IA vs AI: Which one to use for Enterprise Workflow

Today, organizations are now searching for new technologies to work more quickly, save money, and make fewer mistakes. There are two giant technologies that assist in this: Intelligent Automation (IA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

You might have heard these words before. Some people even think they are the same thing. But that is not true. They are different. And each one has its strengths.

If you run a business or work in one, knowing the difference between them is very important. Even more important is knowing when to use IA and when to use AI in your work.

In this blog, we will explain both in the simplest way possible. We will also share examples so that you can see the difference.

What is Intelligent Automation (IA)?

Let’s start with Intelligent Automation.

IA is a clever assistant that can obey rules and accomplish tasks without any human assistance. It applies a combination of automation tools and at times minor bits of AI. The principal aim is to accelerate work and simplify it.

Imagine IA as a robot sitting in your office that never tires. You instruct it on what to do, and it continues performing the task just as instructed.

Example:

• Sending out hundreds of invoices automatically.
  
• Moving data from one system to another without typing it again.
  
• Checking and sorting customer emails into the right folders.
  

Briefly, IA handles repetitive and rule-based work.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Now let’s discuss Artificial Intelligence.

AI is similar to a brain which thinks and learns. It doesn’t merely obey rules – it can see patterns, make choices, and even improve with experience.

Consider AI as a new hire who learns by doing. Initially, you train them. Then, they begin to learn by themselves.

Example:

• A chatbot that answers customer questions in natural language.
  
• A system that predicts what product you might want to buy next.
  
• Programs that are capable of examining X-rays and detecting the presence of disease.
  

AI is best for tasks that need learning, decision-making, and creativity.

The Key Difference Between Intelligent Automation and Artificial Intelligence

Here goes a simple way of remembering the difference:

• IA=One that follows clear rules. Like a machine working just as it is told.
  
• AI = Learns and thinks. It’s like a smart assistant that can make decisions.
  

IA doesn’t need AI, but sometimes IA leverages AI to get even brighter. AI, however, is a brain which can be employed for various activities even without IA.

When to Use Intelligent Automation (IA)

You should opt for Intelligent Automation when:

1. The task is repetitive – For example, generating daily reports from the same data.
   
2. The steps are clear – If there is a fixed process with no changes, IA works perfectly.
   
3. You want quick results – IA can be set up fast and start working almost immediately.
   
4. You want to reduce human error – Machines do not get tired or distracted.
   

Example in a company:
A bank uses IA to process loan applications. It moves customer data from forms into the main system. This saves time and minimizes typos.

When to Use Artificial Intelligence (AI)

You should opt for Artificial Intelligence when:

1. It requires decision-making – i.e., determining which customer is most likely to discontinue your service.
2. The information is advanced – AI can pick up on patterns that might not be seen by humans.
3. The process evolves frequently – AI can make adjustments and learn throughout time.
4. You need a forecast or insights – AI can inform you about what could occur next.

Example within a company:

An online shopping site utilizes AI to recommend products to customers. It learns from the customers’ purchase history and suggests things they might enjoy.

How IA and AI Can Work Together

At other times, the solution is to utilize both IA and AI simultaneously.

Here’s why:

• IA performs the dull, monotonous task.
• AI provides intelligence to deal with exceptions or make a choice.

Example:

In customer service:

• IA automatically fetches a customer’s information and issue description.
• AI processes the issue and recommends the optimal solution.
• In this manner, the process is quick and intelligent.

Real-Life Examples of IA in Workflows

• HR Onboarding – Programatically creating staff accounts and sending welcome emails.
• Finance – Matching invoices to purchase orders.
• IT Support – Password resets without human assistance.

These are all activities where rules are defined, so IA performs extremely well.

Examples of AI in Workflows in Real Life

• Fraud Detection – Banks apply AI to identify suspicious transactions.
• Customer Chatbots – AI chatbots can respond to queries at any hour of the day.
• Medical Diagnosis – AI assists physicians to identify early indications of disease.

These are problems where the system has to learn and make intelligent decisions.

Selecting IA or AI – A Guide in a Nutshell

Ask yourself the following questions:

Is the problem rule-based or requires thinking?

• Rule-based → IA
• Requires thinking → AI

Does the process remain the same or vary frequently?

1. Does the process stay the same or change often?
   
   • Stays the same → IA
     
   • Changes often → AI
     
2. Do you need predictions or just faster work?
   
   • Faster work → IA
     
   • Predictions → AI
     
3. Do you have clean and organised data?
   
   • If yes, both IA and AI can work.
     
   • If no, you might need to clean the data first for AI.
     

Benefits of Intelligent Automation

• Saves time – No need to do the same thing again and again.
  
• Saves money – Fewer people needed for repetitive work.
  
• Less mistakes – Machines do the same thing every time.
  
• Happier staff – Employees can do more interesting work instead.
  

Benefits of Artificial Intelligence

• Better decisions – AI can see patterns humans might miss.
  
• Personalisation – AI can give each customer a unique experience.
  
• Learning over time – AI gets better the more it works.
  
• Works with huge data – AI can handle millions of data points quickly.
  

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing IA or AI

1. Using AI when rules are enough – AI takes more time and money to set up.
   
2. Using IA for tasks that need learning – IA cannot adapt by itself.
   
3. Not training AI properly – AI is only as good as the data it learns from.
   
4. Forgetting human checks – Both IA and AI should have human oversight in important areas.
   

The Future of IA and AI in Enterprises

The future will likely have IA and AI working side by side in most companies. IA will make processes fast and reliable. AI will make them smart and adaptable.

Companies that learn when to use each will save more time, make better decisions, and give customers a better experience.

In short:

• Use IA for clear, rule-based tasks.
  
• Use AI for tasks that need thinking and learning.
  
• Use both when you want speed and intelligence together.
  

Final Thoughts

The selection between Intelligent Automation vs Artificial Intelligence has got you confused, don’t be. Consider the type of task you’re targeting, whether it involves rules or learning, and then select the appropriate tool. 

The best companies know when to make use of one or the other, but they also know how to harmonize the two. In doing so, they save time, avoid errors, and make smarter choices. 

It’s in the interest of the two to cooperate, not compete. As cooperators or partners, it’s businesses that get rewarded.