Intelligent Automation to Drive Business and Operational Performance 

Intelligent automation combines process design, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Intelligent Document Processing (IDP), approval workflow and Generative AI to remove manual work from complex operations. At BioQuest Advisory, we design and implement intelligent automation solutions for organisations across Asia Pacific. Our focus is on finance, supply chain, logistics, customer service, HR, IT, operations and other high volume functions where automation can deliver measurable impact. 

Business operational process challenges 

Many organisations still rely on manual, paper based or email driven processes. Typical challenges include:

• High volume, repetitive work that ties up skilled staff

• Dependence on external parties to send documents and information on time

• Processes that cut across departments and systems, with limited visibility

• Long turnaround times and growing customer expectations

• Increasing cost pressures and the need for stronger controls and auditability
  
  

Intelligent automation addresses these issues by redesigning processes and using the right combination of RPA, IDP, approval workflow and GenAI so that work can flow automatically from trigger to completion.

The evolution of intelligent automation 

Intelligent automation has evolved over several stages. We bring these components together in one approach.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

RPA uses software robots to automate rule based, repetitive tasks. Bots mimic human actions such as logging into systems, copying and pasting data, processing transactions and sending notifications. RPA is effective when inputs are structured and rules are clear. It reduces manual effort, standardises execution and improves throughput.

Intelligent Document Processing (IDP)

IDP uses machine learning models to extract data from semi structured and unstructured documents. It goes beyond traditional OCR by understanding document layouts and patterns. Typical documents include invoices, purchase orders, delivery orders, airway bills and bills of lading. Pretrained and custom models can recognise fields even when layouts differ across counterparties.

E forms and approval workflow

E forms replace paper or spreadsheet based forms and capture data digitally at source. Automated approval workflows route requests for review and sign off, enforce service levels and provide visibility on status. This is especially useful for onboarding, change requests, finance approvals and HR processes that involve multiple teams and systems.

The integration of Generative AI

GenAI adds understanding of free text and complex documents. It can interpret emails, contracts, financial reports and other unstructured content, extract key information and summarise meaning. Combined with RPA, IDP and approval workflows, GenAI allows automation of processes that previously required human reading and judgement, while still keeping humans in control for higher risk decisions.

Our intelligent automation services 

• Process discovery and value assessment
  We work with business and operations teams to map current processes, identify pain points and quantify potential value from automation in terms of time saved, cost reduction, risk reduction and service improvement.
  
  

• Solution and architecture design
  We design target processes that combine RPA, IDP, approval workflow and GenAI in a practical way. This includes defining roles, exception handling, controls and how the solution fits into your existing systems and data platforms.
  
  

• Technology evaluation and platform selection
  We help you select suitable automation platforms that fit your IT standards and budget. This can include RPA suites, IDP tools, low code workflow platforms and GenAI services. We remain technology agnostic and focus on what works best in your environment.  Technologies where we have strong capabilities include: ABBYY, UiPath, LAIYE, Nintex, Microsoft Power Platform and Budibase.  
  
  

• Design and development
  Our team designs and builds automations, document extraction configurations, approval workflows and integrations. Work covers detailed design, configuration, scripting, development and unit testing to ensure that each component works as intended.
  
  

• Testing and user acceptance
  We support system testing, integration testing and user acceptance testing. Together with your teams we define test scenarios, run end to end tests and refine the solution before go live.
  
  

• Go live and post go live support
  We plan and manage go live activities, including cutover plans, hypercare support and early life incident resolution. After go live, we help you stabilise the solution, fine tune performance and hand over to your support model or provide full managed services.
  
  

• Operating model and continuous improvement
  We help you define how to run intelligent automation on an ongoing basis, including roles and responsibilities, change management and governance. We also set up a backlog and pipeline so that new processes can be added over time.
  
  

• Training and capability building
  We provide training for process owners, business users and technical teams on how to work with RPA, IDP, GenAI enabled automation and low code workflow tools. This includes designing good input data, managing exceptions, reading dashboards and identifying new automation opportunities.

Common business use cases 

We focus on high impact use cases where documents, data and workflows come together.

1. Invoice processing and accounts payable

• IDP extracts header and line level data from invoices received via email, portals or shared drives

• RPA performs three way matching against purchase orders and goods receipts

• Approval workflows route exceptions and approvals to the right users

• Approved invoices are posted automatically into the finance system
  
  

This reduces manual keying, shortens invoice cycle time, improves accuracy and strengthens controls.

2. Order to cash and trade document processing

• E forms capture order details where needed

• IDP extracts data from purchase orders, delivery orders, airway bills and bills of lading

• RPA updates order management, logistics and billing systems

• Approval and exception workflows flag discrepancies for review and track resolution
  
  

This improves visibility on orders and shipments and reduces delays caused by missing or inconsistent documents.

3. Customer service and case handling

• GenAI reads and classifies incoming emails and web forms

• RPA and workflow create or update tickets in service systems

• Standard requests are processed automatically where possible

• Complex or high value cases are routed to the right team with suggested next steps and supporting information

• Approval workflows manage escalations and special handling where policy or financial impact requires it

This improves response times and frees agents to focus on higher value interactions.

4. HR, onboarding and employee services

• E forms and low code workflows capture requests for onboarding, transfers, access and benefits

• RPA updates HRIS, payroll and access systems

• IDP extracts data from supporting documents

• Approval workflows manage reviews, approvals and track completion

This creates a more consistent employee experience and reduces administrative workload.

5. Compliance, reporting and reconciliation

• GenAI and IDP extract key data points from policies, regulations, statements and reports

• RPA aggregates and reconciles data across systems

• Approval workflows manage reviews and sign offs

• Dashboards provide transparency on status and exceptions
  
  

This reduces manual effort in recurring compliance work and supports stronger audit trails.

Working with our clients on their automation journey 

We see intelligent automation as a journey rather than a one time project.

• We start with one or two processes that have clear ownership and measurable benefits.

• We deliver end to end, from understanding business needs and designing the solution, through build, testing, go live and post go live support.

• We help you set up governance, standards and reusable components, including templates for RPA, IDP and approval workflows, so that future automations are faster and more consistent.

• We work closely with your business and IT teams, sharing knowledge and building internal capability so you are not dependent on external teams for every change.

Our aim is to create an automation capability that continues to grow and deliver value across the organisation.

FAQ about intelligent automation 

Question 1: Is intelligent automation only about RPA?

Answer: No. RPA is one important building block, but intelligent automation also includes IDP, e forms, approval workflows and GenAI. The most effective solutions combine these components with good process design and governance.

Question 2: Do we need to redesign our entire process before we automate?

Answer: You do not need a perfect process before starting, but some redesign almost always helps. We work with you to simplify and standardise where it makes sense, and then automate the parts that deliver the most value. Automation should support better processes, not lock in bad ones.

Question 3: Will automation replace our staff?

Answer: Our goal is to reduce repetitive, low value work so that staff can focus on higher value activities such as handling complex cases, working with customers and improving processes. In many organisations, automation helps teams keep up with growing volumes without constant headcount increases.

Question 4: How long does it take to see value?

Answer: For well chosen use cases, automation can be designed, built and deployed within a few weeks. These pilots usually target specific processes such as invoice processing or a particular customer service flow. Once the first solutions are live and stable, subsequent automations are faster because patterns and components are reused.

Question 5: How do we choose the right tools and platforms?

Answer: We start from your requirements: types of processes, document volumes, integration needs, security and budget. We then evaluate suitable RPA, IDP, low code workflow and GenAI options that fit your existing technology landscape. Our role is to act in your interests as a technology agnostic advisor and implementation partner.