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While all answers are very detailed and informative, there are two answers that clearly bring out the difference between RPA and IPA. These examples highlight how IPA is the next level of RPA and hence both of them have been selected as the best answers - Congratulations to Hirak Raval and Ashish Kumar Sharma. 

RPA IPA RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation IPA stands for Intelligent Process Automation RPA provides mechanisms to build and manage software robots that can imitate human actions based on pre-defined rules with speed, accuracy and availability thus helping to automate repetitive, less cognitive mundane tasks. IPA is the combination of RPA and AI or in other terms, an upgraded RPA. IPA provides capability to develop bots that can continuously improve by learning from humans. Rule based, the bots cannot think and take decisive actions. Structured/unstructured Data based with continuous learning capability provides decision making ability to the bots and keep improving. Example: In an invoice approval workflow, RPA can be designed to have predefined sequence with Person A approving the invoice and then it needs to move to Person B and so on. Example: With IPA a variety of use cases and complexity can be addressed to fit for scenarios such as understanding if all approving authority are available and if not, take decisions to move the workflow to the next available suitable authority, route the workflow to different stake holders with additional steps depending on certain variables in the invoice Based on certain keywords, RPA can categorize files/emails/folders IPA can classify or categorize using advanced sorting criteria such as an email pertaining to a particular subject coming from a particular person within a certain timeline needs to be moved to a certain label.

RPA is a software-based robot (or bot) that is capable of automating human actions or behaviour in the workplace, generally for administrative functions. RPA, refers to a set of automated tools that help enterprises / businesses automate processes by mimicking human actions on computers, with little or no human assistance. RPA is designed to minimize the burden for workers of mundane, repetitive tasks. RPA is regarded as a transformational technology that can bring significant value to the organizations adopting it. To automate any business process RPA allows to configure own software robots.   IPA abbreviation is Intelligent Process Automation and refers to the application of Artificial Intelligence and related new technologies, combined with RPA application. The robot learns from doing tasks and becomes smarter after the completion of every task using IPA. IPA grants the robot access to endless possibilities of potential tasks and processes to automate. Adding intelligence to IPA creates transformation across the full spectrum of emerging technologies.   The main difference between RPA and IPA Automating repetitive tasks and rules-based processes are focused by RPA, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, structured data interaction, and intelligent document processing are incorporated by intelligent automation. Cost of adoption is one of the differences between RPA and IPA

Intelligent automation uses artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, structured data interaction, and intelligent document processing, whereas RPA typically focuses on automating repetitive tasks and rules-based processes. RPA is great for repetitive tasks that frequently string together to form a simple business process, like logging into an account, clicking a box, or moving a file from point A to point B, for instance, when you log in to your email account with the same username and password. The RPA solution does not function entirely at its best when a variation is introduced, it is a fact. Variations are adapted by people, but software bots that only follow rules do not. Due to this The RPA solution does not function entirely at its best when a variation is introduced, it is a fact. Variations are adapted by people, but software bots that only follow rules do not. Because of this, rule-driven RPA is inferior to AI-driven Intelligent Automation, also known as Intelligent Process Automation (IPA). IPA implements RPA capabilities in addition to adding capabilities to process automation that are only possible with bots that can continuously learn and adjust to changing data.

