A software robot is a code capable of simulating a person while interacting with a computer (reading the screen, typing on a keyboard and moving and selecting with the mouse). In addition, it can also execute many activities in different applications.

The biggest benefit of RPA is cost savings. Software robots can operate 24 hours a day, every day, accurately and quickly. This does not mean that they replace people, but rather that they relieve them of the most unproductive part of their work to allow them to focus on the tasks that add the most value to the business. In addition, the error rate when executing processes is drastically reduced and reliability increases substantially.

A software robot can interact with computer systems in the same way as a person does. Thus, the robot can read the information displayed on a screen, type with the keyboard and use the mouse. In addition, it is able to perform tasks and activities by interacting with different applications. All this is done about 10 times faster than a person would do it and without making mistakes.

Generally, an RPA project can be up and running in just a few weeks. Typically, it usually starts with small automation projects to set up the infrastructure and allow people to adapt to using the robot, which speeds up implementation.

The processes most likely to be automated are those based on repetitive and routine tasks, with well-defined rules and few exceptions that are well documented.

Nothing. RPA is a non-intrusive technology, which means that no changes are required in the applications or in the way the process is executed. The robot simply acts in the same way a person would, using the same systems, the same interfaces, etc.

The cost of licensing the software robot must be considered, as well as the robot’s consulting and development services and the management of exceptions for those points that are beyond the robot’s reach. The ROI in automation projects using RPA is usually below 6 months (it is the technology that offers the lowest ROI) and its benefits can be perceived from the very first moment.

To manage the implemented software robots there is Orchestrator, a tool with an interface where it is very easy to manage and monitor them. In addition, it has the possibility of scheduling and assigning tasks, managing the configuration, defining queues…

Intelligent automation enhances RPA through the use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and other technologies to achieve more customized designs that also allow progress towards hyper-automation.

Yes, RPA can be used with virtually any software on the market, even proprietary software, because it works on the program interface, just as a person would do.

Process mining is used to identify the processes that can be automated, analyzing to what extent it is possible to implement RPA. It is a way of discovering new opportunities for automation, optimization and improvement of the company’s processes.

When facing an RPA project in the company, the first step is to carry out an audit of all those processes that can be automated. Once identified, the one that has the best relationship between the benefit it produces and the degree of difficulty of its development will be selected. The business case is then made and, with this “pilot process” underway, the impact on the company and its acceptance is evaluated, and from there, the development of new automations can begin.

When implementing RPA in your company, some of these challenges are common:
Employee resistance. Like any other change, the installation of a software robot can be stressful for employees, especially if there is a widespread belief that the use of RPA can lead to layoffs. This situation may lead to some resistance to its implementation.

Selecting the right processes. To guarantee the best results in the implementation of RPA, it is necessary to carry out an in-depth analysis to select those processes that can offer the best initial results.

Realistic expectations. Companies need to be aware of the limits of what RPA can and cannot do. It is also important to understand that applying RPA will not solve processes that are not working correctly, since the steps that the robot will follow are the same as those that the person in charge of them would execute. If they are not efficient or correct, the automation will not be efficient or correct either.

We understand by hyper-automation the enrichment of Robotic Process Automation through the use of technologies such as AI or Machine Learning, so that the involvement of people in the execution of the process is limited to the minimum possible (if it cannot be completely eliminated).

When the company already has a significant base of automated processes it is usually convenient to create the figure of the CoE, represented by one or more people with experience and knowledge in software robots and who is responsible for collecting the experience of the implementations to have a vision of the overall strategy to work in different business areas and their specific automation requirements.