Robotic Process Automation
Robotic process automation / AI / ML
What is RPA?
A revolution in business process automation RPA is an application of technology, governed by business logic and structured inputs, aimed at automating business processes. Using RPA tools, a company can configure software, or a “robot,” to capture and interpret applications for processing a transaction, manipulating data, triggering responses and communicating with other digital systems.
RPA is a technology that enables the automation of IT applications and highly manual, repetitive processes. Key benefits include faster processes, reduced risks and lower compliance costs.
Why is this important now?
The era of digital transformation will accelerate in the coming years to address the changing business landscape
Automation using artificial intelligence might be the next game changer as part of digital transformation to achieve efficiency. RPA (aka Intelligent automation) is starting to change the way business processes are carried out in nearly every sector. Advances in techniques like machine learning, autonomics, machine vision, natural language processing, improvement in sensor, greater and cheaper computing power and cloud infrastructures have helped create a new generation of robots with practical application in nearly every domain.
How would you differentiate RPA from other Automations?
RPA is very different from conventional process automations; it is system agnostic. BPM for example ensures the infrastructure of a business process that is lengthy, costly and disruptive.
“RPA, on the other hand, is designed to operate processes as a human would, so it exists on a more surface level”
It’s faster to implement, non-disruptive, and ready to use with almost any software, and easily altered or updated to adapt to change.
What are the most powerful benefits of RPA ?
- Automate back-office processes .
- Reduced Costs .
- Cyber-Security .
- Analytical Value .
- Efficiency .
- Infrastructure Support and Management .
How to get started ?
There are phases in getting started with RPA solution.
Proof of Concept (POC)
- Identify and prioritize ideal and most simple use-case to start with.
- Evaluate and select RPA tool that fits your requirement.
- Estimate value impact.
- Work with SME’s to gather information around the process and tasks performed.
- Document the use case, work flows and expected outcome, then take sign off from stake holders.
Implementation
- Set up infrastructure (Software set up in dev, test and production)
- Leverage agile methodology for project planning and tracking.
- Meet with stake holders and review process updates.
- Evaluate efficiency being delivered in each iteration.
- Through testing before moving to production, because you are automating a valuable business process.
- Roll out application to production.
- Monitor tasks being handled for any bugs or inefficiencies.
- Make sure all the business cases handled as expected.
- Build a feedback loop with simple analytics that capture efficiency metrics.
- Advertise the success and look for next potential candidate.
Lets looks at a real world implementation, because we all like examples !
