Automation has come along way. When we think of automation today, we often picture sophisticated AIand robots. However, the story of automation starts way before our high-techera, going back to times like the Industrial Revolution and even ancientcivilizations.
Back in the day,automation was more about mechanical inventions. For instance, the ancientGreeks invented the water clock, an attractive way to tell time. During theIndustrial Revolution, things really kicked off with inventions like steamengines and mechanized looms. These gadgets were game-changers, making hardwork easier and more efficient for humans during that era.
The mid-20th centurysaw the birth of what we now call robots. The first industrial robot, Unimate,popped up in 1954, and it was a big deal in manufacturing. Around the sametime, people started dabbling in artificial intelligence (AI). In fact, theterm "artificial intelligence" was officially coined at a conferencein 1955 by John McCarthy. That's when the magic of AI really started to captureimaginations.
Today, automation iseverywhere—from the virtual assistants in our phones to self-driving cars. Thesesmart technologies have evolved from simple machines like water clocks.
Types of Automation
Automation, a term thatsparks images of robots and smart systems, actually encompasses manyapplications. Generally, we can categorize automation into three main groups:basic, process, and intelligent automation. Each of these categories hasvarious use cases, fitting neatly into different aspects of business, IT, health,and other industries.
Basic Automation
Basic automation is like having a little helper to take care of thoseboring, repetitive tasks you do every day. Basic automation turns manual,routine jobs into digital tasks. Think of it as using a smart, shared messagingsystem instead of juggling information in different places. This not onlyshaves off errors but also speeds things up and gives people more time forcooler, more meaningful stuff. A great example is the Robotic ProcessAutomation (RPA)—your digital helper for mundane tasks.
Process Automation
In process automation, we're dealing with more complex tasks, likemulti-step processes that need a bit of coordination with various systems. Thisautomation style is all about keeping processes consistent and clear ascrystal. Process automation is like having an intelligent system that boostsproductivity and efficiency and also throws in some neat insights and solutionsto business and IT puzzles, all thanks to rules-based decision-making. Some greatexamples in this category are:
· Claims processing
· Patient onboarding
· Revenue cycle management
· Appointment scheduling
Intelligent Automation
Ready for the big leagues? Meet intelligent automation, the crème de lacrème of automation types. This is where automation shakes hands withartificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These smart systems canmake better decisions and actions by analyzing data from past experiences. Forexample, in customer service, AI/ML-powered virtual assistants are not justcost-effective but also boost the customer service game, making both customersand human agents happier. Some examples include AIOps and digital workers.
Exploring Automation Tools, Trends, and Terms
The world of automationis rapidly evolving, with numerous tools and trends shaping its future. Somekey concepts and trends that are defining this landscape are described below.
Hyperautomation
Hyperautomation is likea superhero team-up but for technology. It brings together different tools andtech to automate just about everything. Hyperautomation is all about beingefficient and getting the most out of your automation efforts.
AIand Machine Learning in Automation
AI and Machine Learning(ML) are game changers in the automation world. They help systems learn fromdata and experiences, making smarter decisions and improving with each newpiece of information. AI and ML are like detectives, spotting anomalies andsuggesting what to do next.
AIOps
AIOps, or ArtificialIntelligence for IT Operations, is a bit like having a super-smart assistantfor your IT team. It combines AI smarts with IT operations, making everythingrun smoother and faster. Think of it as a one-stop shop for managing all yourIT needs with a dash of AI brilliance.
ChiefAutomation Officer (CAO)
Here's a new role onthe block—the Chief Automation Officer (CAO). The CAO is the orchestraconductor for automation in a company, making sure every department is in tunewith the right automation strategies and tools. CAOs ensure automation worksacross the board.
DigitalWorkers
Digital workers are theunsung heroes of the automation world. They're software bots that workalongside humans or on their own, handling specific tasks. Digital workers comeloaded with AI skills like machine learning and natural language processing.
FinOps
FinOps is where financemeets DevOps. It's all about managing and optimizing cloud costs. Think of itas a financial guru for your cloud investments, ensuring you adequately measureyour cloud expenditures.
Greenor Sustainable IT
Green or Sustainable ITis where automation meets eco-friendliness. It’s about using automation to makesure your IT resources are utilized efficiently, reducing waste and savingenergy. It's like having an eco-friendly watchdog for your IT resources.
IntelligentAutomation
Intelligent Automationis where AI meets traditional automation. This combination is essential forbusinesses that want to scale up their automation and get ahead of thecompetition. Intelligent automation aims to give your automation a brain boost.
Low-code, No-code
Finally, we haveLow-code and No-code platforms. These are great for people who aren't techwizards but still want to get in on the automation action. They let youautomate processes with just a few clicks and drags—no coding degree is required.
Conclusion
As we've explored thevibrant spectrum of automation, from its simplest forms to cutting-edgeAI-driven technologies, it's clear that technology is continually evolving.Automation began with basic mechanical aids and has now progressed tosophisticated AI and machine learning applications, reshaping industries andeveryday life. With trends like hyperautomation and the rise of roles such asthe Chief Automation Officer, automation is becoming more integrated andinfluential in various sectors.
As technologyadvances, we can expect to see even more innovative forms of automation andincreased human-automation collaboration, promising a future where efficiencyand creativity go hand in hand.
