July 24, 2023

How is Intelligent Document Processing different from Robotic Process Automation?

In this article, we'll explore the key differences between IDP and RPA, why businesses need both, and how these technologies are revolutionizing the way we handle data and tasks.

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, we often encounter various new terms that might seem confusing at first. Two such terms are Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Don't worry; we're here to break it down for you!  

According to Deloitte’s third annual RPA survey, a wealth of information on RPA, 53% of survey respondents are beginning their “RPA journey”.

Moreover, per The Insights Partner, the intelligent document processing market was valued US$ 1022.73 million in 2021, It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 34.6% from 2022 to 2028.

Read more: Top 10 Use Cases of Intelligent Document Processing in the Pharmaceutical Industry

 

What is Intelligent Document Processing?

Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) is an advanced technology that enables computers to understand and process unstructured data from various types of documents. These documents can include invoices, receipts, forms, contracts, and more. The primary objective of IDP is to extract valuable information from these documents accurately and efficiently.

The process involves a blend of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) techniques. The AI algorithms help the system understand the context and meaning of the documents, while OCR allows the computer to recognize and convert scanned text into machine-readable data.

IDP is capable of handling complex documents, learning from the data it processes, and continuously improving its accuracy over time. This technology saves significant time and effort for businesses by automating the extraction of important information from large volumes of documents.

 

What is Robotic Process Automation?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is another revolutionary technology that uses software robots or "bots" to automate repetitive tasks typically performed by humans. These bots are designed to mimic human actions and interact with various software applications and systems, just like a person would, but at a much faster pace and with unwavering accuracy.

The beauty of RPA lies in its ability to integrate with existing systems without the need for complex coding or making drastic changes to the infrastructure. RPA bots can perform a wide range of tasks, from data entry and validation to generating reports and even communicating with other bots.

 

What is the Difference Between RPA and IDP?

While both RPA and IDP are cutting-edge technologies that automate processes, they serve different purposes and operate in distinct ways:

 

Functionality

RPA focuses on automating repetitive, rule-based tasks that involve structured data and follow predefined steps.

IDP, on the other hand, specializes in processing unstructured data, extracting meaningful information from documents, and understanding context and language.

Data Handling

RPA deals with structured data that is already organized in a systematic manner, such as spreadsheets and databases.

IDP excels at handling unstructured data, such as text from emails, PDFs, scanned documents, and images, and transforming it into structured, actionable data.

Cognitive Abilities

RPA bots are excellent at executing tasks, but they lack cognitive abilities like understanding natural language or recognizing patterns in unstructured data.

IDP, being powered by AI algorithms, possesses cognitive capabilities and can learn from data, making it more adept at handling complex documents.

Use Cases

RPA is commonly used for automating repetitive business processes like data entry, customer support, HR onboarding, and finance operations.

IDP finds its application in automating document-centric processes, such as invoice processing, contract management, and compliance document verification.

Learn more: Top 20 Use Cases of Intelligent Document Processing in Various Industries

 

Why Businesses Need RPA and IDP?

 

Increased Efficiency

By implementing RPA, businesses can speed up mundane tasks and reduce human errors, resulting in enhanced efficiency and productivity.

 

Time and Cost Savings

RPA and IDP save valuable time and resources by automating processes that would otherwise require significant manpower.

 

Enhanced Accuracy

IDP's cognitive abilities ensure precise data extraction, while RPA's error-free execution guarantees accurate results.

 

Improved Customer Experience

With RPA and IDP streamlining processes, businesses can serve customers faster, leading to improved satisfaction levels.

 

Scalability

As businesses grow, RPA and IDP can easily scale to accommodate increasing workloads without compromising performance.

 

Conclusion

Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are two distinct technologies that play a vital role in transforming the way businesses operate. While RPA excels at automating structured, repetitive tasks, IDP's strength lies in processing unstructured data and extracting valuable information from various types of documents.

These technologies not only increase efficiency, accuracy, and productivity but also pave the way for a future where humans can focus on creative and strategic tasks while leaving the mundane and repetitive work to intelligent machines.

So, as we continue to witness the evolution of technology, understanding these transformative tools like RPA and IDP will equip us to adapt and thrive in an increasingly automated world. Embracing these advancements with responsible and ethical practices will undoubtedly shape a brighter and more innovative future for all.

 

FAQs on RPA & IDP

 

1. What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

RPA is a technology that utilizes software robots to automate repetitive tasks, streamlining business processes, and improving overall efficiency.

 

2. How does Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) work?

IDP employs AI and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to extract and comprehend valuable information from unstructured documents, like invoices and forms.

 

3. What sets RPA apart from traditional automation?

RPA can automate tasks without the need for extensive coding or modifying existing systems, making it faster and more cost-effective to implement.

 

4. What benefits does IDP offer to businesses?

IDP enhances data accuracy, reduces manual processing time, and increases productivity by automating document-intensive workflows and tasks.

 

5. Can RPA and IDP be used together?

Absolutely! Combining RPA with IDP allows businesses to automate end-to-end processes, from data extraction in documents to the execution of tasks across various systems.

 

 

AmyGB.ai is an AI research company that builds Intelligent Document Processing software to solve real world problems using advanced technology such as Computer Vision, Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. Using proprietary AI technology with zero third-party dependency, AmyGB.ai’s products are set to revolutionize document heavy business processes by streamlining multiple channels so as to deliver end-to-end process automation. They aim to move towards a paper free, efficient and intelligent process. In addition, whether you're looking for a custom AI IDP application or seeking to integrate IDP solutions into your existing systems, AmyGB.ai has the experience and expertise to help you achieve your goals.

Get Started with your Document Automation Journey

$0 Implementation cost | $0 monthly payments -> No Risk, No Headaches

Pay only for Satisfactory Results!

Sign up for Free Trial