RPA is Robotic process automation (RPA). Let’s divide this into:-
Robotics: Entities which mimic human actions are robots. This technology is robotics.
Process: Sequence of steps which leads to meaningful activity.
Automation: Doing any task without any human intervention.
RPA is the use of software to handle high-volume, repeatable tasks that previously required humans to perform. These tasks can include queries, calculations and maintenance of records and transactions
Robotics Process Automation (RPA) is a method of automating computer based operational jobs (rule-based processes). In RPA we have virtual workflows. In RPA Robot is the source code.
Where we can use RPA
RPA is not industry specific. It can be applied anywhere from Healthcare, Transportation, Telecommunications, Finance, Healthcare accounting work etc.
Healthcare: In the healthcare industry, it will help in appointments, patient’s data entry, claims to process, billing, etc.
Banking: Banking industry use RPA for more efficiency in work, for accuracy in data, and for the security of data.
Insurance: Insurance companies use RPA for managing the work processes, entering customer’s data, and for applications.
Telecommunications: For the telecommunications industry, it will help in monitoring, fraud data management and updating the customer data.
Retail: For the retail industry, it helps in updating orders, sending notifications, shipping products, tracking shipments, etc.
Manufacturing: For the manufacturing industry, RPA tools help in supply chain procedures. It helps with the billing of materials, Administration, Customer services & support, Reporting, Data migration, etc.
RPA Tools
We can create automation using RPA tools.
We have40+ RPA tools in the market e.g., UI Path, Blue Prism, Automation Anywhere, Pega, Kofax RPA, Power Automate, Zapier etc
Criteria of selecting the tool.
It should be best fit for your organization. Criteria for choosing for your work would depend on
-features
-integrability with other apps
-infrastructure need (how much runs you need).
-how much amount you want to invest
-resource availability (people who know how to use that tool
- trained resources
-training content availability
-compatibility (system you are using for your back-office work or operational work)
-do your POC (proof of concept) with the tool
-customer support
-cost of license/annual maintenance cost
The Forrester Wave™ is a guide for buyers considering their purchasing options in a technology marketplace. HFS, McKinsey, Gartner are other famous firms that publish reports on RPA.
One can see their views and do a proper analysis before buying any RPA tool
Types of Automation
- Assisted automation (run from desktop)
- Unassisted automation (run from server)
- Autonomous automation (no time-scheduling, as and when data come it will start). It is also known as multi-bot architecture. Mostly organizations are using this automation.
- Cognitive automation (add multiple other technologies in RPA). You can handle unstructured data. RPA + intelligent OCR, Artificial Intelligence is used here
- IRPA (Few Artificial Intelligence (AI) features are with RPA).
Why RPA is so popular
There are many reasons behind it. Few of the are listed below:
-RPA is non-intrusive technology. RPA doesn’t require back-end integration. Also, you can integrate with front end of too many apps.
-RPA has faster implementation based on complexity in 12- 14 weeks (at max).
-It is easier to train people on RPA. RPA is for business (not for IT).
-It has lesser investment 500 to 50000 dollars max
-It is easier to scale up (finish all the process in very less time).
-Boost Productivity Across the Board.
-Improve Business Data Security.
-Produce Data for Important Analytics.
-Create a Better Customer Service Experience.
-Improve Efficiency to Generate Savings.
-Hit Accuracy Goals with Reliable Consistency
Challenges in Using RPA
- There is shortage of skilled resources.
- Challenge in automating end to end use cases.
- Lack of required support from Business.
- Lack of proper team structure.
- Vaguely defined Business continuity plans.
- Culture shock.
- Incorrectly identified use-cases for automation.
In Summary RPA is unique and latest technology. With this new and efficient technology, we can enhance productivity. RPA bots do not take vacations or sick leave. They work tirelessly, around the clock if you choose, with the same level of consistency and accuracy every minute. They are cost efficient. RPA implementation can deliver a labour cost reduction up to 65% and begin its return on investment immediately. Your robotic workforce can be as large or as small as you need it to be, and new bots can be deployed quickly and at a minimal cost. Their adaptability & flexibility is incomparable. RPA technology can be applied to any software system(web/desktop). Also, since Robots mimics human actions, it does not involve much coding changes to your applications, making it adaptable and flexible to virtually any business. Software bot can work across multiple applications simultaneously and across multiple geographic locations. They provide great security of enterprise data. RPA can be integrated with multiple applications and therefore increase the security of enterprise data. This will also take care that client's applications are not modified.
Let’s welcome this trending technology with open hands.
