Put simply, ADP is far less clever than IDP. ADP can handle routine and repetitive tasks associated with documents, such as sorting them alphabetically, extracting, and validating information. However, it typically takes a rules-based approach and is best with structured documents that have the same layout. That means it may struggle with unstructured or semi-structured documents where the content varies, and the design is different. It can’t adapt and learn from previous content is has come across.
With intelligent document processing, it uses AI and machine learning to handle a far wider selection of document complexities. It basically has added cognitive skills to think like a human. IDP can learn and adapt to different layouts, structures and content in documents and adjust accordingly. If it comes across a nuance, it will understand what to do, and learn from any mistakes. This makes it ideal for processing any unstructured data or when there is no pattern to be followed, thus making it ideal for businesses dealing with diverse and evolving document types.