In the modern day business landscape, efficiency and productivity are the building blocks of business. As a result, companies are increasingly turning to technology to optimize their operations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are at the forefront of this transformation. This technology can automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and increase efficiency, allowing human workers to focus on higher-value activities.
“There is no doubt this technology transforms business operations because it can free up human resources for strategic initiatives,” says Rajiv Kumeresan, a Technical Architect and expert in Intelligent Automation.
Rajiv’s work has been instrumental in pioneering innovative solutions that enhance business processes and drive productivity: “My approach is unique because I combine technical skills with a deep understanding of where and how to implement technology effectively,”
Currently working with a leading healthcare organization, Rajiv has extensive experience in AI and RPA, having automated over 60 processes and implemented over 100 bots in UiPath.
He adds: “What I love to focus on is creating practical applications, ensuring that the solutions I develop are both innovative and beneficial.”
Rajiv’s journey into AI and RPA began with his engineering degree from SKP Engineering College under Anna University in Tamil Nadu, India.
His initial experience in application development at Mary Martin Software Services, which develops products for libraries in Singapore. Here he created a web application, and an ERP project for managing books, materials, and publications: “This work got me into building applications and learning about creating shopping carts, mobile applications, and more,” recalls Rajiv.
“I enjoy the technical challenges, the opportunity to innovate, and the satisfaction of delivering effective solutions in my work.”
This foundation led him to Cognizant Technology Solutions, where he developed financial services applications for their client Franklin Templeton Investments.
However, his exploration of RPA technology at Horizon Healthcare Industry marked a significant turning point in his career: “We started creating small automation to support their operations like day-to-day activities,” Rajiv recalls.
“It meant we could reduce the mundane activities often carried out with rule-based automation. It also enabled me to do one of the things I love: lead a team and mentor them.”
His unique experience also led to him creating innovative solutions such as the “Discovery Bot” for claims adjudication in the healthcare industry: “The bot not only analyzes data but also performs pre-adjudication steps and projects trends,” says Rajiv.
“It can also save a significant amount of manual work and backlog. The Discovery Bot improves efficiency, reduces errors, and enhances claims processing accuracy.”
Rajiv believes AI and RPA create a powerful synergy that can revolutionize business operations.
The process involves using software robots to automate repetitive and rule-based tasks, while AI adds a layer of intelligence, enabling these robots to learn, adapt, and make decisions.
Rajiv explains: “If you focus on practical applications and combine the AI and RPA to work in tandem, you can ensure that the solutions you develop are both innovative and beneficial.”
AI and RPA are particularly effective in streamlining business processes by automating routine tasks and freeing up human employees to focus on more strategic activities.
Rajiv says: “When I’m leading a team and mentoring them, I review processes, do feasibility studies, create architecture designs, and build solid automation solutions. I also do ROI analysis, identify work breakdown structures, and assign tasks to developers.”
His comprehensive approach, resulting from Rajiv’s superior expertise, ensures that every aspect of the automation process is meticulously planned and executed.
Rajiv cites one example he personally experienced while at Franklin Templeton: “In the financial services sector, RPA can automate tasks such as data entry, reconciliation, and report generation.
“It involved developing applications that streamline these processes, resulting in significant time savings and increased accuracy.”
Integrating AI in RPA not only streamlines processes but also significantly enhances productivity.
By automating repetitive tasks, businesses can achieve higher output with fewer resources.
Rajiv can let his love of technical challenges shine in this area: “The opportunity to innovate is a key motivator in my work,” he says.
“Then I have immense satisfaction when I deliver an effective solution.”
Rajiv also believes one critical aspect of leveraging AI in RPA is ensuring that the automation solutions are both scalable and sustainable.
His role often involves continuous assessment and improvement of these solutions: “Convincing customers about the benefits of automation and making them understand how it works can be challenging.
“It’s rewarding to see their skepticism turn into trust when they see the proof of concept and the results,” he adds.
His ability to effectively communicate the benefits and demonstrate tangible results to clients has undoubtedly been instrumental in gaining their trust and support.
Implementing AI and RPA comes with challenges, particularly around compliance and security. This is especially true in industries like healthcare and financial services, where handling sensitive data is critical.
Rajiv points out: “Ensuring compliance and security, especially in healthcare, where we need to handle sensitive data carefully, is one of the unique challenges of my speciality that I enjoy.”
Another challenge is integrating AI and RPA with existing systems and processes. Rajiv’s approach involves thoroughly understanding the client’s operations and strategic planning to ensure seamless integration; ” I work closely with my team, providing guidance and support, and I ensure that we deliver high-quality solutions,” he explains.
Rajiv’s work in extending and maintaining iOS applications and implementing Know Your Customer (KYC) questions is an example: “This work involved collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and design application features,” he recalls.
“It was a great way for us to all recognise the importance of teamwork and communication in successful AI and RPA projects. We must ensure 100% accuracy in our automation solutions while adhering to all relevant security and regulatory requirements.”
He adds: “I also believe we need to be accountable for and take full responsibility for our work and its impact.”
Manikanta Uppalapati is a Technology Lead who has worked with Infosys and Caresource. He speaks highly of Rajiv’s drive to be a “continuous student” who always supports his team: “Rajiv will always make sure he is giving input and is across any developments or changes to make the work easier and more efficient for the people he works with.
“This enables us to streamline the SDLC cycle overall. It means we don’t have to face any issues after the development and testing. In that scenario, his expertise is immensely helpful.
“And it means when we deliver the project, it has been done right, and it will be of exceptional quality and bug-free.”
Mani adds: “Rajiv has rolled out some exceptional automation, particularly what I have witnessed in the work he has done. It has vastly improved the member experience and they are seeing the results.
“He has played a very crucial role and his work will benefit them and in turn the US.”
When it comes to Rajiv and his own goals, he envisions a future where AI and RPA are integral to business operations, enhancing productivity and creating new opportunities: “I want to contribute to the evolution of technology, especially in AI and RPA. I see a future where humans and robots collaborate seamlessly, enhancing productivity and creating new opportunities,” he says.
His vision includes helping people understand and adapt to these technological advancements, making technology an integral and beneficial part of their lives.
Rajiv’s passion for technology and its potential impact drives him daily: “I love technology and its potential to make a significant impact. My background and education have led me to this field, and I enjoy solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions,” he adds.
His dedication to continuous learning and improvement ensures that he stays at the forefront of technological advancements, ready to tackle new challenges and seize new opportunities.
Rajiv believes humans must work with machines as if they are not just robots: “We need to be involved with robots so they can review and approve human action. That’s the kind of functionality we should work towards, not having the mindset they will take over.”
As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of AI and RPA, there is no doubt we are heading towards a future where technology enhances human potential: “The beauty is that if handled correctly, this can only create new opportunities and drive efficiency and growth in every industry,” says Rajiv.
Rajiv’s vision of a future where humans and robots collaborate seamlessly is not just a dream but a goal he is actively working towards.
