Learn how bridging IS and IPA transforms operations with real-time data insights, streamlined workflows, and scalable growth—all while reducing manual errors and operational costs.
Have you heard of it? In 2022, a major retailer reported that incorporating AI-powered automation cut processing times by 50%, enabling them to meet surging consumer demands with unprecedented agility. This eye-opening statistic is just one example of how rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence and process automation is reshaping the business landscape.
Information Systems (IS), the backbone of organizational data management, have long been vital in supporting day-to-day operations. Now, Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) – which combines AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation – is taking these systems to the next level by streamlining workflows, reducing errors, and enabling smarter decision-making.
In this blog post, we explore:
Join us as we uncover the future of business processes, where traditional information systems meet cutting-edge automation — and create environments that are not only more efficient but also more responsive to the fast-paced demands.
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Information Systems (IS) are the tools and processes organizations use to gather, process, store, and share information. They combine technology, such as computers and software, with people and procedures to help businesses work more efficiently.
In simpler terms, an information system is like a smart network that keeps all your data in one place, makes sure it’s updated, and helps decision-makers access the right information at the right time.
Today’s Information Systems are much more than basic record-keeping—they help organizations collaborate in real time, drive innovation, and base their strategies on accurate, up-to-date data.
A database is an organized collection of structured data that is stored and accessed electronically. It serves as the central repository for information system in many organizations, ensuring that data can be easily retrieved, managed, and updated.
Databases are crucial for applications ranging from simple record-keeping to complex enterprise systems. They improve efficiency by providing a reliable, scalable way to store large amounts of data and support information-driven decision-making.
A network is a system of interconnected devices that communicate with one another to share resources and exchange information in information systems. In an organizational context, networks connect computers, servers, and other hardware to facilitate data transfer and collaboration.
They can be local, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), or wide-reaching, like a Wide Area Network (WAN) that connects different geographical locations. Effective network management ensures that data flows securely and efficiently, supporting the overall performance of an organization’s information systems.
The User Interface (UI) is the point of interaction between a user and an information system, software, or application. It encompasses all the visual elements—such as buttons, menus, icons, and layout—that enable users to perform tasks and navigate through the system.
A well-designed UI not only enhances usability but also contributes to a positive overall user experience. In today’s digital world, intuitive UIs are critical, as they can significantly impact the efficiency and satisfaction with which individuals interact with technology.
Middleware is software that acts as an intermediary layer between different applications or between an application and the underlying information system or database. Its main function is to facilitate communication and data management by enabling disparate systems to work together seamlessly.
By handling tasks like data translation and messaging, middleware simplifies the integration of various applications and technologies into a cohesive information system. This makes it an essential component in complex IT environments, where smooth interoperability and scalable systems are crucial for business success.
Cloud Computing refers to the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet («the cloud») rather than relying on local infrastructure. This model allows organizations to access and pay for services on demand, increasing scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency.
Cloud computing supports data sharing and collaboration among geographically dispersed teams, making it integral to modern business practices. By reducing the need for expensive on-premise hardware and maintenance, cloud computing enables businesses to focus more on innovation and less on IT infrastructure.
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Information Systems come in many varieties, each designed to support different business functions. Here are some common examples and types:
Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)
A point-of-sale (POS) system in a retail store that records customer purchases manages everyday transactions like sales, payments, and orders.
Management Information Systems (MIS):
A dashboard for a manufacturing company that aggregates production data to monitor performance converts raw data from TPS into summaries and reports to help managers make decisions.
Decision Support Systems (DSS):
Financial forecasting tools that analyze data to support investment decisions provide in-depth analysis and simulations to help managers choose the best course of action when faced with complex decisions.
Executive Information Systems (EIS)
A high-level business intelligence system that offers real-time performance metrics and visual analytics to top executives also delivers critical information in an easy-to-read format to support strategic decisions at the highest level.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
Software like SAP or Oracle that integrates data from different departments—such as finance, HR, and supply chain—into one unified system. ERP systems help organizations streamline processes and share information across various functions.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems
For example, Salesforce, which tracks customer interactions, sales leads, and support requests, also manages and analyzes customer interactions to improve relationships, boost sales, and enhance customer service.
Each type of Information System is tailored to specific needs within an organization, enabling smoother operations, better decision-making, and improved overall performance. These systems work together to ensure that the right information is available to the right people, at the right time.
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Just ten years ago, traditional information systems were the unsung heroes of business—quietly processing data and managing spreadsheets with the efficiency of an old-school accountant. Historically, information systems were built to handle routine data entry and record-keeping, serving as the backbone for managing processes, from payroll to inventory management. Rewind back 20 years, and efficiency meant having your punch card correctly inserted, and “real-time” was a relative term, often measured in hours instead of minutes.
