Building a World-Class Intelligent Automation Practice: A Guide for Technology Leaders
Bryon Spahn
8/21/20252 min read
Establishing a robust Intelligent Automation (IA) practice is no longer a luxury—it's a practical necessity. For CIOs and technology leaders, building a world-class IA capability can unlock unprecedented efficiencies, drive innovation, and create a significant competitive advantage. This guide outlines the essential components, from the right tools to the critical skills, to help you stand up a practice that delivers real value.
The Essential IA Toolkit
A successful IA practice is built on a foundation of powerful, integrated tools. While the specific platforms may vary, a comprehensive toolkit should include:
Robotic Process Automation (RPA): The cornerstone of any IA practice, RPA bots are designed to automate repetitive, rules-based tasks. Platforms like UiPath, Automation Anywhere, and Blue Prism are industry standards for their ability to handle high-volume, transactional work.
Business Process Management (BPM): To automate effectively, you must first understand your processes. BPM platforms help you map, analyze, and optimize workflows, ensuring that you're not just automating inefficient processes.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR): OCR technology enables the extraction of data from unstructured sources like invoices, forms, and documents. When integrated with RPA, it allows for the automation of data entry and processing from legacy or paper-based systems.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML): For true "intelligent" automation, AI and ML are crucial. These technologies power capabilities like natural language processing (NLP) for understanding text and sentiment, and computer vision for image and video analysis. They enable automation of cognitive, decision-based tasks that go beyond simple rules.
Low-Code/No-Code Platforms: These platforms accelerate development and empower citizen developers, allowing business users to create their own automations with minimal technical expertise. This democratizes automation and speeds up time-to-value.
Key Skills for Your IA Team
Technology is only part of the equation; the right people with the right skills are what make an IA practice truly world-class. Your team should be a blend of technical expertise and business acumen.
Automation Engineers/Developers: These are the hands-on builders who design, develop, and maintain the automation solutions. They must be proficient in the chosen RPA and low-code platforms and have a strong understanding of programming principles.
Business Analysts: Critical for success, these team members bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions. They are responsible for identifying automation opportunities, documenting processes, and defining requirements to ensure the solutions deliver the intended business outcomes.
AI/ML Specialists: For advanced automation, you need experts who can develop and train machine learning models, and integrate AI services into the automation workflows.
Change Management & Communication Experts: The human element of automation is often the most challenging. These individuals ensure the successful adoption of new technologies by communicating the benefits, training employees, and managing the organizational impact of automation.
Project Managers: Overseeing the IA roadmap, project managers ensure that automation initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with strategic business goals.
Partnering for Success with Axial ARC
Building a comprehensive IA practice from the ground up can be a daunting task. For technology leaders seeking to accelerate their journey, partnering with a specialized firm like Axial ARC can be the most effective path forward.
Axial ARC brings a wealth of expertise in standing up and scaling Intelligent Automation practices. By leveraging their proven methodologies, pre-built accelerators, and a deep bench of skilled professionals, your organization can rapidly establish a mature IA capability. They can help you identify high-impact use cases, select the right technology stack, and build a sustainable operating model that drives continuous value.
By combining the right tools, a talented team, and a strategic partner like Axial ARC, you can transform your organization's operational efficiency and position your business for future growth.