AI as a cost killer: intelligent automation of your core processes

For readers in a hurry:

• Increase efficiency, reduce costs: How intelligent automation with AI saves up to 80 % of manual working time.
• From RPA to NLP: Find out how state-of-the-art technologies are revolutionizing everyday business processes.
• Concrete and practical: examples of automated order processing, customer service and cost reduction.
• Looking to the future: What potential does intelligent automation offer your company - today and tomorrow?

In times of rising manufacturing and operating costs, increasing competitive pressure and a bleak outlook for the near future, companies are looking for ways to make their processes more efficient and cost-effective. Intelligent automation with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) has long been more than just a trend - it is proving to be a real game changer for reducing labor costs, especially in administration.

By automating repetitive tasks and optimizing complex business processes, AI enables significant cost savings and lays the foundation for long-term business success. In this article, we show you specific examples of how intelligent automation solutions can revolutionize your core processes.

What does intelligent automation mean?

Automated incoming orders: from the mailbox to the ERP system

Order processing is one of the most time-consuming and resource-intensive tasks in many companies. Employees often check emails manually, enter order data and transfer it to various systems. This is not only tedious and expensive, but also carries a high risk of errors. This is where intelligent automation comes in: Modern AI-supported technologies are revolutionizing the classic ordering process. Automation solutions make it possible to fully digitalize and optimize this repetitive work.

By using intelligent technologies, the entire workflow from incoming mail to processing in the ERP system is seamlessly automated. The following innovations are used in detail:

• Intelligent document recognition (OCR+): Using advanced optical character recognition technologies, relevant information such as order numbers, quantities or delivery addresses are extracted directly from incoming emails and documents - with an accuracy approaching 100 percent.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Natural language processing makes it possible to understand the context and structure of orders. This technology automatically captures the details in the requests or orders, recognizes specific requirements and ensures that the right steps are taken.

• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and intelligent Process Automation (iPaaS): RPA or iPaaS takes over the transfer of extracted data into the ERP system. These platforms act like virtual employees that process data quickly and error-free - regardless of the complexity of the system.

• Machine learning algorithms: Machine learning allows the systems to continuously adapt. Corrections and new data are used to continuously improve the accuracy of processing.

The result of this intelligent automation is impressive: the manual effort for data entry is reduced by up to 80%, error rates are drastically reduced and the ordering process is accelerated from several hours to just a few minutes. Companies benefit not only from greater efficiency, but also from more satisfied customers and improved competitiveness, as order processing is perceived as simple and customer-oriented.

Smarter, faster, error-free thanks to intelligent automation

Simplify repetitive tasks such as evaluating and capturing orders, invoices or delivery bills. Our intelligent automation solution uses state-of-the-art AI technology to efficiently automate document processing and seamlessly integrate the results into your ERP, TMS or merchandise management systems. This increases efficiency and data quality - without any manual effort. Interested? Discover automation in action!

Our showcase makes it possible: experience how efficiently and easily incoming orders can be processed automatically with the help of AI. With access to our fictitious ERP system and sample orders, you can try out the possibilities directly. Step-by-step instructions and an explanatory video will guide you through the process and give you exciting insights "behind the scenes" of AI-automated order processing. 

AI in customer service: Intelligent automation through AI agents

AI-based solutions can also provide significant relief in customer service. In this often resource-intensive area, intelligent assistants (AI agents) take over routine queries and ensure that your team is relieved and can concentrate on more complex queries. By intelligently automating standard processes, they not only increase efficiency, but also contribute to faster and more satisfactory customer service.

Practical examples for use:

• Chatbots with 24/7 availabilityAnswer standard questions around the clock and reduce waiting times.
• Automated document processingOptimizes the search and assignment of important documents such as invoices.
• Intelligent ticket systemsRecognize priorities and direct requests to the right contact person.
• Predictive analyticsIdentify potential customer problems in advance and enable proactive action.

The figures speak for themselves: up to 60% of all routine inquiries can be processed automatically thanks to AI technology. The result? A more efficient service, more satisfied customers and fewer employees.

Interested in more details about the different types of AI agents? In our blog post about AI agents we show how reactive, autonomous and learning agents can be used to sustainably optimize business processes and customer interactions.

Facts and figures on cost reduction through AI

In a Statista study from the year 2023 analyzed the impact of artificial intelligence on cost reduction in eight different business areas. Sectors such as the manufacturing industry, service companies and marketing and sales proved to be particularly profitable when introducing intelligent automation based on modern AI technologies.

Cost savings after intelligent automation

• 4% of companies: Cost reduction of at least 20 %.
• 28 % of companies: Savings of up to 10 %.
• 10 % of companies: Reduction of 10-19 %.

These results are consistent with the findings of a report by McKinsey and underline the immense potential of AI to sustainably reduce costs in companies.

What does the future of intelligent automation look like?

The future of intelligent automation promises further progress and innovation. We can expect IA systems to become even more intelligent and autonomous, with improved ability to self-optimize and adapt to new situations. The integration of advanced AI technologies will further improve decision making and problem solving. In addition, collaboration between humans and machines will be intensified, with IA systems acting as intelligent assistants. Automation will extend to increasingly complex business processes, helping to make companies more agile and competitive.

Conclusion: Intelligent automation as a strategic success factor

Integrating AI into your core processes is no longer a dream of the future, but an economic necessity. The examples show: The technology is mature and the potential savings from intelligent automation solutions are considerable. Decisive for success are:

• A clear strategy for AI integration
• Choosing the right use cases with measurable ROI
• Step-by-step implementation with rapid success
• Employee involvement and training

Companies that invest in AI-supported process optimization now will gain a sustainable competitive advantage. The question is no longer whether, but how you use AI in your company.

Contact us to find out how AI can optimize processes and reduce costs in your company.

About Business Automatica GmbH:

Business Automatica reduces process costs by automating manual activities, increases the quality of data exchange in complex system architectures and connects on-premise systems with modern cloud and SaaS architectures. Applied artificial intelligence in the company is an integral part of this. Business Automatica also offers automation solutions from the cloud that are geared towards cyber security.