Robotic process automation
What is RPA?
Robotic process automation technology - defined in simple terms as software that automates other software - promises to improve efficiency, boost productivity and save money by helping with or entirely replacing the manual, routine and often error-prone digital processing jobs still done with human labor at many companies. RPA are lightweight tools that will automate and disrupt , how routine work gets done in just about every industry and across departments from HR to IT operations.
About 140 million "knowledge workers" could be replaced by 2025 through the use of RPA and its AI-Centric close relative - cognitive or intelligent automation.
Robotic process automation technology can eliminate or speed up routine digital tasks now performed by humans. Any manual process which follows a standard operating procedure (SOP) can be automated using RPA. For Example., manual claim processing which follows a SOP can be automated using RPA. Another use case in healthcare can be on automating revenue cycle process which follows a SOP
Use cases for RPA
Organizations can consider RPA under the following use cases,
- Automate an existing manual task or process with minimal process re-engineering
- Reduce or remove head count from batch data input and output or data rekeying
- Link to external systems that cannot be connected via other IT options
- Avoid system integration projects or specific new major application development
- Replace individual "shadow or citizen IT" desktop automation with enterprise-wide automation
Evaluating RPA
Organizations can use the following questions for evaluating RPA,
- How efficient are your processes?
- How effective are your processes?
- What other general technology or business options are available to process this activity?
- How are IT and process leaders are working together to deploy RPA?
RPA in Healthcare
RPA market is expected to grow at 8 to 10 Billion USD by 2025. RPA can be used in healthcare for processing claims, automating administrative tasks, revenue cycle management and comparison of medical records. RPA solutions are getting increasing adopted in healthcare industry as a sector uses lot of manual processes, handle larger volume of data and processes huge volume of data.
RPA solutions will drive the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the near future. It will be adapt to conclude RPA based solutions will drive significant cost savings and productivity improvements to businesses which automate their manual business processes.