IS ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION DEAD?

I was recently talking to a friend of mine, and the topic came up, “Is RPA dead?” It’s a question that’s been floating around the automation space for a while now.

When I first started with RPA, it was known as many things. Some defined it as a macro on steroids. Others saw it as a tool to automate processes by mimicking a user. While this latter definition opened doors to automation, it also led to many bad practices. Automating processes based on existing, often inefficient, procedures without critically analyzing them or thinking outside the box hindered the true potential of RPA.

So, is RPA truly dead?

Before we answer that, let's explore why some people believe RPA is dead:

Disillusionment with Early Implementations

Many early RPA projects failed to deliver the expected ROI. These projects often automated inefficient processes without optimizing them first, leading to disappointing results.

Addressing the Perception: Early implementations suffered because they didn't take a holistic approach to automation. Instead of analyzing the underlying processes, companies focused on documenting existing processes with a view to mimic and automate. RPA vendors were partly to blame, as the recorder functions were used as a sales tactic to show the tool's simplicity. However, as years went by, lessons were learned and businesses realized this approach doesn't work. Mature organizations are now analyzing their processes with a view to innovate. RPA plays a part as a capability in the list of automation tools that can help innovate processes. Modern RPA also takes an API-first mindset.

Overhyped Expectations

The initial hype around RPA promised revolutionary changes. When these changes did not materialize as quickly or dramatically as anticipated, disappointment set in.

Addressing the Perception: The hype around RPA created unrealistic expectations. While RPA is a powerful tool, it is not a silver bullet that can solve all problems overnight. It requires careful planning, execution, and continuous improvement. Organizations that set realistic goals and integrate RPA as part of a broader digital transformation strategy are seeing significant benefits. The key is to view RPA as a foundational technology that complements and enhances other automation and digital initiatives.

Maintenance Challenges

RPA bots can be fragile and require frequent updates and maintenance, especially when underlying systems or processes change. This ongoing effort can make RPA seem like more trouble than it’s worth.

Addressing the Perception: While it's true that RPA bots require maintenance, advances in RPA technology have made bots more resilient and easier to manage. The maintenance is usually the case where UI automation is required. RPA tools have improved significantly and are quite resilient to UI changes, but it may still require configuration when a change is made on the UI. As mentioned above, modern RPA has an API-first approach, and where API is not available, UI is used. This has improved reliability drastically.

Additionally, integrating RPA with AI and machine learning can further enhance bot capabilities, making them more adaptable to changes. Implementing best practices in bot design and governance can also reduce maintenance efforts and ensure long-term sustainability.

Limited Scope

Traditional RPA focuses on automating simple, repetitive tasks. As businesses look to solve more complex problems, the limitations of RPA become apparent, leading some to believe it’s an outdated solution.

Addressing the Perception: Modern RPA has evolved beyond simple task automation. By integrating RPA with AI, machine learning, and other cognitive technologies, organizations can automate more complex processes that involve decision-making, data analysis, and customer interactions. This combination, often referred to as intelligent automation, expands the scope and capabilities of RPA, making it a vital component of comprehensive automation strategies. Remember, RPA is not the solution but part of your list of tools that can help automate.

Emergence of Advanced Technologies

With the rise of AI, machine learning, and other advanced technologies, some see RPA as a less sophisticated tool, overshadowed by these newer, more powerful solutions.

Addressing the Perception: Rather than being overshadowed, RPA complements these advanced technologies. RPA provides the execution layer that can leverage the insights and capabilities of AI and machine learning. For example, AI can analyze data and make recommendations, while RPA can execute the necessary actions based on those recommendations. This synergy creates powerful, end-to-end automation solutions that are greater than the sum of their parts. In simple terms, I define RPA as the arms and the legs and AI being the brain.

The Broader Role of RPA

The adage "it's like putting tape on a leaky pipe" is often used to describe RPA. While this analogy highlights the potential for short-term fixes, it overlooks the broader role RPA can play in process optimization.

RPA, when implemented strategically, is more than just a temporary solution. It serves as a robust foundation for long-term process improvement. Here is why:

RPA as a Catalyst for Process Discovery

• Uncovering Hidden Inefficiencies: RPA implementation requires a deep understanding of existing processes. This process discovery often unveils hidden inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and redundancies that were previously overlooked. This is usually not understood well by old-age IT thinking. RPA helps bring IT and business closer.
• Data-Driven Insights: RPA bots generate vast amounts of data on process performance. This data can be analyzed to identify areas for improvement, leading to data-driven decisions and optimization.

RPA as a Stepping Stone to Automation Maturity

• Building Automation Muscle: Successful RPA projects build internal capabilities and create a culture of automation. This lays the groundwork for more complex automation initiatives, such as AI and machine learning integration.
• Proof of Concept: RPA can be used as a proof of concept to demonstrate the value of automation to stakeholders, gaining buy-in for larger-scale transformation projects.

RPA as a Risk Mitigation Tool

• Error Reduction: RPA bots perform tasks with precision and consistency, significantly reducing human error. This leads to improved data accuracy and process reliability.
• Compliance Adherence: RPA can be configured to strictly adhere to compliance regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

RPA as a Foundation for Process Redesign

• Freeing Up Resources: By automating repetitive tasks, RPA frees up employees to focus on higher-value activities, such as process analysis and redesign.
• Enabling Continuous Improvement: RPA allows for rapid experimentation and iteration, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

While replacing the "pipe" over putting a tape is often the ultimate goal, RPA offers a practical and effective approach to address immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for long-term transformation. By viewing RPA as a strategic tool rather than a mere band-aid, organizations can unlock its full potential and drive significant business benefits.

RPA is far from dead. It’s evolving and integrating with more advanced technologies to offer comprehensive solutions for modern business challenges. The misconception that RPA is merely a tool for mimicking user actions is outdated. Today, RPA stands as a pivotal element in digital transformation strategies, driving intelligent automation, optimizing processes, and ensuring scalability and integration across systems.

The future of RPA is bright, with its potential only beginning to be realized. As businesses continue to adopt and innovate with RPA, those who understand and leverage its full capabilities will lead the way in efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. So, is RPA dead? Not by a long shot. It’s just evolving.