Automation and Robotics is the Difference Important?

On the way to work Fred stops off at the local bakery to order a sausage sandwich but actually wanted a sausage roll. As he was not precise about his order he did not receive what he wanted!

It’s the same with data we need to be precise. A data glossary, data catalogue and data dictionary are different, with different uses and for different audiences. In my experience, many, including one of the big four I worked with, use the terms interchangeably. This lack of respect for the differences just causes confusion and it’s back to Fred getting that sausage sandwich instead of that tasty sausage roll.

Today, the area I’m hearing terms used interchangeably is: Automation, Robotics and RPA (Robotic Process Automation). Unless we are very clear of the term we use and what it actually means, how would we ensure that the message we are sending is clear and received as we expect it to be. The world of data and automation is challenging enough to develop a mature culture for organisations without the additional challenge of talking at cross purposes.

A little insight…

RPA remains the fastest-growing software market, it’s one of the most popular choices for improving operational efficiency.

Gartner states that:

By 2023, almost all major RPA vendors will offer a broader process automation and integration platform and it will be user-experience driven with the evolvement of voice and mobile app.

What does it actually mean?

In my research I have found various, and some conflicting definitions for each, therefore I have taken few to highlight below:

RPA, is all about using physical robots programmed to operate on tasks done by humans. Though it is not the most efficient way to complete tasks, they help simplify the business process for added productivity.

Or?

RPA platforms automate repetitive, rule-based, predictable tasks.

Or

RPA automation software handles tedious, manual digital tasks and transfers the work of a human worker to a "digital worker". RPA solutions save companies time and money while enhancing productivity by allowing associates to focus on mission-critical work.

Or

RPA automates repetitive human tasks by emulating the transaction steps traditionally taken by humans, mainly via orchestrated UI (User Interface) interactions. It maps a human process or task in RPA software language, for a software script — commonly known as a “robot” or “bot”?

Or

Automation: The use of computer software, machines, and technology to work on tasks that otherwise would need human efforts. There are automation tasks that range from mechanical to virtual, which might involve basic to intense complexity.

Or

Automation is all about using hardware, software, and other technologies to automate tasks that are usually done through manual efforts. On the other hand, robotics is about designing, creating, and using robots to complete any desired task.

None of the above are wrong, they are interpretations, depending upon with whom you speak with and the nature of the task.

The following examples show some opportunities for automating different activities and the broad complexity and challenge that could utilise automation and robotics:

When processing invoices, rules can can be created to send invoices to the right person for approval automatically or automate the PO-matching process to mark any errors for further review before submitting the payment.

In HR for recruitment, a bot can source applicants around the clock with more accuracy and no bias. After sourcing applicants, this bot could also screen resumes and candidates. A bot could handle much of the “paperwork” the company is responsible for filling out for the new joiner process.

The use of chatbots on a website or in an app, providing information to the customers, this process is all about automation and no robotics.

A car assembling unit where different parts are used to create specific parts of the vehicle is an example of robotics powered by automation.?

A robot that is designed to take care of kids or the elderly is pure robotics where no automation is done.

Back to Fred and his sandwich and sausage roll, if a sandwich is know by your kitchen department as S1 and a Roll as RS1 you wouldn’t expect the customer to be using or even refer to these items using these codes. Which takes me back to RPA,?Automation and Robotics.

RPA maybe the technical term for automation with the robot being just the software in this option instead of a physical robot, but to keep it simple for everyone, as our audiences contain a broad mix of individuals. My recommendation is RPA is just Automation and anything with physical Robots is Robotics…..simple!!!!

To summarise when working with your colleagues, let’s explain;

If you are using physical robots for tasks such as in the automotive industry – let’s call this Robotics

Whereas any process automation or bots involvement in an administrative or call centre task – lets call that Automation?

Simple, clear and easy for everyone to understand!

References:

Gartner 2021

https://datafloq.com/read/amp/automation-vs-robotics-understanding-difference/16958

https://www.thoughtfulautomation.com/blog/5-real-world-rpa-examples-that-save-time-and-money