Robotic Process Automation

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is one of several tools in an organization’s digital transformation strategy. Today we observe it booming. The reason is simple - it is easy to integrate, configure and use. RPA is often associated with terms like AI, robotics, cognitive and machine learning. As all of this has relevance to the ABBYY portfolio, we can successfully play in this field.

What is RPA?

RPA is software integrated with the company’s systems, applications and infrastructure. This software examines the data entering these systems and, using logic provided by the business users, makes the same types of decisions previously made by an individual. In simple cases, it can replace the need for a human to review the data to make common and routine decisions. So, once a business user shows the “robot” what to do, he will act accordingly 24/7. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

RPA vs traditional automation

Software “robots” are configured using demonstrative steps, rather than being programmed using code-based instructions. This is an important concept in the RPA market. The intention is to provide not another "coding" platform for IT users but an agile and configurable capability for non-technical "business" users. The paradigm is that a software robot should be a virtual worker who can be rapidly "trained" by a business user in an intuitive manner, the same way an operational user would train a human colleague. In fact, RPA could be considered as advanced automation or the next step of automation.


Evolution of automation (by UiPath)

But where is ABBYY?

The “robots” do exactly what you tell them to do, and they will do it exactly the same way again and again. This works perfectly when you have rules-based processes where compliance and accuracy are critical.

But what if you are not able to create strict rules? What if your incoming documents are semi-structured or unstructured? Document classification and automated data extraction of such documents are seen as more advanced RPA use cases that require AI capabilities. And here ABBYY appears on the stage, as this is exactly what we do.

Our solution integrated into the RPA platform, is aimed to transform semi-structured or unstructured Information into structured data that can be then processed by robots.

We believe our expertise in linguistics and machine learning positions us well for taking a leadership role in this segment of the market. First steps are made and we have already started our cooperation with a leading global RPA providor – UiPath. The company is listed in the Gartner RPA Market Guide as a Specialist RPA Software Provider. In the same guide, ABBYY is mentioned as a specialist software partner for several RPA providers. Our hope is that reading this gets you excited about this opportunity.