RPA: A Transient Solution to Bridge Gaps

Robotic Process Automation ( RPA) has gained recognition for its ability to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and ease of business processes. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that RPA goes beyond mere imitation of human tasks. While it offers temporary fixes, it cannot fully replace IT systems or application development and enhancement. As business processes continuously evolve to meet changing customer needs, RPA must be viewed as a dynamic automation solution, not a permanent fix.

1. Repurposing and Re-deployment Strategy

Implementing RPA may instill fear and anxiety among employees who perceive it as a threat to their roles. Addressing this concern necessitates effective communication and a well-defined plan for repurposing and re-deploying impacted employees. Organizations can alleviate apprehension and build a supportive environment by emphasizing the potential for upskilling and redeployment.

2. Decommissioning Considerations

Often overlooked is the cost of decommissioning RPA bots once they become unviable due to significant process changes, replacing IT systems/applications, or evolving compliance requirements. To ensure long-term viability, organizations must proactively plan for the decommissioning of bots, mitigating potential disruptions and optimizing resource allocation.

3. Robust Service Support Model

A robust service support model is essential to sustain the smooth operation of existing live services. With RPA in place, organizations must establish a well-defined support framework to address issues, perform maintenance, and promptly resolve any disruptions. This ensures uninterrupted workflow and enhances stakeholder satisfaction.

4. Analysis of Exceptions and Solution Evaluation

When implementing RPA, it is crucial to analyze exceptions, whether they stem from business processes or system-related issues. Evaluating the significance of these exceptions enables organizations to determine the efficacy of the RPA solution. It provides insights into whether the solution should be continued, re-designed, or decommissioned, ensuring continuous optimization and alignment with organizational objectives

RPA ( or any low code) automation offers significant benefits to organizations, but its successful implementation requires a holistic approach. By recognizing and addressing the challenges highlighted above, organizations can maximize the potential of RPA, fostering a culture of adaptability, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Effective communication, proactive planning for decommissioning, establishing robust service support models, and conducting comprehensive exception analysis contribute to a sustainable and successful RPA journey.