New technologies and digital methods are the backbone of intelligent automation and thus of digital transformation. The best example of this is Robotic Process Automation (RPA). The RPA software uses the user interface of different applications and reproduces actions of human users via the user interfaces.
The advantage: Through individual configurations, previously manual, time-consuming, rule-based and recurring tasks can be automated. And individually tailored to the respective infrastructure of the organization. RPA thus makes an important contribution to the company’s own digital strategy.
A simple example of an RPA application is supplemental applications. A TSP can add specific numbers from a table to a digital purchase order. For example, let’s assume that a number for the delivery location should be added to each order. The robot is then instructed to open each order in the system, read the delivery location field. This text is searched in a table and the correct accompanying number is selected and copied. In the order, the number is inserted into the cell provided for this purpose. The order is closed again and in another table the robot documents that it has performed its task in order XY. Then he chooses a new order and performs the same activity.
Challenges of an RPA implementation:
- Despite optimized processes, many manual activities are still necessary to supplement data and obtain information or approvals
- SAP-based processes require a high quality of input data for an automatic run (e.g. invoice vs. purchase order).
- With different business models, a high degree of standardization is difficult to achieve and standard tools (e.g. for construction services) are not available on the market.
- Business partner discipline can be established as a continuous improvement process, but is usually insufficient for a high level of automation.
- The large number of occasional process users complicates quality control.
The benefits of an RPA application are many.
– Financial
– RPA is even more efficient than an offshore SSC center.
– RPA projects pay for themselves within a few years (on average after one to two years).
– RPA implementation enables high savings potential.
– Governance & Compliance
– Process transparency increases with RPA, since the processes are rule-based and the individual steps are documented.
– Process conformity and consistency are ensured by automation.
– High level of compliance (minimization of fraud risks) is achieved.
– Technical & operational
– RPA leverages existing systems and technologies rather than developing new interfaces.
– RPA solutions can be developed and implemented quickly.
– RPA offers a scalable solution with process efficiency enhancement.
– Employees
– Automation of manual, rule-based activities enables capacity to be increased or shifted.
– Robots are active 24/7 .
– By shifting capacity, operational teams have time for what would otherwise go undone.
– Automating manual tasks generates higher quality results, reducing the amount of rework required by operational teams.
