Intelligent Automation has hugely impacted how business processes are managed and designed in today's global marketplace. Forward-thinking companies are achieving levels of productivity and efficiency that were impossible just a few years ago by integrating Robotic Process Automation, Business Process Automation (BPA), and Artificial Intelligence to manage end-to-end business processes.

As one would expect, the rapid growth of this technology was accompanied by an equally rapid increase in the number of vendors offering IA solutions.

How do you find the right IA partner?

We've put together a list of questions to help you choose the right partner to harness the benefits of intelligent automation in your business.

Are the features of the platform flexible?

The most powerful IA platforms can be mapped to many use cases across industries and departments. You must create an intelligent automation hub that can:

Allow automation of complex and straightforward processes - The complexity of enterprise business processes can vary significantly in any organization. A platform for intelligent automation must be able to address both ends of that spectrum.

Integrate seamlessly - Intelligent Automation is about filling gaps between people, systems, and a process that can adapt and improve over time. It is essential to integrate your platform with new technologies. The best platforms offer native integrations that speed up the process.

Is it simple to use the solution right from the beginning?

Software that is too complex or hard to use will undoubtedly hinder your business process automation efforts. This will lead to workforce resistance and increased demands on IT staff, as well as a lower return on investment.

Thankfully, such pitfalls can be avoided with Low-Code Automation Platform (L-CAP). With L-CAP is easy to develop applications relying on intuitive visual interfaces, making it simple for users to use, eliminating the need for technical knowledge.

Is the platform scalable as the demand grows?

The most flexible IA platforms can accommodate changes as business practices change. Sometimes, enterprise systems can be changed or replaced.

Some departments may see an increase in headcount, while others might see a decrease. External market forces can also impact the way employees interact with the platform. It can be costly and disruptive to replace automation software that cannot grow with your company's needs. Therefore, you must choose a partner who can demonstrate scalability.

A cloud platform-as-a-service is the ideal way to manage this, saving you from designing, deploying, and managing the architecture on which your applications run. 

Although some vendors in the "on-premise world" still charge their software according to a certain number of users, this can be limiting and leave companies with unneeded licenses. The pricing of top platforms is now based on actual platform usage. This allows for a closer correlation between the price and the benefit.

Is the solution within my budget?

Although it may seem obvious, the best platform might not be the most affordable. The most expensive platform is not always the best. It is important to assess the strengths and weaknesses of every platform before you decide on one.

There are many factors to consider when setting a budget for your IA platform. Don't make decisions on price alone. You should consider the long-term value and projected return on investment when making your choice. A usage-based pricing structure helps you keep your ROI in top shape and motivates your partner to help you succeed.

Is the company a partner and not only a provider?

It is important to understand who your vendor is before you commit to an IA platform. What support will your company need before, during, and after implementation? Will your vendor be able to offer the proper training and services? This should allow you to determine if a vendor's culture, approach, and capabilities are compatible with your needs.

Remember, Intelligent Automation success will depend on having the right partner in the long run.