Background In the ever-changing evolving dynamic world, need for skilled base man power is growing and is influencing innovation around reducing rather eliminating all historic time and effort activities, been carried out by human. Just for remembrance from late 90’s, the biggest challenge of BPO sector was to avoid human negligence in copy pasting details from PDF to Excel form and data that use to run in million lines. Often, we will hear now Generation Z expressing their dissatisfaction around repetitive and monotones job profiles. Generation Alpha getting ready to search for job profiles would get surprised to see how accounts were prepared in 90’s. The art of developing human like machines who can do exactly the same activity faster, accurately, all the time and with determined ownership towards end result. Robotic Process Automation is a software technology, easy to build, deploy and manage work eliminating defined repetitive human actions. Using a software do human task allows later to concentrate on complex decision making or processing stuff which as on date is yet not covered by a automation software and at the same time is faster, cheaper, maintain standard flow and is extremely manageable. Example, a software can screen 100+ profiles to categorize most relevant to Finance Profile and recruitment team will save 10 days of TAT and appropriate screening man hours. Robot can reach out to all eligible relevant profiles and schedule a meeting, providing all the essentials in attachment or voice message. Now the precious time of recruitment team is to interact and decide basis one on one interaction and only because the human aspect on emotions recommends this discussion should ideally not be automated. The choice of deploying, to what extent and where allows organization to be more flexible, relevant, profitable and be available. In fact, it’s best suitable for automating workflows that involve old legacy systems that lack APIs, database access and virtual desktop infrastructures (VDIs). Intelligent Process Automation also serves the same purpose as RPA but its advanced model and technology that combines artificial intelligence, cognitive automation and machine learning. IPA will take RPA capability to the next level on deployment, is cheaper and covers a larger landscape. IPA is a cheaper, smarter and efficient technique that serves a lot more around productivity and comfort on usage. Instead of just mimicking like human being, IBA will allow thinking, learning and adapting to the situation and data work flow. Signing into desktop, recognizing natural language and interpretating, filling up a form with basic information are all example of IPA. Now do we see any similarities in RPA and IPA, of course. IPA in a way is advanced, upgraded and next level to RPA. It handles more complex processes, critical data formation and most importantly takes decisions. RPA is a simple and continuous repeat of what has been mentioned while IPA can take smarter decision in order to reach to an expected outcome. RPA can help and very well be the initial road and allow organization to get matured with automation initiatives involving IPA. Similarity statement between RPA and IPA also voice out logical difference. Some of them are narrated below for a quick reference. S. No RPA IPA 1. RPA uses structured input and logics but is not impactful with variables. IPA uses unstructured input and develop its own logic, adapts with Variables 2. Is a software-based Robot, rule based that needs a rule feed on what do with Exceptions Combination of RPA with AI Technology. Smart enough to interpretate and handle exceptions. 3. Automate repeatable human action and behaviour. “Mimicking like Humans” Handle more complex processes and have the ability to learn and decide. “Act like Humans” 4. Evolved from Screen Scrapping, Workflow and Artificial Intelligence Build in with RPA along with Natural Learning Processing, Machine Learning, Data Extraction and AI 5. Best suitable for High Volume Processing. Saving Time and efforts Best suitable where decision making is needed to move between steps. It will be everything which is RPA but smarter and flexible 6. RPA has its restrictions; analyst still need to spend time in retraining Bot IPA automates more and automates more efficiently, adapts, learns on its own.   7. Productivity is limited to the scope of work is with activity rather processes Cost of Adaption is cheaper and generates more productivity 8. Easy to use and don’t require deep technology skills and ranges from basic to mature Significantly complex and hence skill requirement ranges from matured to advanced. 9. Generally Human Dependency is reduced and not absolutely avoided. IPA can elevate the process to run without manual intervention needed   Where is IPA heading towards…. It has been said about “Chess” it is a mind game and works to sharpen the human mind. World Champions across world are considered to brilliant mind. But with technological advancement, Automated game is very much capable of defeating human mind for its adaptability to think, react and act just like human being except for the fact it will not forget to make a loop of what best it learnt in giving situation.     An example from mail management, with a simple RPA we can deploy a Bot to send one pre-formatted mail across individually to multiple mail id. With IPA, Bot has the capability to read the body of the mail and interpretate the severity, category and assign the mail to a specific individual. Another example from a Call Centre, RPA can assign calls to the specified calling agents and note the Call Handling Time. Using IPA, the BOT can measure and comment on the Agents Call Quality. It can interpretate the sentiments and reaction of the customer and guide logical solutions.    

