modular tools, often other applications, programs, or software.
Okay, that's very technical, but what does that look like? Here is a step by step example:
Example: Automating Restaurant Phone Reservations
An example of a company that has embraced agentic process automation is Moderna. They use agents to significantly automate business processes. These AI agents are designed for tasks such as predicting optimal doses in clinical trials, analyzing years of research data to determine the most effective dosage. Another agent helps accelerate the regulation process by preparing responses to regulators' questions within minutes, which previously took weeks. What does Moderna say about the impact of APA? “A team of a few thousand can perform like a team of 100,000”.
The Versatility of RPA and APA
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Agentic Process Automation (APA) provide solutions that can transform both small and large companies. For local businesses such as restaurants and hair salons, APA can automate the process of taking calls and booking reservations, for example. For consulting firms and larger companies, APA can handle more complex tasks, such as performing advanced data analysis and developing strategic business plans, helping to gain insights and make better-informed decisions.
Do you recognize repetitive tasks in your company that consume time and resources? Think of processing payroll in HR, managing customer data in CRM systems, or generating and following up leads in marketing. With RPA and APA, these tasks can be automated, allowing your team to focus on more strategically important activities.
APA's capabilities are continuously expanding through the rapid development of Generative AI. Automating tasks that intelligently interpret and generate audio, visual and text data require, is available to everyone today at a low cost. This makes advanced automation accessible to companies of all sizes.
Closing
The possibilities of RPA and APA sometimes seem endless. Are the possibilities of RPA and APA overwhelming and you don't know where to start? Or, when reading this article, do you immediately think of tiring tasks and processes that you would like to see automated? Don't worry, at Synthwave Solutions, we offer a free exploratory meeting. We'd love to help you clarify and prioritize the plethora of opportunities these technologies offer. Whether you want to automate small tasks like taking calls and booking reservations, or more complex processes like data analysis and strategy making, we're ready to transform your business. Book an appointment now and find out how we can help you save time in your business by eliminating energy-consuming tasks.
Every company, big or small, runs on a series of business processes. From ordering inventory to customer service, these are the activities required to run a business. Process automation transforms these activities from manual to automatic. By using software that performs routine tasks, companies save time and reduce errors. Automation can lead to a significant increase in efficiency. Studies show that companies that implement automation can reduce operational costs by an average of 30% and increase customer satisfaction through faster service.