On October 29, Jeremy Gilliland (AI & Automation Leader) joined me on “What’s the BUZZ?” and shared how to enable next-level process automation with RPA plus Generative AI. Like yin and yang, together, these technologies extend the boundaries of automation, enable faster and smarter solutions, and bring transformational opportunities to businesses. But, where should you start? Here is what we’ve talked about…
RPA and Generative AI: A Powerful Partnership
RPA focuses on automating rule-based, repetitive tasks, while Generative AI extends automation into creative and decision-making domains, filling gaps in traditional automation. It has traditionally struggled with tasks requiring human-like interaction, such as responding to customer inquiries or handling complex workflows involving unstructured data.
Generative AI bridges these limitations by generating human-like responses, making decisions, and creating content. Imagine a scenario where an RPA bot can initiate a process, craft a personalized email, or place a voice call with a human touch. It’s about integrated solutions that provide measurable value. Leaders must leverage these complementary strengths to drive innovation and achieve competitive advantage.
Thank you for reading The AI MEMO. Feel free to share it with your network.
Level up your AI leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook
Andreas Welsch uses real-world knowledge and examples from interviews with over 60 leaders and experts in AI to help you both introduce and incorporate AI into your organization, from aligning it with your business strategy to turning new-to-AI employees into passionate multipliers to making sure humans stay at the center of your AI use. After reading this book, you will be able to confidently implement AI in your business, no matter your industry.
Speed is critical in today’s business landscape, and the integration of Generative AI and RPA accelerates the delivery of value. Traditional automation projects often take weeks or months to implement, but combining these technologies can reduce that timeline to hours or days.
Generative AI enhances RPA’s ability to adapt quickly to changing processes and requirements. For example, businesses can deploy proof-of-concept solutions in record time, allowing them to test and refine use cases without committing extensive resources. This agility is essential for organizations navigating today’s fast-paced market conditions.
» Technical lag is incredibly prevalent. All of our technologies and the tools we use to create them are evolving at such a rapid pace, but we can't quite keep up and we can't quite envision how to fully maximize the potential of all these tools. «
— Jeremy Gilliland
However, speed must be paired with strategy. Leaders must prioritize projects that align with business objectives and deliver meaningful outcomes. By targeting high-impact areas, organizations can maximize their return on investment while minimizing risks associated with adopting new technologies too quickly. The message is clear: to stay ahead, businesses need to combine the rapid deployment capabilities of Generative AI with the structured reliability of RPA, focusing on initiatives that align with their long-term goals.
Building a Resilient Automation Strategy
RPA has long provided a reliable framework for managing automated processes with features like traceability and reproducibility. These attributes are critical when deploying Generative AI at scale. For instance, automation can act as the backbone for deploying AI solutions, ensuring that interactions are tracked and outcomes are measurable. Generative AI addresses some of RPA’s traditional weaknesses, such as the infamous “broken bot syndrome,” where automations fail due to changes in the underlying applications. By incorporating generative AI’s adaptability, automation can self-correct and minimize downtime.
Leaders must implement guardrails to manage risks, such as unintended outcomes or security vulnerabilities. Combining automation and AI doesn’t eliminate the need for oversight—it enhances the importance of a well-managed governance structure. A robust strategy ensures that businesses can innovate confidently while mitigating potential risks.
Summary
Generative AI and RPA are not just complementary—they create new opportunities for businesses to innovate, adapt, and thrive. By leveraging their combined strengths, organizations can extend the reach of automation, accelerate the delivery of value, and build resilient, future-proof strategies.
To take advantage of this potential, leaders must prioritize strategic alignment, focus on high-value use cases, and invest in robust governance. The future of automation isn’t just about technology—it’s about building a harmonious, integrated approach that drives real business outcomes.
Join my bi-weekly live stream and podcast for leaders and hands-on practitioners. Each episode features a different guest who shares their AI journey and actionable insights. Learn from your peers how you can lead artificial intelligence, generative AI & automation in business with confidence.
Join us live
December 03 - Leanne Shelton, Founder & CEO of HumanEdge AI Training, will be on the show to talk about mastering AI in marketing.
