Robotic Process Automation (abbreviated as RPA) has already become a prominent choice among many businesses across the globe. In fact, studies suggest that RPA is gradually becoming a norm. Before implementing an RPA, however, you must ask the following questions about the processes and be 100{498f45a2d590969326697e149cf583a7ce36348d025b968ab6be0e344e90a807} sure if you are about to make the right decision.
1. Is the respective process a template driven one?
If your process is more of a template-driven one, the automation process will be exceptionally easier. A process that is driven by clear instructions will make the automation process a smoother. The more exceptions the respective process has, the more complex it is. Because of the increased complexity, the automation process will incur more cost and demand more effort. In general, software robots are really effective when handling tasks that are associated with a clear formulation, particularly with a conditional format. So, if the process is a template driven one, RPA would be a perfect implementation.
2. Is the process measurable?
It is always better to implement an RPA for a process that can be evaluated in the context of cost and time. A process that can be measured by both cost and time would be a much better match for an RPA. This is because; the business can precisely calculate the gains your business had with the implementation of the RPA within a given timeframe. In so doing, the business can analyze the number of hours saved, costs reduced, increased response times, increased productivity etc.
3. Does the process involve manual, repetitive tasks?
In general, the chances for errors in repetitively performed manual tasks are more. By nature, humans make mistakes when it comes to repetitive tasks. Therefore, if the process you are going to automate involves a higher amount of manual input and more repetitions, RPA would be a really practical and effective alternative. However, if the process requires more creative, flexible and versatile efforts, you shouldn’t let a robot handle it. Such process can be achieved with better productivity with the assistance of skilled, creative employees.
4. Does the process work with structured work?
It is no secret that robotic process automation demands the input of structured data. For instance, RPA demands the assistance of structured data such as ERP or a similar type of structured database. However, RPAs becomes significantly less productive when it comes to unstructured data. For instance, a robotic process automation will function poorly when it has to work based on a data available in an email body. To avoid that, you should process the data into a structured format before letting the robots handle them. The best approach is to handle such processes (processes that are based on unstructured data) manually at least at the initial stage.
Asking questions about processes before implementing robotic process automation is compulsory. Such approach will save you a lot of money and time. The bottom-line is that an RPA that is implemented with better sense and rational thinking will be a priceless asset to any business.