Fast forward to today, and contemporary information systems have evolved dramatically to support far more dynamic business needs. Modern information systems not only store and process data but also integrate with cloud-based solutions, IoT devices, and advanced analytics tools.
According to Gartner, companies leveraging next-generation information systems have seen productivity improvements of up to 30%, thanks to real-time data processing and predictive analytics that help anticipate market trends.
«Today’s information systems are like a Swiss Army knife for businesses,» says industry veteran Lisa Thompson, Chief Innovation Officer at TechForward Inc. «They do everything—from crunching numbers to forecasting the future—while still having room for a few surprises.»
Once you dive deep into information systems inner workings, it’s almost as if these modern systems have a life of their own—anticipating your next move even before you finish your morning coffee!
With adaptive interfaces, robust cybersecurity measures, and seamless integrations across various platforms, modern information systems are setting the stage for a new era of operational efficiency and strategic decision-making, making them indispensable in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
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Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) is the next-generation evolution of process automation that combines artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotic process automation (RPA) to create systems that do more than just follow static instructions—they actually learn and adapt over time.
At its core, IPA takes routine, manual tasks and transforms them into automated workflows that are not only faster but increasingly smarter with every cycle. Imagine having a digital assistant that not only handles repetitive tasks but also improves its performance as it gathers more data—sort of like your coffee maker evolving into a barista who remembers your exact order!
The core capabilities of IPA include workflow automation, data-driven decision-making, and continuous learning. For example, IPA can streamline complex processes like invoice processing, customer onboarding, or even predictive maintenance by automating each step of the workflow.
Industry research from Forrester indicates that organizations using IPA experience productivity improvements of around 20–30%, a testament to its transformative impact.
“Intelligent Process Automation is the secret sauce that lets businesses free up human talent for higher-value tasks,” says James Carter, VP of Innovation at NextGen Automation. This not only drives efficiency but also empowers employees to focus on more creative and strategic endeavors.
In addition, IPA’s decision-making capabilities leverage real-time analytics and machine learning algorithms to provide actionable insights that guide business strategy and operations. Whether it’s flagging potential issues in a supply chain or optimizing customer service responses, IPA systems continuously improve by learning from historical data, ensuring that processes remain resilient in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
With such dynamic abilities, IPA is truly revolutionizing the way businesses operate, making even the most complex workflows seem like a breeze—even if your sense of humor suggests they “do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.”
But how does intelligent process automation relate to information systems? Let’s explore.
Integrating Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) into existing Information Systems (IS) is like adding a turbocharger to your business’s data engine. It enables organizations to build upon the solid foundation of traditional IS while harnessing the transformative power of automation and AI insights. This convergence not only enhances efficiency but also paves the way for data synergy and smarter decision-making.
IPA technologies can be integrated into existing information systems through carefully designed integration frameworks that ensure seamless communication between legacy systems and modern automation tools.
At its core, this approach involves using application programming interfaces (APIs), middleware solutions, or dedicated integration platforms to connect data repositories, business process management tools, and AI modules.
This allows routine tasks—such as data entry, invoice processing, or customer inquiries—to be automated within the familiar environment of your existing IS.
According to a recent Gartner report, organizations that successfully integrate IPA with their legacy systems can experience efficiency gains of up to 30%. This integration approach not only preserves the investment in existing IS infrastructure but also extends its functionality, paving the way for dynamic, real-time operations.
As one industry expert quipped, “Integrating IPA into your IS is like giving your old pickup a modern engine—it rides smoother, faster, and smarter without losing its vintage charm.”
The true power of combining IS and IPA lies in data synergy. Traditional Information Systems excel at collecting and storing vast amounts of structured data, but they often struggle with turning that data into actionable insights. Enter IPA: by leveraging machine learning algorithms and real-time analytics, these systems can interpret IS data and predict future trends, identify bottlenecks, and optimize processes.
Imagine a retail company that uses its IS to track inventory across multiple stores. By integrating IPA, the system can analyze sales trends and automatically adjust inventory levels, reducing waste and ensuring optimal stock availability.
A study by McKinsey has shown that data-driven decision-making can improve operational efficiency by as much as 20–25%, which translates to significant cost savings and increased revenue.
As James Carter, VP of Innovation at NextGen Automation, puts it, “When you combine the reliability of traditional IS with the intelligence of IPA, you’re not just managing data—you’re turning it into a strategic asset.”
This kind of data synergy fosters smarter decision-making, as companies can now base their strategies on real-time insights rather than outdated reports.
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Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) seamlessly integrates with traditional Information Systems (IS) to streamline workflows, reducing the need for manual intervention and the risk of human error. Routine tasks such as data entry, invoice processing, and report generation can be automated, which not only speeds up operations but also ensures consistency and accuracy.
Automation directly contributes to significant cost savings by reducing labor costs and optimizing resource management. When employees are relieved of repetitive tasks, they can redirect their efforts toward higher-value activities—thereby reducing the total cost of operations.
