Frequently Asked Questions.
What is RPA (Robotic Process Automation)? Why is it used?
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It is a technology that uses software robots (bots). -
Imitates the steps that a human worker would take to complete a business task or process. -
Completes the task without any intervention.
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It can be implemented by either downloading the software or using it via a web-based URL, making it extremely low barrier to entry and accessible for all businesses. -
RPA can be used on any rules-based, repetitive processes that do not require any human intervention in order to perform the task. -
RPA can perform processes 24/7 so high-volume, low-complex tasks can be undertaken by bots without tiring or making mistakes.
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Increase efficiency and productivity -
Decrease errors -
Improve compliance -
Allow for scalability -
Realise potential -
See tangible increases in ROI in a short space of time -
Easily measure business growth with analytics -
Increase employee morale -
Allow for value creation and improve stakeholder relationships!
What are the advantages of RPA?
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RPA can run tasks and processes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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If humans are doing repetitive, mundane tasks then they can often make mistakes. -
When RPA is programmed correctly, it will never make a mistake.
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RPA can be programmed to perform complex calculations in milliseconds and if implemented correctly, will not make mistakes that a human worker may make.
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If your staff are no longer having to undertake mundane, repetitive tasks, then it will allow the time and opportunity to work on more interesting or meaningful tasks. -
This will allow for them to add value to the company.
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With a reduction of errors, compliance will improve, which can also reduce the cost of audits. -
RPA allows for complex reporting and a digital audit trail that can be extracted in any format and updated every time the task is run - with the results being sent to the required stakeholders.
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Once an RPA solution is in place, the premise of it can be a pplied to any other suitable process in the company. -
It will allow you to integrate your processes and adapt to changing business environments. -
Once you have the software in place, new bots can be easily built and implemented, allowing for the important growth of your business.
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If your process is improving productivity within the business, then it may be increasing the time in which you pay your invoices, or the time in which you respond to customers for example. -
Either way, your internal and external stakeholders will benefit from it, which will improve your relationship with them.
Is RPA accessible for smaller businesses / SMEs?
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Enterprise A2019 is entirely web and cloud-based, which means that there is no need for any expensive re-architecture of systems or a costly implementation of RPA software. -
Current business applications do not need to be updated, because RPA essentially mimics the work of a human on your current applications but in a much faster time and with no errors, which can reduce your operating costs. -
RPA can be undertaken in most industries if the process is repetitive, rules-based and digital. Most industries have back-office functions that are well suited to RPA, such as HR, IT, Marketing, Finance and Accounting etc.
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Increased efficiency and productivity -
Decreased errors -
Increased employee morale -
More opportunities for value creation -
Improved compliance -
Scalability -
Business growth
Can you explain RPA in easy steps?
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Log into any application using usernames and passwords that have been securely stored
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Perform keyboard or mouse functions such as:
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Clicking on the screen -
Typing -
Copying and pasting data -
Updating or moving files and folders
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Extract data from web browsers, excel files, pdf documents, which can be used to update reports or databases or input data into forms -
Read and send emails and open or download attachments -
Produce reports or make calculations
How can RPA be used / what processes are most commonly automated using RPA?
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Management / month-end reporting -
Tax calculations -
Purchase Order processing -
Invoice processing, including extracting data from invoices and uploading the information into an ERP, such as SAP -
Reconciliations
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Recruitment, for example scanning CVs, contacting candidates, verifying visas or DBS checks -
Employee on-boarding, for example sending out new starter packs or information, entering new employee information into HRIS database -
Calculating compensation and benefits -
Performing payroll duties and calculations in the HRIS -
Annual leave / sick / parental leave management, including updating databases and sending letters via email
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Automating Service Desk communication and desktop support -
Maintenance of database administration -
Data migration and entry -
Legacy system integrations
What industries are most suited to the use of RPA?
How can I know if my process can be automated using RPA?
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Rules-based -
Digital -
Repeated on a regular basis -
High volume
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Stability and maturity of the process -
Management buy-in -
Process ownership
How many processes can be automated with RPA?
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How stable/robust is the process? -
How mature is the process in its lifecycle? -
Is there management buy-in? -
Is there somebody that can take ownership of the process and RPA solution to see it through to fruition and then manage/update the process once it is in place? -
Is there a clear vision for what the benefits will be for automating this process? For example, increasing ROI, decreasing errors or increasing employee morale?
What does an RPA roadmap look like?
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The most suitable process that can be automated using RPA (rules-based, repetitive, digital etc.) -
The greatest impact it will have on the business unit or organisation (yielding the greatest benefits)
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This is to ensure exceptions are handled -
The more detail, the better as every possible scenario will need to be accounted for if you want to avoid errors
Will RPA replace jobs in the near future?
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value-adding -
decision-making -
ingenuity -
innovation -
genuine human contact like building relationships
Robotics in Human Resources - RPA Use Cases in HR
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Scanning CVs
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Contacting candidates to arrange for interviews by sending template emails -
Verifying visas or DBS checks using online verifying services -
Organising calendar invites for interviews by checking interviewer availability and then sending invites via email
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Sending out new digital starter packs or information -
Data entry for new employee information into HRIS database -
Calculating compensation and benefits -
Using excel or HRIS applications to calculate annual increases -
Calculate role ranges for compensation reviews
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Data entry into the payroll system -
Reconciliation calculations
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Annual leave calculations and data entry -
Sick leave calculations -
Parental leave management, with digital letters being sent out and data entry into the system
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Sending out training videos -
Updating training management systems
What does RPA stand for?
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Increased efficiency and productivity -
Reduced errors -
Tangible results in ROI -
Increase in staff morale -
Business growth driver with easy reporting measures -
Decreased costs
Is RPA expensive?
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Increase productivity and efficiency -
Increase in staff morale -
Decrease errors -
Reduce costs -
Allow for tangible, fast results in ROI -
Easily measure your business growth
How long does it take to implement an RPA solution?
Is RPA a growing industry?
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The growth of RPA has been driven by the demand to digitize business processes and the need for straight-through processing (STP).
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RPA is now accessible for all businesses, including SMEs and across multiple industries.
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This is because it has become more affordable. -
Companies can now gain a competitive advantage by integrating legacy systems without the need to invest in new systems or re-architecture.
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By adopting the use of RPA as a digital transformation project, companies can reap benefits such as:
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Tangible results in ROI -
Increased productivity -
Decreased costs and errors
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All without the cost of previous technology solutions.
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According to a PwC study, "69% of CEOs are planning to drive corporate growth and profitability through cost reduction and 62% expect technology to completely disrupt their business within five years". -
RPA is at the forefront of digital technology transformation projects that companies are investing in.
Is it worth learning RPA?
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An update in the process
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Adapting to changing business environments
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Work closely with business process owners -
Confidently build on the foundations that have been implemented
What is the difference between AI and RPA?
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An example is Automation Anywhere's IQ Bot solution
How is AI (Artificial Intelligence) used in RPA (Robotic Process Automation)?
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IQ Bot can take un-structured data and extract, classify and validate information from complex business documents, such as invoices, purchase orders or emails. -
This AI solution is partnered with RPA to allow for a seamless end-to-end automation.
How is RPA different from automation?