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Robotic Process Automation

What Is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)? Robotic process automation (RPA) occurs when basic tasks are automated through software or hardware systems that function across a variety of applications, just as human workers do. This can greatly reduce labor costs and increase efficiency by speeding things up and greatly minimizing human error.  The software or robot can be taught a workflow with multiple steps and applications, such as taking received forms, sending a receipt message, checking the form for completeness, filing the form in a folder, and updating a spreadsheet with the name of the form, the date filed, and so on. RPA software is designed to reduce the burden for employees of completing repetitive, simple tasks. 1) Robotic process automation (RPA) refers to software that can be easily programmed to do basic, repetitive tasks across applications. 2) RPA creates and deploys a software robot with the ability to launch and operate other software. 3) Designed primarily for off...

Machine Learning

What Is Machine Learning The robot-depicted world of our not-so-distant future relies heavily on our ability to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) successfully. However, transforming machines into thinking devices is not as easy as it may seem. Strong AI can only be achieved with machine learning (ML) to help machines understand as humans do. Machine Learning Work Similar to how the human brain gains knowledge and understanding, machine learning relies on input, such as training data or knowledge graphs, to understand entities, domains, and the connections between them. With entities defined, deep learning can begin. Machine learning begins with observations or data, such as examples, direct experience, or instruction. It looks for patterns in data so it can later make inferences based on the examples provided. The primary aim of ML is to allow computers to learn autonomously without human intervention or assistance and adjust actions accordingly. Machine Learning Important Machine le...

Biometrics Technologies

Biometrics is  the measurement and statistical analysis of people's unique physical and behavioral characteristics . The technology is mainly used for identification and access control or for identifying individuals who are under surveillance. How do biometrics work? Authentication by biometric verification is becoming increasingly common in corporate and public security systems, consumer electronics and point-of-sale applications. In addition to security, the driving force behind biometric verification has been convenience, as there are no passwords to remember or security tokens to carry. Some biometric methods, such as measuring a person's gait, can operate with no direct contact with the person being authenticated. Components of biometric devices include the following: 1) a reader or scanning device to record the biometric factor being authenticated 2) software to convert the scanned biometric data into a standardized digital format and to compare match points of the ...

Decision Management

Management Decision Making Management decision-making is a critical part of the management planning function. Understanding the unique nature of managerial decisions requires understanding the types of decisions and the context for making those decisions. Types or Categories of Management Decisions Decision-making can be defined as selecting between alternative courses of action. Management decision-making concerns the choices faced by managers within their duties in the organization. Making decisions is an important aspect of planning. Decision-making can also be classified into three categories based on the level at which they occur. Strategic Decisions These decisions establish the strategies and objectives of the organization. These types of decisions generally occur at the highest levels of organizational management. Tactical Decisions Tactical decisions concern the tactics used to accomplish the organizational objectives. Tactical decisions are primarily made by middle and front-...

Virtual Agents

A virtual agent (sometimes called an intelligent virtual agent (IVA), virtual rep, or chatbot) is a software program that uses scripted rules and, increasingly, Artificial Intelligence  applications to provide automated service or guidance to humans. Virtual agents are most commonly used by organizations in their customer service functions to answer routine customer queries, fulfill standard requests, and/or handle simple problems. For example, virtual agents are often used for initial customer interactions with call centers or click-to-chat features on websites. Virtual agents are also used in some organizations to handle employee-driven needs. For example, virtual agents are commonly deployed within the IT function to provide help desk-type services, such as employee requests for resetting computer passwords. They can also be used in organizations to guide employees through work tasks or processes. In this way, a virtual agent is akin to a digital assistant, an applicat...

Speech Recognition & History of Voice Recognition Technology

What is Speech Recognition Speech recognition software is a computer program that’s trained to take the input of human speech, interpret it, and transcribe it into text. How Does It Work Speech recognition software works by breaking down the audio of a speech recording into individual sounds, analyzing each sound, using algorithms to find the most probable word fit in that language, and transcribing those sounds into text.  Speech recognition software uses natural language processing (NLP) and deep learning neural networks. “NLP is a way for computers to analyze, understand, and derive meaning from human language in a smart and useful way,” according to the  algorithms blog . This means that the software breaks the speech down into bits it can interpret, converts it into a digital format, and analyzes the pieces of content.  From there, the software makes determinations based on programming and speech patterns, making hypotheses about what the user is actually saying. Af...