As per a new article from A16z, Robotic process automation (RPA) promised to automate repetitive business tasks, but it fell short due to technological limitations. Now, with the rise of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI, true intelligent automation is possible. AI agents can understand prompts, adapt to changes, and execute tasks across various systems, unlocking a new era of operational efficiency.
Unfulfilled Promise of RPA
Operations work is critical but often tedious, involving tasks like data entry, document processing, and system migrations. RPA aimed to automate these processes by mimicking human actions, but it stumbled when faced with variability or changes. The technology was rigid, requiring expensive consultants and only accessible to large enterprises. As a result, RPA failed to deliver true automation.
Intelligent Automation with AI
With LLMs, AI agents can understand high-level goals and take action across different systems and data sources. They can parse unstructured data, validate information, and write back to systems of record. This flexibility allows for easier implementation and maintenance than traditional RPA. Startups are building horizontal enablers for core automation capabilities and vertical solutions tailored to specific industries, automating revenue-generating workflows as a strategic wedge.
Why Should You Care?
The potential market for the new intelligent automation is enormous, addressing labor costs and outsourcing spending.
– Tap into an $8 million+ operations workforce
– Disrupt the $250 billion business process outsourcing market
– Automate pen-and-paper, spreadsheet, and phone-based processes
– Startups have a greenfield opportunity in this space
– Streamline operations and focus on strategic work