Q 509.  Robert Abelson proposes the MAGIC criteria for making a persuasive statistical argument. Explain the criteria and establish the linkage of DMAIC project components to each of the letters?   Note for website visitors - Two questions are asked every week on this platform. One on Tuesday and the other on Friday. All questions so far can be seen here - https://www.benchmarksixsigma.com/forum/lean-six-sigma-business-excellence-questions/ Please visit the forum home page at https://www.benchmarksixsigma.com/forum/ to respond to the latest question open till the next Tuesday/ Friday evening 5 PM as per Indian Standard Time. Questions launched on Tuesdays are open till Friday and questions launched on Friday are open till Tuesday.  When you respond to this question, your answer will not be visible till it is reviewed. Only non-plagiarised (plagiarism below 5-10%) responses will be approved. If you have doubts about plagiarism, please check your answer with a plagiarism checker tool like https://smallseotools.com/plagiarism-checker/ before submitting.  The best answer is always shown at the top among responses and the author finds honorable mention in our Business Excellence dictionary at https://www.benchmarksixsigma.com/forum/business-excellence-dictionary-glossary/ along with the related term

Hi,   After the LSSGB training, I believe there are many problems in a BPO Industry that can be addressed using Six Sigma. No doubt about that. But the time line for a green belt project is assumed to be 2-3 months. Is there any way to expedite the closure and see improvement or any way for phased improvement before closure that can be measured ? Because In a current market situation, any problem should be addressed and controlled swiftly. Even the sponser expects the same instead of waiting for 2-3 months to execute a project and witness the improvement. Whether Agile concepts are handy here ? Or Agile is used only for Software Development or IT related projects ( incremental phased delivery where requirements are not fixed ) and it's not for BPO ?   Please suggest.

Hi Senthilnathan,  Good question there. The new RPN is used in an FMEA format to indicate the improved value after implementing a recommendation. The best way of using it is not as a "projected value" based on guidance but as a "realized value" after implementation. The point of discussion often with a recommendation is whether the Occurrence ranking will change or the Detection will improve. Severity ranking does not change in Process FMEA. There are scenarios where both simultaneously be enhanced. The Severity ranking is unlikely to change during Process FMEA but can change during Design FMEA.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) RPA uses technology to emulate human tasks to complete a business process. RPA bots mimics the human actions that are repetitive computer based tasks and are rules-based with defined inputs & outputs, repeatable and occur frequently.  IPA is the process of combining RPA with digital process automation (DPA) and artificial intelligence (AI) to create business process automation. RPA is helpful to automate high volume processes for which people were formerly engaged; for example, sending an automatic reply to an email.  IPA can handle more complex end-to-end processes, both unstructured and structured data and helpful in automating non-routine task which need thoughtful considerations including judgements and conclusions. Unlike AI, RPA bots generally do not have the ability to learn. It follows rule based instructions. For example, if a changes occurs in an automated task, the bot will not be able to adjust and figure it out on its own. RPA can only mimic human actions unlike AI which is intended to simulate the ways that human think. IPA has built in knowledge repository, learning capabilities and brings a measure of decision making to the process. RPA needs structured data for it to perform. IPA can turn an unstructured data into structured data to use with RPA technologies. RPA evolved from three primary technologies: screen scrapping, workflow automation and AI. IPA refers to the application of Artificial Intelligence and related new technologies, including Computer Vision, Cognitive automation and Machine Learning to Robotic Process Automation. One major industry with RPA and IPA commonly used is the Insurance Industry. Using traditional RPA, some of the processes can be automated while using a lot more processes in insurance can be fast-tracked using cognitive automation. Auto Insurance, for instance, depends heavily on images of the cars or vehicles that are damaged using which the claim is assessed.  When using image recognition, RPA can access the claims and process it with minimal human intervention.  

Excellent question, Senthilnathan.  If the process is consistently generating high percentage of defects, it may pass the stability test and is considered to be in statistical control. However, it might fail badly on the Capability Assessment if customer is unhappy with the defect level. Now, I have used the word "might" because the unhappiness of customer depends on the competitive scenario or the novelty of the solution.  To provide you an example, there is an app called "Skyscanner" for which you can compare prices for the same flights over different platforms. It is an aggregator of aggregators. In US, customers of Skyscanner are delighted because they are saving in most of their flights or stay although, the tool is not perfect and does show erroneous results sometimes.  If Skyscanner is having a defect rate which is unusually high (compared to other aggregator apps) but still makes customer happy due to lack of competition as an aggregator of aggregators, its process may be considered stable as well as capable.  By the way, Skyscanner works in India too and is worth a try ")