Business automation, robotics and business process management
With technology now available that incorporates robotics process automation and other automation technologies, companies can achieve greater efficiency, adapt to changing business needs and reduce human error. Read the latest news and tips about business process management and automating business processes, including how to demonstrate a strong return on investment when integrating enterprise automation tools into company operations.
Top Stories
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Tip
02 Jun 2023
AI transparency: What is it and why do we need it?
As the use of AI models has evolved and expanded, the concept of transparency has grown in importance. Learn about the benefits and challenges of AI transparency. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jun 2022
How to create a proof of concept with 6 free templates
What is a proof of concept and how does it help an organization? Here we dive into the importance of writing a POC and provide a list of free templates to help get you started. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2018
Conversational UX design: What it is and who's paving the way
Two researchers at IBM aim to make AI systems converse more like humans. Here, they discuss the emerging field of conversational UX design and the expertise that goes into it. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
MIT Sloan: Finding your digital business model
Companies may understand the threats and opportunities a digital economy presents, but research from MIT Sloan suggests many don't have a clear sense of how to make digital revenue. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
Four digital business models and the capabilities they demand
Research scientist Stephanie Woerner expounds on the digital business models companies are using to compete in the digital economy and the capabilities required to succeed. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2018
Fostering human-machine collaboration is a CIO's job
Uncover why human-machine collaboration was singled out in a Forrester Research report that says it's time for enterprises to embrace AI in the workplace -- and IT has a special role to play. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2018
IoT finds a home in RPA technology
The automated nature of IoT makes it a perfect mate for RPA software, helping companies streamline processes and reduce human error, among other benefits. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2018
Using RPA development to bridge the gap between legacy and cloud apps
RPA tech has evolved into sophisticated frameworks that automate IT tasks and rules-based processes. Now, RPA benefits are bridging the gap between legacy apps and modern ones. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2018
How to measure usability when selecting an RPA tool
If an RPA tool isn't user-friendly and isn't built for the long term, chances are the dividends won't be immediate. Read this before choosing your RPA tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2018
CIOs dissect what makes their artificial intelligence projects tick
AI has been described as the ultimate disruptor. These three IT leaders are prepping for the shake-up with artificial intelligence projects designed to harness that potential. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Apr 2018
Readying your IT shop for RPA software
IT's role in an RPA implementation varies depending on the scope of the project and the company's enterprise architecture. Here's how Fannie Mae, Duke Energy and Abbyy handle RPA. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2018
Airbnb incorporates tech to help build digital trust in data economy
Automated bots have made it difficult to determine whether someone online is real, but Airbnb is turning to tech to help build digital trust among its customers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Mar 2018
Vendor briefing on standardizing processes for RPA services
Robotic process automation (RPA) services promise eye-popping returns on investment. Here, a veteran business process improvement expert talks about his experiences in preparing Fortune 100 ... Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Machine learning use cases, touch-text-talk on Box CIO's to-do list
Intuitive interfaces, automating menial work so people can focus on big ideas, finding AI and machine learning use cases -- Box CIO Paul Chapman's to-do list is awesome. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2018
From phishing attempt circumvention to AI, new CIO has a big job
As the new CIO at Snow Software, Alastair Pooley is taking on a range of priorities, from helping the business to recognize a phishing attempt to exploring AI for customer support. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2018
Biometric security technology readies for corporate prime time
Companies are turning to biometric security technology to improve user authentication and experience, but its use presents unique challenges that could slow enterprise adoption. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2018
Daniel Pink: How the science of timing can boost productivity
At the recent Gartner Data and Analytics Summit, best-selling author Daniel Pink urged digital leaders to follow the science of timing -- and spread the word. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2018
Gartner issues four-part prescription for data and analytics leaders
Fake facts, discrimination, complexity and illiteracy are four challenges CIOs and data experts must overcome to reap the value of data analytics. Also, forget about bimodal IT. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Mar 2018
'4D printing' is the catchphrase, programmable materials the newsmakers
4D printing may be years off, but applications of programmable materials are already stealing the spotlight. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Mar 2018
Why is the smart factory concept key for manufacturing?
With the growth of connected technologies, the factory of the near-future is expected to work quite differently than the one of today. Here's a look. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2018
Digital labor transforms IT, but not without careful prep
Robotic process automation can replace humans with software bots that are always on and always right, says believer Gerson Benker, but be prepared for major organizational change. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2018
Survey: Customer service chatbots aren't crowd-pleasers -- yet
A recent survey by Chatbots.org found that less than half of consumers find chatbots effective. What does that mean for CIOs trying to integrate the technology? Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2018
How to create the best RPA architecture
Enterprises are embracing robotic process automation to automate rules-based, repetitive tasks in a cost-efficient manner. ROI depends on having the right RPA architecture. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2018
Digital transformation plan: RPA and BPMS tools, better together
A sound digital transformation plan gives companies the ability to change quickly. Business process management suites and robotic process automation -- used together -- do that. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Feb 2018
Software robot tech arrives: Are CIOs ready?
RPA technology is coming of age and becoming a strategic play in the public and private sectors. The task for CIOs is to make sure deployments are enterprise-grade. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Feb 2018
Robotic process automation software unites vendors, partners
RPA solution vendors are gearing up for the next wave of software robot deployment, cementing alliances with channel partners to extend market reach. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Feb 2018
How can manufacturers begin an Industry 4.0 roadmap?
