FEATURE Machine Vision
The key to unleashing automation’s full potential
Machine vision is integral to maximising the impact of advanced automation technologies on business operations and paving the way for increased capabilities in the automation space, writes Tony McCandless, Chief Technology Officer of SS&C Blue Prism
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usinesses across the globe are dealing with daily fi nancial and political uncertainty, set against a backdrop of pandemic recovery.
Optimising processes and systems with advanced automation has the potential to improve effi ciencies and support companies as they look to not just survive but thrive in a volatile environment. Machine learning (ML), artifi cial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) are all terms we frequently hear when discussing the value of advanced automation.
Machine vision is a key part of unleashing the full potential of these technologies – yet it is rarely included in the automation conversation. Operational managers need to be aware of the role it plays in automation to get the best of out of automating their front- and back-offi ce processes.
Machine vision
Machine vision is a class of technologies that process information from visual inputs such as images, documents, computer screens, videos and more. Its value in automation lies in its ability to capture and process large quantities of documents, images and video quickly and effi ciently, in quantities and speeds exceeding human capabilities. Machine vision usually works with other advanced technologies, including natural language processing, RPA, AI and ML, to deliver automation’s impact on business operations. In eff ect, machine vision is the eyes of automation, whereas AI and machine learning the brains, with RPA the backbone to hang these technologies on to.
One of the most common uses of machine vision is in document processing. Intelligent document processing, or IDP, automatically processes and classifi es documents, extracting printed or handwritten data and then deciphering the content for further processing. IDP is particularly useful when automating document qualities at scale. For example, the technology is transforming traditionally paper-heavy and process-driven sectors, like
32 December/January 2023 | Automation [Image: Crystal Kwok for Unsplash]
the fi nancial services industry, by reducing human involvement. Even during the peak of the pandemic in 2020, when most were relying on screens and working from home, an estimated 2.8 trillion pages of paper were printed. Companies are also collectively spending billions on annual wages for data entry.
Machine vision automation is not just about scale, though – it’s about accuracy and improving the work humans do, as well. The tedious repetitiveness of these tasks contributes to signifi cant error rates and leads to low satisfaction and high levels of turnover, particularly when dealing with handwritten documents that are processable with IDP.
More than just about documents The sophistication of how computer vision is applied in autonomation is not limited to document processing. Video-based facial recognition in security processes, checkout- less supermarkets and remote equipment identifi cation via drones for inventory management are examples of how computer vision is being leveraged in automation. MV-based technologies are even becoming central to the creation of automations themselves. For example, instead of relying on human workers to describe processes that are being automated when designing automations, recordings of the process to be
automated are created and then MV software, combined with other technologies, is used to capture the process end-to-end and then provide the input to automating a lot of the work needed to program the digital workers (bots).
Also, self-driving cars are not too far off and demonstrate how machine vision is being pushed to it furthest capabilities. Machine vision is integral to maximising the impact of advanced automation technologies on business operations and paving the way for increased capabilities in the automation space.
Going forward We speak a lot about empowering employees to do more fulfi lling work; as we move forward, it’s going to be about giving people the opportunity to live more fulfi lling lives in and outside work. Not only can machine vision unlock more opportunities for people to thrive, but it can also enable businesses to successfully navigate an evolving landscape, reduce costs and increase effi ciencies – no matter what challenges and uncertainties lie ahead.
CONTACT:
SS&C Blue Prism
www.blueprism.com
automationmagazine.co.uk
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