Introduction
Today’s modern workforce needs advanced technology solutions that empower them to excel in new digital service delivery models. To support this, USDA is identifying opportunities to implement Intelligent Automation (IA) across the enterprise. IA combines Robotic Process Automation (RPA) with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to form smarter, and increasingly, more intelligent automation systems. Intelligent automation will lead to significant impacts for people, processes, and USDA mission areas.
IA aligns with one of the Secretary’s top priorities to ensure USDA programs are delivered efficiently, effectively, and with integrity and focus on customer service as well as the USDA OCIO’s strategic goal 5 “Optimize Value of IT Services.”
The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) created an enterprise IA service for all USDA and non-USDA federal agencies to leverage economies of scale. USDA is taking a tiered approach to intelligent process automation at USDA that encompasses RPA, AI, ML, and process mining tools. USDA is identifying the best way to automate based process complexity, technology fit, availability, and cost.