Intelligent Automation as a Strategic Advantage

Intelligent automation (IA) technologies are evolving from mere operational tools to become key strategic assets for organizations, making significant impacts on their financial outcomes. A recent study by SS&C Blue Prism, conducted by Forrester Consulting, highlighted substantial benefits realized by a composite organization from implementing IA solutions over a three-year period. Key metrics noted in the study included enhanced productivity, reduced compliance costs, and improved employee retention, resulting in a substantial net present value of $53.4 million (£42.5 million) per customer.

This initial analysis might only represent the beginning of the potential benefits. Dan Segura, an enterprise sales manager at SS&C Blue Prism, references one conservative case from a healthcare client that realized savings exceeding $140 million through cost avoidance and recovery efforts. Another healthcare provider reported a use case delivering $43 million in benefits, which involved automating the reimbursement process for nursing staff overtime during the pandemic. “They built it in an afternoon,” notes Segura, emphasizing the significance of having the right technology and skills in place at the crucial moment.

Many technologies associated with intelligent automation, such as robotic process automation (RPA) and optical character recognition (OCR), have been in existence for quite some time. However, SS&C Blue Prism’s document automation feature has been identified as a transformative asset. “We must extract data from documents, whether processed by a robot or a human,” Segura explains. “Thanks to the advent of AI and generative AI, automation has evolved beyond just performing simple tasks; it now involves a deeper comprehension of both structured and unstructured information to streamline processes effectively.”

Segura also highlights Chorus, SS&C Blue Prism’s business process management (BPM) and process orchestration tool, previously regarded as ‘one of the world’s best-kept secrets.’ Recently acknowledged as a leader in the Process Orchestration Products PEAK Matrix by analyst firm Everest Group, Chorus is now gaining traction beyond traditional finance and insurance sectors. “It facilitates the execution of millions of transactions daily,” he remarks. “We’re witnessing broader adoption, enabling organizations to achieve end-to-end work orchestration along with enhanced transparency and efficiency.”

The journey from concept to implementation of a use case often involves both creativity and hard work. SS&C Blue Prism aims to assist customers in seizing innovative opportunities, as Segura describes it. “We’ve all thought, ‘If I were running this place, I would…,’” he states. “Intelligent automation allows organizations to rethink their processes and revolutionize their workflows. Once the first use case is realized, that sparks the potential of what intelligent automation can achieve.”

Continuous learning from customers is paramount for SS&C Blue Prism, with the organization relying on their insights, as they possess an intricate understanding of their own operations. By blending this domain expertise with the transformative impact of intelligent automation and its digital workforce, significant advancements can arise. “Every organization has change agents and citizen builders waiting to emerge,” argues Segura. He cautions against underestimating the power of citizen development programs, which often boast large numbers, yet do not always showcase significant accomplishments. “I’ve seen cases where just two individuals have effectively become citizen builders through a more structured approach,” he adds.

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