Is BOAT the future of automation?

Automation tools emerged on the market with the intention to focus on specific areas. However, with time they started adding new functionalities often overlapping with each other. As a result, currently there is plethora of available automation technologies which makes it hard to decide which one to choose for a particular use case. One of the biggest struggles for companies is to orchestrate the capabilities of automation with their processes, not utilizing its full potential.

Industry analysts at Gartner identified this challenge for numerous businesses trying to adapt automation. During the Application Innovation & Business Solutions Summit in Las Vegas they introduced the concept of BOAT – Business Orchestration & Automation Technologies

What is BOAT?

According to Gartner’s report BOAT, short for Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies, is a comprehensive approach that combines several automation tools, including Robotic Process Automation (RPA), AI-driven decision-making, low-code platforms, and Integration Platforms as a Service (iPaaS). These technologies work together to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance agility across all business processes. Unlike traditional systems that handle isolated tasks, BOAT aims for seamless orchestration of workflows. The goal of it is to avoid potential technical debt that might occur when using isolated automaton tools.

What is the difference between automation and orchestration

Automation focuses on using technology to complete specific tasks or processes with minimal human input, often targeting repetitive or rule-based activities such as data entry or simple workflows. Orchestration, however, takes a broader view, managing and coordinating multiple automated tasks to achieve a larger, more complex objective.

While automation works at the task level, orchestration ensures that these tasks interact smoothly across various systems, teams, or departments. In the insurance industry, automation might optimize something like claims processing, but orchestration connects the dots ensuring that underwriting, customer service, and compliance all align effectively. In essence, automation addresses individual tasks, while orchestration ensures the entire operation functions in harmony.

Embracing new technologies in insurance companies

For insurance companies, where so much of the work involves managing data-heavy processes like claims, underwriting, and customer service, BOAT can be a transformative solution for process automation. This is especially important as customers demand faster, more personalized services.

Some specific ways BOAT is shaking things up include:

• Automating Claims Processing – Instead of manual document verification or data entry, it allows insurance companies to integrate RPA and AI to automate these tasks. This leads to faster claims processing and fewer errors—benefits that translate into quicker payouts for policyholders. 
• Supporting Better Underwriting – AI in automation can help underwriters by analyzing vast amounts of data. It looks at both internal data like historical risk profiles and external factors such as market trends, helping underwriters make more informed decisions quickly and accurately.
• Streamlining Policy Management – BOAT ensures that customer information is not siloed but flows seamlessly across departments. This integration means fewer bottlenecks and a better experience for customers when managing their policies.
• Enhancing Customer Service – By orchestrating different communication channels, automation improves how customer queries or issues are handled. AI-powered chatbots, for example, can deal with routine requests, freeing up human agents for more complex inquiries.

The benefits of Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies for insurance leadership

For executives at insurance companies, BOAT isn’t just a tool for operational efficiency; it’s a strategic asset that can drive transformation. Here’s how:

• Cost Savings – Automating repetitive processes means companies can save significantly on labor and operational costs. From speeding up claims processing to reducing administrative workload, it helps insurance companies operate leaner.
• Better Decision-Making – With AI and real-time data analysis at the heart of automation, insurance leaders can make more informed decisions, whether in underwriting, pricing, or risk assessment.
• Agility in Compliance – The insurance industry is heavily regulated, and staying compliant is critical. BOAT’s ability to quickly adapt workflows and automate compliance checks means companies can stay ahead of regulatory changes.
• Scalability and Flexibility – In a fast-changing industry, flexibility is key. Whether it’s scaling operations to handle a surge in claims or adjusting underwriting models in response to market changes, BOAT makes it easier to pivot quickly.

The technology powering BOAT

BOAT stands on the shoulders of several cutting-edge technologies:

• AI and Machine Learning – Drives smarter decision-making by analyzing vast amounts of data, helping underwriters and claims adjusters make more accurate and timely choices.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) – Handles repetitive tasks like data entry and form processing, freeing up employees for higher-level tasks.
• Low-Code Platforms – Empower non-technical staff to adjust processes quickly, giving companies the agility they need in a competitive market. In combination with apps like Appian insurers can significantly accelarate the process of building applications. 
• Integration Platforms as a Service (iPaaS) – Helps connect various systems and ensure data flows seamlessly between them, reducing friction in processes that involve multiple departments or platforms.