Are you driving toward the next industrial revolution? Industry 4.0 will transform the manufacturing landscape, according to experts. Here's how to get ready. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Feb 2018
Machine vision makes paper a thing of the past for insurers
The insurance industry is buried in paper-based processes. Former MetLife CIO Gary Hoberman aims to change that with a platform that runs on AI and machine vision. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Feb 2018
Why is digital twin technology important for manufacturing's future?
The industrial IoT landscape and the concept of Industry 4.0 both rely heavily on digital twins to push them forward. Here's some explanation of why that is. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2018
The 2018 CIO budget plan: The goal is lofty, but is the money there?
Digital transformation and underlying technologies -- cloud, AI, DevOps -- dominate CIO strategies this year, but it's unclear whether CIO budgets are up to the task. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2018
CIOs need an AI infrastructure, but it won't come easy
From picking vendors to upskilling staff, folding an AI infrastructure into enterprise architectures isn't simple. Experts at the recent ReWork Deep Learning Summit zero in on the issues. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2018
'Patient journey' propels hospital's digital transformation
The chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital explains how digital technologies are changing the 'patient journey' for the better. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jan 2018
Wayfair's chief architect talks AI-driven innovation, impactful IT
Wayfair sells home furnishings, but under the covers, it's a tech juggernaut. Chief Architect Ben Clark explains how AI-driven innovation propels the business. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2018
CES 2018 for CIOs: Rise of the AI voice assistant class
What happens in Vegas doesn't stay there -- not at CES 2018, where AI voice assistants and sentient objects were ubiquitous and the crossover to workforces was obvious. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jan 2018
Top IT guidance for CIOs in 2017 underscores urgency of digitization
Digital transformation and the need for speed, scale and clear communication were the big topics explored in our top 10 CIO advice columns of 2017. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Aug 2017
Can warehouse robots help solve supply chain issues?
The direct-to-consumer model is transforming warehouse management and, in turn, supply chain management. Here's a look at how robotics is helping to solve some of the issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jul 2017
Highs and lows of the digital innovation process
The digital innovation process has made organizations more agile, but the shift could present its own set of IT challenges for modern companies. Genpact's Gianni Giacomelli explains why. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2016
Robotic process automation technology gets to work
Robotic process automation technology can eliminate or speed up routine digital tasks now performed by humans. Finding RPA sweet spots and the right tools is the CIO challenge. Continue Reading
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Video
25 Aug 2016
The difference between pipe and platform business models
Sangeet Paul Choudary, founder and CEO at advisory and research firm, Platformation Labs, explains the difference between platform business models and traditional pipe models. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2016
Instagram roundup: Disruptive business models, digital investments
2016 Fusion CEO-CIO Symposium caught on Instagram: Follow along as senior news writer Nicole Laskowski chronicles sessions on disruptive business models and digital investments. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2016
8 free IT budget plan templates for CIOs
Creating a reliable IT budget plan is no cinch, especially in today's digital age. Here, we've rounded up free, customizable IT budget templates to help. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2015
Writing a statement of work? Here's what you should include
A project's success can hinge on having clear and specific details about it. Download this free checklist to see critical elements of a statement of work. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2015
Free statement of work template examples for CIOs
Statements of work are critical in helping CIOs keep projects on track and meet business goals. Check out these free statement of work template examples. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2015
How organizational agility will save and destroy your company
Aiming for organizational agility? Prepare to change how you scope work, structure teams, develop talent, practice leadership, and deliver and sell your products. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Oct 2015
executive leadership
Executive leadership is the ability of an organization's management to guide and motivate employees while meeting organizational goals. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Sep 2015
KPMG: Death of BPO at the hands of RPA
Bangalore, Delhi, Manila, Cebu City, Shanghai. CIOs have traveled far afield in search of cheap labor for business process outsourcing (BPO). But according to a recent report from Cliff Justice, ... Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Apr 2015
PDCA (plan-do-check-act)
PDCA stands for plan-do-check-act, sometimes seen as plan-do-check-adjust. The model is also known as the Deming circle/cycle/wheel, Shewhart cycle, control circle/cycle, or plan–do–study–act (PDSA). Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Mar 2015
The digital effect on the BPM lifecycle
Digitization has fundamentally changed how businesses operate, but is the same true for business process management? Here's why the BPM lifecycle remains the same. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Oct 2012
group think
Group think (also spelled groupthink) is a phenomenon that occurs when group's need for consensus supersedes the judgment of individual group members. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Aug 2012
Free IT service catalog templates for the CIO
Creating and updating an IT service catalog can keep your business running smoothly. Check out these free IT service catalog templates on the Web. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2012
Eliminating change management process chokeholds
Learn which aspects of the change management process cause bottlenecks, as well as ways to get around them. Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2011
GE's journey from waterfall to Agile practices
General Electric Co. turned to Agile practices to revamp software development in its Energy division. Now Agile is making its way across the company. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2011
The IT organization of the future: An enterprise within an enterprise
The IT organization of the future is shifting to become not only a business but also a part of an integrated business services organization. Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2010
A move to cloud computing services -- back in 1999
While the industry debates the definition and use cases for cloud computing services, one IT exec has already been there, done that -- way back. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Mar 2008
CKO (chief knowledge officer)
Chief knowledge officer (CKO) is a corporate title for the person responsible overseeing knowledge management within an organization. Continue Reading