How Does Robotic Process Automation Fit Into Your Operations? [Mind map]

Business Process Automation

Robots are at the center of todayâs business process automation revolution, where they take the form of software programs used to automate business activities such as accounts payable and receivable, transaction processing, and order management. So what's different?

The term "Robotic Process Automation" (RPA) is used frequently in the industry today. It refers to the use of software that mimics human actions to interact with multiple applications, in a "non-invasive" manner, to execute rule-based and repetitive transactional processes . The difference from the usual automation is the "non-invasive" nature of intervention. The robots do not have direct access to back-end databases, but access and input information through existing user interface layers, similar to human FTEs.

RPA benefits from the demand-side perspective (i.e., the buyer) include the ability to go beyond labor arbitrage. Buyers can employ robotics to handle millions of tasks that humans used to handle, except that robots do it much more quickly, cheaply and efficiently. Robotic solutions can work 24/7/365 with consistency and accuracy. Automated processes also enable buyers to meet higher standards of security, risk mitigation and compliance, typically with fully documented, traced and audited processes.

From a supply-side perspective , the technology has evolved to a more useful and impactful state. The maturation of the technology has been boosted by cloud computing: robotic software solutions can now sit "in the cloud" rather than on thousands of desktops, and are thus relatively easy to deploy.

Challenges include figuring out what can be automated . Processes that are stable and well defined are the best candidates for automation, but not all processes meet those criteria. In many cases, manual intervention may still be required.

Another challenge is making the business case for a robotics investment. Theoretically, for a well defined, stable process, a provider might invest anywhere from a few thousand to 100,000 dollars to pilot the solution, test feasibility, and implement â and the result could be as high as a 70% reduction in cost, a significant net effect. However, the cost of implementing a robotic solution can vary considerably, depending upon the process itself and how optimized it is to begin with.

The following mind map takes a closer look at RPA uses, benefits, challenges and business factors.

[click to enlarge]

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If this is a topic that you currently find interesting you might be interested in attending our Robotic Process Automation World Series Online Even t. Through this event SSON is your committed partner in informing, connecting, and supporting you through your journey. After the success of our 2016 RPA World Series we are back with a week of sessions that dig deeper into the challenges and opportunities that RPA is already providing to multiple multinationals seeking every competitive edge they can get.

To share the latest thinking with you, we are collaborating with leading providers in the field as well as organizations that have pioneered RPA within their operations.

Join us online, February 13-17, for a series of valuable live webinars; learn from real-life case studies and ask the questions that are uppermost in your mind.