Why Open Source is the Future of Browser Automation

These days, companies are always looking for ways to make their processes more efficient. Many companies depend on online tools and websites to get their work done, and automating those tasks can save time and money. But traditional automation methods, like using scripts, usually have problems. 

In this article, we’ll talk about why open source is the future of browser workflow automation and why it’s the best choice for companies  that want to improve their processes.

The Problems with Traditional Automation

If your company has repetitive tasks, such as logging into different websites, downloading invoices, or filling out forms, you may already be using some type of automation. However, traditional automation methods usually rely on scripts that can easily break.

A simple change in the design of a website, like moving a button or changing a form, can cause your automation script to fail. When this happens, you have to spend time fixing the script, which leads to delays and extra costs. The more websites and workflows you automate, the harder it becomes to maintain all these scripts.

This is why open source automation is becoming more popular - it solves most of these issues.

Why Open Source is THE Solution

First, open-source software is all about transparency and collaboration. Instead of using a tool where only a few developers understand the code, open-source solutions give everyone access to it. This way, your team or other developers can modify and improve the software to meet your specific needs.

Security is another big one. You can host these solutions yourself, which gives you complete control over your data while still benefiting from improvements made by the open-source community. 

For example, at Skyvern, we allow companies to make changes while keeping their data safe.

This flexibility and control make open-source solutions the absolute perfect choice for companies that want efficient, customizable, and secure automation.

Why Browser Workflows Need AI Automation

Now that we know why open source is simply the best, let’s talk about how AI makes automation even better.

When we talk about browser workflows, we mean tasks that people usually do themselves, like logging into websites, filling out forms, or downloading files. At Skyvern, we use large language models (LLMs) and computer vision to automate these tasks, and it's so much faster and more efficient.

The great thing about this approach is that the AI doesn’t depend on scripts. It interacts with websites like a human would - by recognizing buttons, forms, and links. So, even if a website changes slightly (or more than slightly), the AI can still get the job done without needing updates. 

I bet you can already tell - it's more reliable than traditional scripts.

For example, if your company needs to download invoices from different websites, Skyvern’s AI can navigate each website, download the files, and organize them - all automatically.

Open Source Is Driving Innovation in Automation

Because the software is available to many developers around the world, new features and improvements are added often. You don’t have to wait for a closed system to release updates; you can take advantage of new developments as soon as they’re available.

Open-source platforms also allow companies to make their own changes. At Skyvern, for instance; we give developers the ability to expand its automation features. So, if your company needs to automate a task that isn’t covered yet, you can adjust the system to do exactly what you need. 

This makes the platform scalable and adaptable to any changes in your company.

Real-Life Examples of Open-Source Automation

Let’s look at some real-life examples of how AI can help automate browser-based tasks in different industries.

Procurement from E-Commerce Websites

In many companies, procurement means checking different websites for prices and placing orders manually. This can take a lot of time, as it involves finding products, adding them to the cart, and completing payment details. AI can easily automate this process by visiting websites, comparing prices, and placing orders, all without human help.

AI understands how different websites work and can handle tasks like checking stock availability and completing transactions. It can even keep working when website designs change. This saves time and ensures that orders are always accurate and completed quickly.

Insurance Quote Workflows

Getting insurance quotes from multiple companies can take a long time. You usually have to visit several websites and fill out detailed forms to get the quotes. For companies, after a while, this becomes repetitive and slow.

With AI, this process can be automated. The AI visits insurance company websites, fills out the necessary forms, and gathers quotes quickly. This makes it faster for companies to compare insurance options, freeing up time for other important tasks.

Downloading Invoices from Multiple Portals

If a company has many vendors, downloading invoices from different portals can be a slow, manual task. You need to log in to each portal, find the right section, and download the invoices, which can lead to errors or delays.

AI can handle this task automatically. It logs into portals, navigates through the pages, and downloads invoices without human input. Even if a portal changes, the AI can adjust and ensure invoices are always collected on time, reducing errors, and saving time.

Filling Out Forms and Uploading Documents on Government Websites

Dealing with government websites can get very complicated, especially when you need to fill out forms or upload documents. These websites usually have strict rules and complex layouts, which just makes it easy to make mistakes.

AI can automate form filling and document uploads. It navigates through the website, fills in the necessary fields, and uploads documents correctly. 

The Long-Term Benefits of Open-Source Automation for companies 

Now, let’s look at the long-term benefits.

By adopting open-source automation, companies can save money by reducing the need for human labor and avoiding the high costs of maintaining traditional scripts. AI can handle repetitive tasks and free up your team for more important work.

Open-source solutions are also highly scalable. As your company grows, these platforms can grow with you. You can modify and adapt them to meet new needs without having to start from scratch.

Finally, open-source automation is a smart choice for companies that want to stay future-proof. As technology changes, open-source platforms, combined with AI, will continue to adapt and offer solutions that keep up with the evolving digital landscape.

Conclusion

Open-source automation and AI-driven browser workflows are the future for companies that want to simplify their processes. 

If your company wants to stay ahead and improve its workflows, now is the time to explore the power of open-source automation.

Ready to automate your workflows and save time? Get started with Skyvern today and see how easy it is to streamline your business tasks with AI.