Chapter 05 — Key Terms and Definitions#

Automation — The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, improving efficiency and reducing errors.

Task Automation — The automation of specific, repetitive activities such as data entry or invoice generation.

Process Automation — Streamlining entire workflows across departments or systems.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) — Software bots that mimic human actions to complete rules-based tasks.

Workflow Automation — Tools that design, execute, and monitor automated business processes.

Augmentation — Using automation to enhance human work, allowing humans and machines to collaborate.

Business Process Management (BPM) — A structured approach to analyzing, designing, and optimizing processes.

Low-Code/No-Code Platforms — Tools enabling non-technical users to build automated workflows with drag-and-drop interfaces.

Chatbots — Automated conversational tools that handle customer or employee interactions.

Return on Automation (ROA) — A measure of the value created by automation relative to implementation costs.