Automation goes up and down. Effective process automation tools applied inside enterprise software stacks are able to filter downwards into human (and machine) workflows to the point where they are able to codify software-defined actions and allow us to operate more efficiently. Effective process automation tools also grow upwards i.e. when they work well, we need to scale and grow them.
This is the simple truth behind how and why Appian is aiming to advance its latest platform release with eminently scalable process automation powered by enterprise AI.
Process Automation & Optimization
On the journey to automate and optimize business processes by design, the organization draws upon its track record in low-code efficiency tooling to now come forward with Appian Autoscale. The technology (as is the standard now with all enterprise software of any breadth and scope) incorporates AI functions, which in this case are designed to enable operational efficiency, scalability and process performance… at scale.
Claiming to also be a “scalability leader” (an assertion that every software vendor from here to Timbuktu would also be happy to label itself with) the specific addition of Appian Autoscale means users can scale six million processes per hour, 10x more than the company’s own previous benchmark.
“As organizations grow, they must rapidly scale operations and turn ideas into actionable strategies to stay competitive,” said Michael Beckley, CTO and founder of Appian. “With Appian Autoscale and our AI capabilities, enterprises can build resilient and adaptable processes that respond instantly. By embedding agentic AI that autonomously responds to stimuli within structured processes, Appian enables AI to use data effectively. This approach enables seamless collaboration between human and digital systems to drive actions for maximised returns.”
What Is A Straight-Through Processes?
Beckley explains Appian Autoscale as a technology base built to enable firms to scale high-volume “straight-through” processes (automated digital processes where transactions can be enacted and executed with zero human intervention) in modern enterprise IT stacks. This might be the sort of function found in software systems designed to offer real-time claims validation, continuous transaction monitoring, credit risk scoring or other high-throughput processes.
“With Autoscale, users can easily scale new or existing processes and monitor performance with tools that give insight into millions of process instances. A detailed process history also helps identify and resolve issues quickly, ensuring smooth operations even during high demand,” notes Beckley and the team, in line with this product update.
Who Uses Process Automation?
Lenders mortgage insurance company Helia has made use of the Appian Platform to automate processes and create an interconnected workplace. By automating claims management, the Australia-based InsurTech firm says it has reduced processing time from two days to under ten minutes.
Additional generative AI enhancements in Appian’s latest release include multiple AI features, designed to achieve FedRAMP Moderate compliance (a confidentiality, integrity and availability measure) and now all AI skills and most Appian AI Copilot features are FedRAMP compliant. These features meet the security, privacy and operational requirements for public sector use, enabling more government agencies to automate complex processes with confidence.
“[We have also engineered] simpler data extraction with AI Skills. Appian’s document extraction AI now automatically detects and consolidates multi-page tables, streamlining data extraction and eliminating the need for manual workarounds. Once you’ve completed the reconciliation step, future table extractions will happen automatically, further improving efficiency,” notes Appian’s Beckley.
Other notable features here include faster query response times. Appian says its AI Copilot delivers up to 40% faster response times and (because it’s a helpful character) also provides the user with progress updates on its functions in real-time. The technology here supports up to 250 “record” types (i.e. core types of information records) and enables precise filtering and immediate sync recovery for automatic data updates after failed syncs.
Appian offers the ability to use AI functions to create business-specific key performance indicators, so we’re talking about the automated factory (by which we mean office workspace too… plus remote field workers and everyone in between) with enough process automation tools for firms to get a perspective on how processes are being executed. There’s also AI detection for ad hoc events, suggestions for KPIs and insight summaries for improvements.
Streamlined Decision-Making, Really?
It’s at this point that we hear technology vendors like Appian talk about so-called streamlined decision-making (which usually comes with an additional marketingspeak helping of measurable value, actionable insights and improved operational efficiency if you want to make sure you cross off all of the buzz phrases), which is what we’re constantly being told we need today in the modern business world.
As comforting as these foundational technology advancements sound, it still begs the question at some level… when were we humans so bad at decision-making, given that business has been running for around a millennium or two?
In truth, it’s not really about that, it’s about automating for a new level of efficiency which has a) lain previously untapped b) might help us act upon environmental and social issues better and c) actually improve worker experiences for any number of efficiencies including human wellbeing.
All of our work resides in a process at some level and now more of it is automated… and Appian is aiming to lay down a straight path (Roman road joke intentional) towards that future.
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