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What is the difference between Automation vs. AI in Microsoft Dynamics 365?
Business leaders sometimes struggle to understand and articulate the difference between automation and artificial intelligence or AI. These technologies are often discussed together, yet they have very distinct roles and are often used in different types of applications.
When it comes to Microsoft Dynamics 365, understanding the difference between automation and AI is critical to unlocking the potential and meaningful results in your Dynamics 365 system.
What is automation?
Automation simplifies and streamlines repetitive tasks by following predefined rules. It is ideal for processes that require consistency, speed, and accuracy. Automation allows employees to spend more time on strategic and creative work – work that can improve your bottom line.
Some examples of automation in Dynamics 365 include:
- Invoice automation: Automatically generating and sending invoices after a transaction.
- Workflow automation: Streamlining sales approvals or customer onboarding processes.
When you use your Dynamics 365 system to achieve automation, you can start to execute repetitive tasks efficiently and reliably, freeing up resources for more productive and valuable activities.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Artificial Intelligence or AI goes beyond predefined rules. AI simulates human intelligence to analyze data, learn from patterns, and adapt to new information. AI can deliver insights, make predictions, and enable smart decision-making.
Some examples of AI in Dynamics 365 include:
- Customer service: AI-powered virtual agents in Dynamics 365 streamline support by handling routine inquiries, delivering instant responses, and escalating complex cases to your employees, improving resolution times and overall customer satisfaction.
- Demand forecasting: AI analyzes historical sales data and market trends to predict future inventory needs, helping your business optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
AI thrives in situations that require adaptability and foresight. When you embrace the power of AI in your Dynamics 365 system, your business can make informed decisions and create more personalized experiences for your customers.
Key differences between automation and AI
Automation handles routine processes while AI tackles complexity by learning and evolving. Automation is rules-driven, whereas AI leverages data to adapt and predict. Both technologies complement each other to enhance productivity.
| Automation | AI | |
| Purpose | Executre repetive tasks | Solve complex problems and learn |
| Approach | Rules-based | Data-driven |
| Use Cases | Workflow automation | Predictive analytics and decision-making |
Why understanding the difference matters to your organization
When you use technology in the wrong application or in the wrong way, it can hinder your performance and results.
Using AI for simple tasks might overcomplicate workflows. Relying solely on automation can limit opportunities for deeper insights.
For Dynamics 365 users, recognizing when to use each technology ensures you use the right tool for the problem at hand, and that you are maximizing your productivity.
Stay tuned to the Joesoftware blog and social media feeds for our next article, where we dive deeper into automation and how it can transform Dynamics 365 workflows.