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Glossary

by | Nov 23, 2019

A

Artificial intelligence

Also known as AI and machine learning, artificial intelligence focuses on the development of intelligent machines and systems. For instance, these machines can solve problems, perform speech recognition, plan, and learn to improve their functions. There are also many branches of AI, such as robotic process automation (RPA).

Automation

Automation is a technology where a repetitive task is performed with little to intervention needed from human workers. Depending on the workflow, automation (via software robots) can perform the work of numerous individuals.

B

Business process automation

Also coined as BPM, this technology replaces manual efforts in a series of processes to afford better efficiency.

Business process management

Business process management (BPM) is the discipline of applying different methods to improve, measure, analyze, and automate business processes.

C

Cloud computing

Cloud computing describes a service delivered over a network by remote hardware and software. An example of cloud computing in action would be Google Drive.

Compliance

Compliance is the act of conforming to a rule. For example, a financial institution will have to comply with local, state, and federal industry regulations in order to continue business operations.

D

Data

Data is a term for individual units of information. To drill down deeper, a datum would be a single quantity. Data is often used interchangeably with information.

Deployment

To deploy a new application onto your systems. In other words, to bring a resource into working activity.

Developer platforms

A software platform that enables users to create applications without the need for extensive coding knowledge.

Digital age

Also referred to as the Information age, this is a time period beginning in the 1970s when the personal computer was introduced and information could be transferred via digital channels.

E

Enterprise-class

A product or service is labeled enterprise-class when it can handle complex transactions or processes at large volumes.

I

Implementation

When you implement something, you carry it into execution or what it was designed to execute.

L

Low-code

A movement where manual processes are automated and hand coding is eliminated. Usually, the automation connects several backends to produce an application management system.

M

Machine learning

Sometimes confused with AI, machine learning (ML) is a branch of AI based on the realized theory that systems can identify patterns and learn from data without human intervention.

Master repository

A master repository is stored in a relational database accessible by either clients or servicers and contains information on various topologies—from an organization’s IT resources or to version management of data models.

O

Optical character recognition

OCR is a technology used to scan physical documents and photos. OCR can also recognize text and convert documents to different formats such as a physical document into a PDF.

R

Reporting

Within the context of our guide, reporting refers to a gathering of data for the purpose of supporting work processes.

Reskilling

Reskilling is the process of learning new skills to qualify for a new job.

Robotic execution

Any action induced via a robot.

Robotic process automation

A technology that facilitates the automation of workflows without human intervention.

Rule-based processes

A process guided by an explicit set of rules.

S

Scalability

The ability to change in size.

Scripting

A programming language used for automating tasks.

U

User-friendly

Something that is easy to understand and interact with.

User interface

An interface where humans interact with a program or application.

V

Virtual robots

Digital robots used to create applications or program physical robots.

W

Workflow

A business process where a task is completed from beginning to end. It requires input, a set of rules, and the expected output.

Further Reading

BLOG

The ultimate RPA software buyer’s guide

BLOG

How can you organize your RPA proof of concept?

BLOG

What is a workflow bottleneck?