Robotic process automation, RPA, defines a set of technologies that aims to automate a company’s processes to accelerate its execution and increase productivity.
Unlike the common imagination, encouraged by films such as the renowned series “Back to the Future”, the use of robots to automate processes is not about physical robots performing activities.
In RPA, we generally deal with “virtual” robots, algorithms running on a server or integrated into some tool performing repetitive and bureaucratic activities, directing its human capital to the execution of strategic moves.
According to research released by McKinsey & CO, 30% of activities performed by organizations are operational and could be automated using algorithms.
In this way, the growing trend in the search for greater efficiency and productivity, combined with the benefits of digital transformation and process automation, has become a great tool to make companies even more competitive.
Below we will see some advantages that using RPA can bring to your company.
And What Are The Advantages Of Process Automation?
Processes performed manually have a greater chance of error than standardized and automated ones. RPA brings companies greater assertiveness and speed in carrying out their activities.
However, productivity optimization is achieved not only by the speed and assertiveness brought by automation but also by the opportunity for the company to focus on more strategic activities.
With this, it is possible to discover new opportunities and identify bottlenecks that often go unnoticed, given the number of demands that need to be worked on.
In addition, the use of technology allows for greater integration between systems. In this way, the analyzes become more accessible and better structured. The centralization of information will enable audits to be carried out, and a broad view of all activities carried out.
Unlike humans, RPA robots are not affected by exhaustion and information overload.
Consequently, we have reduced costs for generating conflicting information and operational losses.
Also, by eliminating unnecessary operational tasks and making your business more scalable, the company gains the flexibility to invest in new projects.
In this way, tests and changes in current processes become less traumatic and your prototypes can be developed even more quickly.
Now that you know some of the benefits of RPA, let’s find out where these strategies can be applied.
And Where Can I Apply RPA Strategies?
Generally speaking, any task that can be standardized can be fully or partially automated. Below are some examples of activities that can be automated:
- Connect with different suppliers to record the receipt of materials;
- Processes with great execution complexity and volume of errors;
- Extraction of data from different systems to centralize the company’s information;
- Processes with repetitive tasks, in general;
- Sending and receiving standardized e-mails;
- Management of business events;
- Document capture, data validation and identification of operational errors
- Within several others!
However, even with many benefits and applications, the biggest question for managers is how they should start automation. Below are some tips.
Excellent! But… Where To Start?
Before making any changes, the company needs to consider which processes should be automated.
If a process needs personal contact, such as negotiation, and a critical sense to be carried out, it should not be automated.
One crucial difference to clarify is that RPA and Artificial Intelligence are different! RPA is a simple and objective automation to solve an operational problem without requiring the robot to interpret the context.
With the processes mapped out, evaluating the best RPA vendors on the market is essential.
It is only sometimes necessary to create automation through in-house engineering. In many cases, hiring ready-made solutions can be even more economical and efficient.
Furthermore, before venturing into the world of technological processes, implement pilot projects in representative sectors of the company.
In this way, it is possible to build cases and become even more mature using the potential that automation can bring.
Finally, it is worth pointing out that, as with any process, its conclusion does not come with its implementation. The activities, even if standardized, are dynamic. A process that follows an execution line today may change its behavior’s tomorrow.
It is necessary to understand that every RPA tool has a life cycle, and it is up to its creators to ensure that it is always up to date and meets the company’s needs.
Well, now that we know how to implement RPA in our company, let’s understand some other points that should be considered before implementing this project.
We Need To Talk About This…
Implementing automation technologies requires investment! The leader who believes that it is possible to implement RPA technologies with little or no change in the budget needs to be corrected.
In this sense, the big point to consider is that the cost, although high at the beginning, will be diluted as your processes become more efficient.
Also, it is worth noting that RPA goes far beyond cost reduction. When deciding to adopt this type of software, it is essential to have the fundamental objective of improving the results of your organization.
Another critical point is that even with a state-of-the-art technological structure, if your employees are adapted to the new scenario, it will be challenging to get any return on the investment.
People make a company; technologies are just a way for them to develop and create even more efficient solutions.
Finally, RPA is a cycle; it needs constant changes and updates to adapt to the different contexts and problems faced by your company.
In this sense, create internal committees and metrics to identify new opportunities and monitor the effectiveness of implemented projects.
Also Read: How To Apply RPA Technology In Your Business
