As IBM's CEO, Ginni Rometty, famously stated, "Some people call this artificial intelligence, but the reality is this technology will enhance us. So instead of artificial intelligence, I think we'll augment our intelligence."

One of the most promising tools available to the modern C-level leader seeking to augment their corporate intelligence and enhance their competitive advantage is Robotic Process Automation (RPA). This advanced form of business technology uses software robots or "bots" to automate routine, rule-based tasks. Hence, freeing up human workers to focus on higher-value strategic thinking and innovative work.

At its core, RPA is the application of technology that allows configuration of computer software to capture and interpret existing applications for processing a transaction, manipulating data, triggering responses and communicating with other digital systems.

C-level leaders who successfully implement RPA experience myriad benefits. Among these are:

1. Increased labor productivity.
2. Improved accuracy through reduction in human error.
3. Faster processing times.
4. Innovative capabilities at higher speed.
5. Minimized Operational Risks.

RPA, when fully realized, can result in radical improvements in efficiency and productivity, significant cost savings, and considerable gains in Operational Excellence.

A crucial step in successfully leveraging RPA is identifying the tasks most suited to automation. High-volume, repetitive, rules-based tasks prevalent in Finance, HR, Procurement, and IT operations are prime candidates. It is this data-driven Decision Making process that can generate the highest ROI for companies investing in RPA.

A strategic, well-planned implementation of RPA can be game-changing. Here are key best practices to consider:

• Clearly define the scope and objectives of the RPA initiative.
• Assemble a diverse team of stakeholders to ensure broad support.
• Pilot the technology on a specific process before full-scale implementation.
• Communicate the benefits and implications to the workforce.
• Prioritize continuous improvement and develop a robust governance framework.

RPA is more than a tool for improving operational efficiency. It is a stepping stone towards achieving Digital Transformation. With RPA serving as an underpinning technology, organizations can progress to implementing more sophisticated solutions such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.

With the rapid advancements in technology, RPA is set to evolve into a more powerful tool in the corporate strategy playbook. The combination of RPA with cognitive technologies like machine learning, natural language processing and speech recognition has the potential to revolutionize the way companies operate. Far from rendering human employees obsolete, RPA is augmenting human intelligence and enabling the workforce to contribute strategic value in ways not previously possible.

Leaders who understand the value and potential of RPA will be best positioned to guide their organizations in harnessing this powerful technology to drive Peak Performance, maintain Competitive Advantage and usher in a new era of workplace productivity.