Studies from McKinsey show that companies that adopt intelligent automation can experience cost reductions of around 20–25%. In other words, the money saved from fewer manual errors and process inefficiencies might just buy you that extra round of office coffee (or better yet, invest in future growth).
The integration of information systems and IPA equips businesses with real-time data and advanced AI analytics, fueling smarter and quicker decision-making. Instead of waiting for periodic reports, decision-makers can access up-to-the-minute insights that can drive strategic actions—from adjusting supply chains in response to market shifts to optimizing inventory levels with predictive algorithms.
“With real-time analytics, you’re not just guessing—you’re making decisions backed by data,” states James Carter, VP of Innovation at NextGen Automation. This agility is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment, giving companies a competitive edge by turning data into a dynamic strategic asset.
READ MORE: What Is Intelligent Document Processing (IDP)
One of the most exciting advantages of bridging IS and IPA is the scalability it offers. As businesses grow or market demands shift, integrated systems can adapt without requiring a complete overhaul.
Whether you’re expanding into new regions or diversifying your product line, automated systems can scale to handle increased data, more complex workflows, and higher transaction volumes.
The flexibility built into AI-powered information systems means you can quickly reconfigure processes or integrate new functionalities, ensuring that your operations remain resilient and responsive in the face of change. Think of it as a digital chameleon that grows with your business, eliminating the need for costly, time-consuming system overhauls.
As you can see, bridging information systems and IPA is not just a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic transformation. The benefits in operational efficiency, cost reduction, enhanced decision-making, and scalability provide measurable value that can propel businesses forward.
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Integrating Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) with existing Information Systems isn’t always a smooth ride. Compatibility issues between legacy systems and modern automation tools, along with data quality concerns, can pose significant challenges.
Gartner reports that up to 40% of IT projects face integration issues that delay deployment, so it’s crucial to address these hurdles early on. As one industry insider noted, “Sometimes integrating new tech with old systems feels like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—but with the right middleware and planning, you can make it work (and even enjoy the puzzle-solving process)!”
Beyond the tech, the people’s side of the equation is just as important. Reskilling employees to work effectively with automated information systems and overcoming resistance to change are key to a successful transition.
According to a study by McKinsey, companies that invest in employee training for automation see productivity improvements of up to 20%, indicating that well-prepared teams can truly leverage new technologies.
The shift in mindset may be challenging—think of it as moving from typewriters to touchscreen smartphones—but when employees understand the benefits and receive proper support, the transition becomes an opportunity for growth and innovation.
Automating processes, especially in data-intensive environments, raises critical issues related to cybersecurity and compliance. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, robust security measures are essential; a recent Cybersecurity Ventures report estimates that global cybercrime costs could reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
Compliance with industry-specific regulations like GDPR or HIPAA is also non-negotiable to avoid hefty fines and loss of trust. As one cybersecurity expert put it, “Implementing automation without proper security is like leaving your front door wide open in a bad neighborhood”—a humorous yet stark reminder that effective automation must be paired with stringent risk management strategies.
By acknowledging these challenges and planning robust strategies to address them, organizations can pave a smoother path towards successfully integrating IPA with existing IS.
Ultimately, challenges can be put to good use, as they also offer opportunities to innovate, upskill the workforce, and establish a resilient, future-ready business environment.
Several companies have successfully leveraged the convergence of IS and IPA to transform their operations. Here are some recent examples.
Consider the case of a global logistics company that integrated IPA with its legacy information systems. By automating routine tasks such as shipment scheduling and tracking, they achieved a 25% reduction in processing times and enhanced their supply chain transparency.
Similarly, a leading manufacturing firm integrated IPA into their IS to automate quality control processes, reducing inspection times by 30% and cutting error rates significantly.
Another compelling example is a mid-sized retail chain that integrated IPA with its point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management systems. The combined solution not only optimized inventory control but also used predictive analytics to forecast demand trends. As a result, the retailer saw a 15% improvement in sales efficiency and reduced logistic costs by nearly 10%.
These case examples illustrate how integrating IPA with traditional IS can lead to tangible, measurable benefits that drive operational excellence. And yes, while the technological jargon might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, the impact is as real and beneficial as discovering that your daily commute just got 30% shorter—enough to give you extra time for that extra cup of coffee!
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In summary, the convergence of information systems and IPA offers a compelling roadmap for businesses looking to enhance efficiency, achieve data synergy, and drive smarter decision-making. By integrating automation into existing systems, companies can protect their legacy investments while embracing a future of dynamic, real-time operations.
As industry experts highlight and case studies demonstrate, this integration is a game-changer that can significantly boost productivity and profitability.
Embrace the power of integration and turn your data into a strategic asset—because in today’s fast-paced business environment, every minute counts, and every insight matters.
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