AI vs. Business Process Automation: Do You Know the Difference?

Although we track AI closely here at the AHA Center for Health Innovation, we appreciated this primer on AI overheard at Aspen Ideas Health.

Business process automation uses algorithms to automate routine processes being done by humans. Humans determine and program all rules and possible decision pathways.

With AI, computers perform tasks typically thought to be human, like understanding (image recognition), talking (voice recognition and speed) and motion planning (guided surgical systems, self-driving cars).

AI gets its “intelligence” through machine learning. Humans give the computer data about a situation and its outcomes. Doing so trains them to identify new rules and apply them.

It’s worth noting that just because business process automation isn’t as intelligent, it’s still valuable. Hospitals could focus on automation alone and reap significant efficiency benefits.