Are robots stealing our jobs?

Robotic process automation (RPA) is the new buzzword in the area of process automation. At the core of it is the fact that standardized, repetitive process steps are executed by software robots. These then appear to the system as if they were a human employee. The benefits that a company can derive from it are pretty obvious. On the one hand, employees can be relieved of repetitive tasks, and on the other hand, robots can be at work 24/7.

RPA will have its permanent place across all industries even though a heavy focus on banks and insurance companies can be currently observed. This is simply because the proportion of repetitive and highly standardized processes in the financial services sector is relatively high.

Primary application areas of RPA are wherever similar process steps are triggered by digital input. Automation through robots means that an activity is always carried out exactly the same, which makes cost calculation much easier. In the area of compliance, the resulting advantages are also obvious, since, for example, documentation by the system protocols is virtually self-explanatory and inclusive.

Also, in an RPA project, the change management component is also very important. The time released from employees who have performed the respective tasks before can be reallocated to activities that generate higher added value. This process wants to be managed well and in a proactive way. I’m convinced that chances and opportunities for a company’s employees and managers created through the use of RPA far outweigh any disadvantages.

Employees who have carried out the processes in a company for many years know them by far the best. Therefore, one should always be aware of the added value generated by their daily contribution. An active participation in building the future of one’s own company is probably the most effective means against being surprised by increasing automation through robots.

Studies conducted in the USA indicate have indicated that robots could potentially eliminate up to 40% of traditional jobs. Personally, this value seems a bit high to me, and it probably does not fully take into account that in a changing world there are also plenty of new career paths and opportunities.

Robots may steal a part of today's jobs, as it is often shown in a rather eye-catching way. My opinion, however, is that we all are facing a very exciting future when we focus our efforts on the new opportunities that will arise. “Digital takes no prisoners - the rules have changed” was the title of a blog I wrote some time ago. The key point of it was that the process of digitalization will go its way regardless of whether we find it all good or not. However, history has also shown that we humans have a high adaptive capability, and so I’m pretty confident that we will master the challenge of robotic process automation together.

I look forward to it!