Over the past six years, we have used Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools to automate business processes internally and for clients. These low-code platforms orchestrate workflows across systems, execute business logic, determine paths, incorporate human input, and leverage complex data analysis.
Ultimately, traditional business automation workflow software is merely code
designed to follow a specific path; there is no true intelligence. We simply define exactly what we want our automation to do programmatically, and it follows the given workflow. This is where RPA has always fallen short; we are taking flexible business processes and forcing them into rigid, predefined paths, limiting their true potential.
We employ exceptional technologists with a high-level expertise in RPA development. Discussions have consistently arisen regarding the inefficiencies and hindrances of RPA within a business context. These issues have propelled us on a quest for better solutions. We envision a world where automation is truly intelligent, capable of adapting, learning, and transforming businesses in unprecedented ways. With the technological advancements of recent years, we believe the time is now to turn this vision into reality.
Since November 30th, 2022, Generative AI has profoundly impacted our society, transforming user experiences and capabilities in our technology stack. Initially, it was impressive to create Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) apps or offer personalized chat experiences. However, we have now expanded into broader use cases that will significantly shape organizations for years to come. Generative AI has evolved from being conversational to autonomous, giving rise to Agentic systems. These systems address the shortcomings of traditional automation tools, offering a more advanced and versatile approach to automation.
Agentic AI's power lies in its ability to autonomously develop and execute complex plans while seeking human assistance when needed. This blend of independence and collaboration ensures streamlined and intelligent business operations, closely mirroring how humans naturally work. Unlike traditional automation, which follows rigid, predefined paths, Agentic AI reasons, adapts and evolves. For example, if you were preparing for a new client meeting, you would develop a plan, execute tasks, and seek help if needed—just like Agentic AI.
Another key enabler of Agentic systems is the set of tools—applications that AI agents can interact with. These tools allow AI agents to reason, decide, and fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Once an agent has its plan, it executes using available tools, similar to humans. For instance, when preparing for that new client meeting, you might use a CRM for client information, search online for details, and draft notes in a word processor. Likewise, Agentic AI systems understand their tasks, devise plans, and use the appropriate tools to accomplish them. Agents can be trained on external system APIs, enabling seamless interaction with various platforms and applications within your organization.
This is a stark contrast from traditional business process automation, where developers require substantial domain knowledge of a business process, often confining the process to rigidly defined parameters. Developers then code the process, handle exceptions, and maintain the system.
Now, we live in a world where business processes can be described in plain English to an AI agent. We simply provide the agent with the correct tools and guidelines, and watch it autonomously complete the task. This shift significantly simplifies and accelerates the automation of business processes, making them more adaptable and efficient.
We believe companies will soon have large teams of AI agents operating in parallel with employees, creating new levels of efficiency, innovation, and collaboration. When you harness the intelligence and reasoning of an LLM within business processes and enable seamless interaction with other systems, you transcend into the realm of TRUE intelligent automation.
We have created an open-source repository featuring a starter framework that leverages some of our preferred technologies to help you understand and implement Agentic AI in your organization. Designed with accessibility in mind, this resource offers a comprehensive foundation in Agentic AI, complete with practical steps to get you started. You can explore the repository here, which includes detailed instructions and descriptions of the technologies and patterns used.
Below is a list of additional resources that we find incredibly valuable for individuals and organizations looking to adopt this technology: