SS&C Blue Prism is spearheading a transformative shift from robotic process automation (RPA) to a more sophisticated agentic automation. This evolution, while daunting for some, is essential for modern workflows dealing with unstructured data and complex decision-making processes.
The Need for Change
As Steven Colquitt, VP of Software Engineering at SS&C Blue Prism, points out, traditional RPA systems are simply outpaced by the complexity of current workflows. Inputs and outcomes aren't static. They're variable and context-dependent. Frankly, the reality is that businesses can't afford to be stuck in the past.
Why Agentic AI?
Brian Halpin, Managing Director of Automation at SS&C Blue Prism, highlights a key example: interpreting a credit agreement. A task that once required extracting data points now demands nuanced answers. Large language models (LLMs) are at the heart of this reasoning shift. But the question remains: Are companies ready for AI agents to take the wheel?
Halpin believes we're not there yet. Trust, regulations, and security are significant barriers. LLMs are known to hallucinate and drift, making them unpredictable. The architecture matters more than the parameter count, and businesses need stable, secure models before fully committing to agentic workflows.
The Journey Ahead
SS&C Blue Prism's journey isn't just about technology. It's about mindset. With thousands of customers already using digital workers, the company is working to integrate AI into these systems. Halpin notes a common challenge: AI often exists in silos, separate from process automation teams. Bridging this gap is essential for achieving further automation efficiency.
The company's upcoming technology aims to build and embed AI agents within workflows, enhancing orchestration. Attendees at the TechEx Global conference got a glimpse of this future. As Halpin reveals, SS&C Technologies, a heavyweight in RPA usage, is already saving hundreds of millions through its digital workforce. With over 35 AI agents in production, they're not just talking the talk.
Here's what the benchmarks actually show: transitioning to agentic automation isn't just an upgrade. It's a necessity for staying competitive. So, the real question is, are businesses ready to embrace this evolution?
