IPA is the next step for BPM because instead of simply using rules-based decision making, as with the DPA approach which relies upon structured data, IPA systems implement approaches such as Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing or Intelligent OCR to optimise the process of handling semi-structured and unstructured data. Within DPA this process would need to be completed by human operators. It is, however, not all doom and gloom, in fact, IPA is exceptionally human-friendly (The 3 AI Scenarios). For example, Celaton’s Intelligent Document Processing platform, inSTREAM™, collaborates with human operators to support and validate its continual learning through a system called ‘Human in the Loop’.

So, why is all of this important? Firstly, it is important for any organisation embarking on a digital transformation journey to understand the terminology and acronyms being used by the vendors and analysts to enable them to make informed decisions. Celaton’s CTO, Richard Hill, has composed a short list of the most commonly used terms which can be accessed via Glossary of Terms.