From Sollers perspective

RPA is often one of the easiest methods to implement automation, but on its own, it tends to be limited in scope and often requires regular updates. BPM on the other hand, starts from the big picture, identifying processes which would benefit the most from automation to target first, or even redesigning the entire process flow to fully make use of Automation Technologies. Within our own projects we have used this to great effect, identifying areas where robotic automation technology could instead be automated with existing tools, and rebuilding workflows to fully integrate processes with an external BPMs.

BOAT vs Traditional BPM Systems

To understand BOAT’s full potential, it helps to compare it with Business Process Management (BPM) systems, which many companies have relied on for years to streamline processes. While BPM systems have been useful, BOAT takes things to the next level.

Automation Scope

BPM is focused primarily on managing workflows. It automates repetitive tasks and organizes human and digital workers around predefined processes. BOAT, however, goes beyond this. It’s designed to automate both simple and complex workflows. More importantly, it’s dynamic and adaptable. It integrates AI and machine learning, so processes can adapt in real time based on new data or external changes, something BPM systems struggle with.

Handling Complexity and Scaling

BPM works well for structured processes that are predictable and repetitive. But when companies try to scale BPM for more complex workflows or across departments, it often requires a lot of customization. BOAT is designed for complexity. It seamlessly handles interconnected workflows, even those that cut across multiple departments or involve external partners. And it’s built to scale effortlessly, adapting as business needs grow.

Integration

With BPM, integration with other systems can be challenging. Companies often need to bring in additional tools or perform custom integrations. BOAT offers built-in integration capabilities. By combining RPA, iPaaS, and low-code tools, BOAT can connect with legacy systems and newer technologies easily, offering a more seamless user experience.

AI-Powered Insights

While BPM systems are increasingly incorporating AI, they usually rely on predefined rules. This limits their ability to make intelligent, real-time adjustments. BOAT, on the other hand, places AI at the core. It’s capable of making complex decisions in real time, analyzing data streams to adjust processes dynamically. For instance, automation can help underwriters by instantly processing market data and providing insights for better risk assessment.

Adaptability

BPM systems are less flexible when it comes to making process changes. Adjustments often require coding or IT intervention. BOAT offers low-code or no-code platforms, making it easier for business users to adjust workflows on the fly without waiting for IT. This means insurance companies can respond more quickly to changes in regulations, market trends, or customer needs.

Challenges in implementing Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies

Despite its many benefits, BOAT comes with challenges, especially in the insurance industry, which is often burdened with legacy systems and complex regulatory environments.

• Legacy System Integration – Many insurance companies still rely on legacy systems that are not easily compatible with modern automation technologies. Automation must be implemented carefully to ensure that these older systems can be integrated or replaced without disrupting operations.
• Change Management – Shifting from traditional workflows to automated, orchestrated processes requires buy-in from all levels of the organization. Executives must lead the charge in promoting BOAT adoption, but employees must also be trained to work alongside these new technologies.
• Data Privacy and Security – As insurance companies handle sensitive customer information, ensuring data privacy and security is paramount. BOAT platforms must comply with strict data protection regulations while ensuring that information is stored and processed securely.

The future of automation in Insurance

The use of AI in automation is something that has been an ongoing topic in recent years. It has enabled automation on tasks that were previously too complicated to be handled with traditional methods but there are times when it’s accuracy has left something to be desired. However, continued refinement of the technology and the data models has allowed automation to proceed to the point where touchless claim handling could become a reality for the majority of claims, freeing users to work on cases which require human intervention.

Still, to remain competitive in the insurance landscape it seems inevitable to utilize advanced technologies. BOAT perfectly fills the gaps that most automation vendors have, enabling companies to orchestrate their existing systems to harness their full potential.

The future is coming, are you ready for it? If you don’t know where to start Sollers Consulting can provide the expertise to find and implement the right solution to meet your needs, allowing you to focus on your company core business.

Did you find this article interesting? Get in touch with our experts!

Rafał Karwowski – Consultant

Lennart Imorde – Head of Process Automation