RPA: Robotic TransformationWhat is it and how is it implemented?

Nowadays, all companies are facing the challenge of innovation to advance in digital transformation and in the way of doing business. One of the main solutions that allow progress in this direction are software robots that support the automatic execution of tasks performed by a human. This solution helps to be more efficient on a day-to-day basis, taking a competitive advantage over organizations that have not yet decided to transform.

This is Robotic Process Automation (RPA), a technology that uses software robots that emulate human operations in business processes in a non-invasive way with current systems, managing to automatically execute repetitive tasks that do not require human decision-making for their execution

RPAs have high flexibility and, therefore, are adaptable to the changes that are necessary in a short period of time, they do not need changes in their processes, Applications or Integrations, achieving a cost optimization of up to 60%.

The use of robotization solutions was already detected by Gartner as the first trend in 2020, introducing the concept in the hyperautomation industry.

Depending on the needs, an RPA can operate both in the cloud and on premise, which allows it to fit perfectly into a cloud migration strategy, achieving independence from physical systems and increasing scalability.

How is it implemented?

Stage 1: Evaluating RPA opportunities

Based on the objectives sought by the Business, it begins by carrying out a high-level evaluation of the possible candidate processes for automation, documenting the resulting efficiencies, as well as the opportunities for cost and time savings. This confirms whether the implementation of RPA is an alternative for achieving the expected objectives.

Stage 2: Create an implementation plan.

Within the strategy, the implementation plan is important to establish the steps to be followed. Within this implementation plan, it is advisable to consider the following:

1. 1. Start with simple processes to automate : It all depends on the initial efforts. For starters, simple processes where RPA will provide significant value.
2. 2. Ensure that existing processes are efficient: don’t start RPA implementation right away. If you’re willing to get the best results, ensure that existing processes are efficiently automated and fully optimized.
3. 3. Consider the scalability of the application and the support of Artificial Intelligence or Analytics: Companies are unaware of the fact of the number of bots deployed and how they work. When RPA adoption starts at a functional level, most companies can’t manage them. To ensure that bots are not retired, make sure that the organization is well prepared for advanced analytics support of the resulting data processes.
4. 4. Address data privacy risks: companies that do not emphasize efficient RPA monitoring can lead to high risk. Make sure each app has an audit trail. This helps to understand the construction process, the work process, and the changes made.
5. 5. Have the right RPA software: Beware of buying bots. Many have an unnecessary number of bots that aren’t even useful. Enterprises assume that all RPA solutions are the same. But in reality, every RPA software for business practices a different approach towards process automation.
6. 6. Analyze the profitability of the RPA application: controls the value of RPA beyond efficiency and profitability. You need to know how to track the improvement in productivity, quality, and speed. Plus, feel the difference in employee engagement and customer satisfaction.
7. 7. Follow a comprehensive team approach: Companies usually hand over the entire project to the development team. Therefore, no new opportunities to improve processes from a business point of view are explored.

Stage 3: Final Implementation Approach

A well-prepared approach leads to the maximum use of RPA. This includes building momentum, deploying bots, and monitoring their effectiveness.

Implementing RPA is a journey and is feasible by following a few steps.

Step 1: Evaluate potential opportunities.

Step 2: Develop proof of concept.

Step 3: Deploy a pilot.

Step 4: Organize resources.

Step 5: Establish an implementation plan.

Step 6: Operate and monitor.

Stage 4: Drive the right profits

The benefits of adopting RPA range from increasing productivity to improving employee engagement, speeding up time to market and generating more revenue.

Human Factor: Key to RPA

When evaluating the implementation of an RPA solution, one of the critical factors to consider is the balance that must exist between the functionality and simplicity of the solution.

In this sense, not all organizations have the same maturity in their operation to tackle RPA projects. Therefore, it must be assumed that the focus and effort to achieve it can be a critical and determining point when addressing this challenge.

It is also important to note that existing RPA solutions cover almost all the functionalities that the market needs and do it quite well. But what really defines the success of an RPA implementation is not the technology, but the human factor. That is, that they are able to achieve acceptance and know how to handle change in a positive way compared to what it means to robotize a task that was previously executed manually.

It is not always accepted in the best possible way, for this reason it is important to have a partner – provider that not only has a robust platform for deployment, but also has a solid strategy for change management.

It’s not enough to implement process improvements with RPA and process intelligence, improvements must also be tracked and measured to achieve maximum results. When organizations lack a holistic view and metrics for their operations, it is difficult to know and report the effectiveness of process changes to meet business objectives.