Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a powerful software technology that is used to automate business processes. RPA employs software robots, typically referred to simply as bots, to execute tasks and workflows that would otherwise be fulfilled by a human worker. The bots are able to interpret data, interact with various systems, and complete tasks, workflows, and processes. These bots become even more powerful when you combine machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify predictable trends or key learnings from the data under analysis.
The benefits of robotic process automation are manifold.
Software robots act only in accordance with their programming, meaning that as long as a bot is programmed correctly, its work will always be accurate. Using software bots to automate mundane and menial tasks eliminates the risk of human error. Unlike a person, a bot can’t get tired or distracted and make a mistake because they weren’t paying attention.
In industries that require strict regulatory and code compliance, using RPA can be incredibly beneficial. The accuracy of the work of bots ensures perfect adherence to any and all regulatory standards. This also makes work much easier for workers in compliance analysis and quality control roles.
Similar to their ability to produce precisely accurate and compliant work, bots also execute tasks with uniformity. This is great for organizations with a high volume of rote, manual tasks that are typically performed by some number of employees. Even with the most exacting training, people will produce work with slight variances. With bots, every task is completed with absolute uniformity.
With robotic process automation, once you have your bots in place and operating as desired, that’s it. Software robots are incredibly low maintenance as they have no real needs. Unlike traditional employees, they don’t require anything from you in order to fulfill their function.
Software robots require very little funding to operate. Beyond initial programming and setup, there’s only a single annual fee per robot. So, although there are costs associated with RPA, they’re negligible in comparison to their alternative. Tasks that used to require one or even teams of employees to complete can be automated by bots that don’t require salaries, benefits, or PTO.
Bots don’t even need breaks. They can operate 24/7 every day of the year if needed. The relentlessness of their functioning makes software robots incredibly productive. This is why one of the primary benefits of Robotic Process Automation is increased efficiency.
For the same reasons that bots are so cost-effective, productive, efficient, and consistent, they’re extraordinarily reliable. Not only will they perfectly execute tasks every time, but they’ll also never call out sick, slack off, or take an extra-long shift break.
Believe it or not, RPA can be great for a morale boost amongst employees. As long as people don’t feel like their job security is threatened, they’re likely to appreciate no longer being responsible for menial tasks. Workers will feel more capable of managing their workload and less bored by the minutiae of their jobs.
The myriad benefits of RPA can be applied to innumerable processes and industries including government, higher education, human resources, financial services, insurance, research, and manufacturing.
Escaping the grasp of menial tasks inside your business can be solved with greater certainty and impact with rapidly evolving RPA technology deployments. Locate areas of your business where menial tasks exist that, when addressed, could yield newfound ROI. Then, speak with an expert RPA partner to plan your digital transformation journey.
If you think your company or institution could benefit from robotic process automation, contact Scan-Optics’s team of digitization experts today to find out how to get started.