For decades, process automation has been an essential tool to improve business efficiency and productivity. From the first implementations of RPA (Robotic Process Automation), capable of imitating simple user actions, such as clicking or entering text, to the incorporation of technologies such as intelligent document processing, business rules and workflow orchestration, automation has evolved to address increasingly complex challenges. Today, companies are taking a step further: AI agent-based automation that is radically transforming the way we think about and execute business processes.
This new form of automation involves the use of AI agents that work autonomously on dynamic tasks, understanding context, making critical decisions, and executing threads without direct human intervention. These agents do not replace humans or traditional automation tools, but rather expand their capabilities, integrating into complex workflows to increase efficiency and free up time and human resources.
At Appian, we believe that agent-based AI represents a turning point for business automation. It is not just about executing repetitive tasks more quickly and accurately, but about providing processes with a level of adaptability and intelligence that was previously unthinkable. According to Gartnerby 2028, 33% of enterprise software applications will include Agent-based AI, and we are already seeing real, tangible results. Companies like Acclaim Autismfor example, managed to reduce patient onboarding time by 83% thanks to the incorporation of AI agents into their workflows.
The potential of this new generation of automation It goes far beyond isolated cases. Its true power lies in its ability to adapt to dynamic business processes and respond to unpredictable situations. Unlike traditional automation tools, which rely on predefined rules and rigid configurations, these autonomous systems can interpret contexts and make decisions in processes where there are multiple possible outcomes. This allows companies to not only optimize their processes, but also prepare for an ever-changing business environment.
For AI agents to reach their full potential, it is essential to integrate them within a process automation platform that guarantees security, governance and efficiency. At Appian, we highlight five key elements for a successful deployment:
- Data: these technologies They require clean, structured and accessible data to make accurate decisions. Our Appian platform allows companies to connect data from multiple systems, internal and external, ensuring that agents work with the best information available, always respecting permissions and access controls. Furthermore, according to a Accenture survey61% of respondents said their data assets are not yet ready for generative AI, and 70% said they find it difficult to scale projects that use first-party data.
- Security: The autonomy of AI agents must be balanced with human supervision, especially in critical or high-risk processes. Our platform allows you to establish control points where people can review and validate decisions, ensuring that the results are accurate and comply with company policies. Additionally, with a private AI architecture, organizations maintain full control of their data, without it leaving their compliance boundaries.
- Analytics and continuous improvement– AI agent-based automation is not static. Integrated analytical capabilities, such as Appian Process HQallow the performance of agents to be measured and compared with strategic objectives such as reduction of operating costs, response times and return on investment (ROI). These continuous feedback loops are essential to improve results and ensure that AI truly contributes to business objectives.
- Scalability: Thanks to its integration into a platform like Appian, companies can scale their implementations in a modular and agile way. Thanks to our cloud-native architecture and flexible APIs, agents can be quickly deployed across multiple processes without the need for disconnected pilots or costly integrations.
- Ease of use and maintenance: One of the great advantages of our platform is the low-code approach, which simplifies the development, deployment and maintenance of AI agents. This allows companies to quickly adapt and improve their workflows, reducing costs and complexity.
When agent-based AI is implemented correctly, it not only amplifies process efficiency, but also frees employees from repetitive tasks and allows them to focus on activities of greater strategic value, thus fostering creativity and innovation. And most importantly, it reinforces governance and trust by always keeping people in the loop when necessary.
For this evolution in automation to be successful, it is essential that organizations take a strategic approach: build a solid technological foundation, align AI initiatives with high-value use cases, integrate all stakeholders from the beginning, and adopt a gradual and responsible rollout. At Appian, we are committed to accompanying our customers on this journey, ensuring that each AI implementation not only meets expectations, but drives real business results.
This transformation is not a passing trend: is the future of business automation. And at Appian, we are proud to lead this change, offering organizations the tools and expertise to transform their processes and achieve new levels of efficiency, adaptability and innovation.
Por Julio Campoy, Regional Vice President, Iberia Broad Markets & Latam en Appian.
