What is Robotic Process Automation? RPA Explained

Now before we start this article on What is Robotic Process Automation, I want you to let go of any idea you have been carrying from the movie I, Robot. It has no place here. Although you might observe how some ideas are derived, robots aren’t rooting for world domination, yet.

What is Robotic Process Automation?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is the process of using bots or software that can execute routine functions directly from a user interface, to assist with daily processes and functions. More simply put, it describes a software tool designed to partially or completely automate manual and repetitive tasks performed by a human.

These programs have little to nothing in common with hardware robots, but they can perform the functions of a typical white-collar job. RPA software can be configured to perform any type of task with a clear sequence of actions to be replicated. Some of these tasks include addressing queries, making calculations, invoice processing, etc.

Consider this scenario: you’re a marketer who wants to distribute your newsletter to various social media accounts and email lists. Would you rather do this yourself, every day at the same time, or simply get software that can easily send your articles to the appropriate platforms at a set date and time? Choosing the latter will give you more time to concentrate solely on the creative process of your work and less on the repetitive tasks.

What Robotic Process Automation is not?

Now wait, I know there are a lot of misconceptions about what RPA is. The most important thing I want you to note is this, RPA does not have a physical form, is not a physical robot, and does not resemble humans. It can’t replicate the human cognitive function and certainly doesn’t have a brain of its own. So once again, this is no reemergence of the I, Robot era, just relax!

In addition to all these, note that You don’t need proficient coders to engage with RPA tools, and the software doesn’t run on its own, you feed it data.

Setting up Robotic Process Automation

Before deciding to set up an RPA, some boxes have to be ticked. When assessing potential RPA suits:

• The procedure must be governed by rules.
• The process must be repeated regularly or have a pre-determined trigger.
• The process’s inputs and outputs must be specified.
• The task’s volume should be adequate.

Now that we know this, we move on to the basic approach to setting up an RPA which involves four distinct phases. They are:

1. Analysis and Planning phase involves analysis of the identified processes for Robotic Process Automation, prioritizing other future automation use cases, choosing an approach or tool, and gathering the necessary materials.
2. Design and Developmental phase entails the actual creation of the automated bot with the necessary robotic process automation tools available.
3. Deployment and Testing, as the name implies, is the stage where the program is put through the test to check its effectiveness and efficiency.
4. Support and Maintenance is basically to avoid breakdown.

RPA Tools

RPA tools are pieces of software that allow you to configure tasks to be automated. RPA vendors in today’s market include Blue Prism, Automation Everywhere, UiPath, Pega Systems, WorkFusion, and many more.

However, the industry leaders are the trio (UiPath, Blue Prism & Automation Anywhere) with UiPath regarded as the best of them all based on popular opinion.

This tool does not require any programming skills and can automate as many tasks as you want.

Applications of Robotic Process Automation

The direct uses of RTA extend across different industries and as long as the working process of the industry involves automation of all sorts of structured backend processes, including taking orders, processing payments, and more, you’ll find the use of RPA important. I’ll highlight some sectors

Banking and Finance

RPA can be used to automate the manual tasks related to bank account closure or opening, salary uploads, loan processing, and validation based on the data given.

Insurance sector

The insurance sector is one that requires strict adherence to regulations and details of clients. RPA is useful in this case for various processes which include, Regulatory compliance, Integration with legacy applications, and Issuance of a new policy.

Healthcare

Its extended use in this industry includes Data ingestion of paperwork, like patient forms on appointments. It can also be used to schedule appointments, send discharge instructions, and remote patient monitoring which is done through electronic wearables involving an exchange of large amounts of data.

eCommerce

In this space, it’s used for Return processing which involves checking inventory, billing information, customer data, Customer support management, Product categorization, etc.
Government: it can be applied in different processes such as Changing of Address and License Renewal etc.

Human resources

It is very useful in this industry and can be incorporated for Resumé analysis, New hire onboarding, etc.

With its varied application, it’s worth noting that a lot of multinational companies across different industries have adopted the use of RPA. Some of these include IBM, Google, Deutsche Bank, AT&T, Walmart, Walgreens, Vanguard, Anthem, and American Express Global Business Travel.

Benefits of RPA

• There’s improved customer service
• It ensures corporate practices and procedures adhere to laws and standards
• It leads to increased productivity among employees
• It saves cost for manual and repetitive tasks
• It is practically error-free in application

Cons Associated of RPA

While the pros might outdo the cons, it’s important to note them.

• The speed of the bot is based solely on the application
• A change in the automation application will require total reconfiguration of the bot
• Not all process is suitable for automation
• Technical Issues may occur

As of recent, predictions by Gartner estimate that 69% of Routine Work Done by most Managers will be Automated fully by 2024 and according to a Global Market Insights Inc. survey, the RPA market will be worth $5 billion by 2024. The increased adoption of RPA technologies by organizations is inevitable and will drive the growth of the robotic process automation market most during that time.

In conclusion, Robotic process automation assists businesses in achieving and maintaining a strategic edge in their industry. Companies can enjoy higher operating ability while providing a superior customer experience by using the resources available, which increases staff efficiency and decreases costs.

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