Nowadays, our life becomes easier by automating tedious and repetitive processes.
From the very simple first things created during our existence as human beings on Earth to such complicated tasks as web development and machine learning algorithms, we strive to simplify the processes and dismiss the routine of repetitive tasks. This article is a review of ideas, what to automate, and how.
While computers have made many tasks easier, human intervention in digital operations remains very important.
Regardless of the abilities and power of computers, many of the tasks we perform on them are fairly routine. When working, for example, in the HR department or in a warehouse receiving goods, we often need to fill in different forms using the same data, like sender/ banking details, etc. And as a previous HR officer, I could definitely say there is not much fun in routing onboarding/off-boarding procedures.
Maybe you have already heard the word “automation” often in many spheres, but traditional process automation — working on the back end of a system — is not as simple to introduce as you might think. Even when technically possible, it’s not always the wisest business decision to complicate the server when it’s possible to operate on the frontend to introduce the automation. Here, robotic process automation (RPA) comes to the scene.
The data science community will play a driving role by connecting rules-based automation and artificial intelligence.
What is RPA?
Unlike traditional process automation, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) works on the system’s frontend. RPA is a technology that utilizes software agents and simulates human behavior on digital systems. Agents can directly imitate operations normally performed by humans.
RPA is an innovative technology that makes it easy to emulate day-to-day human interactions with different IT systems. They not only understand what is on a screen and complete simple routing tasks but can even navigate systems, identify different categories of data and extract it independently. Not to mention, it does it much faster and more consistently.
When can you use RPA?
RPA is changing the working environment in all industries today, and to be able to evaluate all advantages of this technology, let’s see the benefits:
1) Compare full back-end automation with RPA and evaluate both of them. You will find out that FBE automation is often costly and complicated not just by money but by time consumption too.
2) In this RPA model, you will save hundreds of working hours because high-volume tasks will be done in a very fast mode, and an innovative and creative environment will be opened up for the human workforce. That means productivity and efficiency will be boosted.
3) Could the process in your business be broken down into simple parts connected together by some fundamental rules? Then RPA is applicable here.
4) Which task exactly do you prefer to give to RPA that you think annoys you every day by its very high frequency and just deserves to be automated by the system??
Getting answers to all these questions and maybe beyond them is very important to decide which processes to automate and how you will change the business model at the end, receiving free hours of the workforce, possibilities, creativity, and all other resources.
The ideal model in which you can deploy RPA is a process that can be automated with limited trouble and has an impact that will reinvent the business model and how the work is done.
Another way to position RPA is on a robotization continuum. RPA would be on the lower end of the diapason (rigorously rule-grounded robotization), whereas more complex tasks may be completed on the base of machine learning and decision-making.
Many kinds of repetitive and time-consuming work are potentially suitable for RPA optimization. And as mentioned above, Full (back-end) robotization is time-consuming and expensive to deploy compared to robotic process automation.
When should you introduce robotic process automation to your business?
There is no definitive answer when it comes to introducing robotic process automation (RPA) to a business. Some businesses feel that RPA should be introduced at the early stages of their company while others believe that it can wait until a later stage. Ultimately, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of introducing RPA before making any decision.
One of the key benefits of introducing Robotic Process Automation is that it can help streamline processes within a company. This can lead to reduced overhead costs and improved efficiency. Additionally, Robotic Process Automation can help reduce the amount of time employees need to spend on routine tasks.
However, there are some potential drawbacks with it. For example, it can be difficult to initially implement due to the need for tight integration with other systems within a business. Additionally, automated processes may not always be appropriate or feasible given the specific needs of a company. It is also important to consider the potential impact of it on employees’ jobs and wages. If these processes are too complex or disruptive, they may lead to staff dissatisfaction or even resignation.
Ultimately, deciding when to introduce Robotic Process Automation depends on a number of factors including the size and complexity of the company, its current processes, and its overall goals. While there is no one perfect timeframe for bringing it into an organization, taking into account these factors will help make an informed decision.
What are the benefits of robotic process automation for your business?
A recent study published by Forrester Research found that businesses implementing robotic process automation (RPA) can expect to experience a number of benefits, including:
Reduced Costs. According to the research, RPA can help organizations reduce costs associated with traditional manual processes, such as hiring and training staff, processing paperwork, and so on. As a result, these businesses can focus their resources on more strategic tasks.
Improved Efficiency. With RPA in place, organizations can improve the flow of work and achieve greater efficiencies across all aspects of their operations. This is due to the fact that RPA can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up workers to undertake higher-value activities.
Improved Quality. The implementation of Robotic Process Automation can also lead to increased quality in products and services due to the elimination of human error. In addition, RPA can save companies time and money by automating tedious tasks that could be carried out more efficiently by robots than humans.
Reduced Risk. Automated processes are generally less risky than those executed manually, as they are resilient to mistakes made by humans. As a result, RPA can greatly mitigate the risk associated with businesses’ core activities.
Robotic process automation has been heralded as one of the most transformative technologies for business in years – so why wait? If you’re looking to improve your organization’s efficiency and quality while reducing costs or risk – robotic process automation is an essential tool in your arsenal.
Conclusion
According to a recent study by Forbes, robotic process automation (RPA) is set to become one of the most important tools in business over the next few years. RPA allows your business to speed up processes and improve efficiency, while also freeing up employees to do more important tasks. If you’re not currently using RPA in your business, it’s time to start considering how this technology can help you achieve your goals.