Introduction to RPA

Getting Started with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) | A Complete High Level Walk-Through of Robotic Process Automation | Part-1

RPA Definition:

RPA stands for Robotic process automation. RPA is simple-and powerful-automation software enabling you to create your own software robots to automate any business process. Your "bots" are configurable software setup to perform the tasks you assign and control.

      

In technical terms, RPA systems develop the action list by watching the user that performs the task in the application's GUI(Graphical User Interface). By application we mean it can be either web, desktop and then perform the automation by repeating those steps directly in the GUI.

Evolution of RPA:-

In this section we will discuss how RPA has evolved over the period of time.

                                        

1) Assisted RPA - RPA started as a natural evolution of the scripts, macros. The RPA bots works together with the human user as an integral part of the business process.  The resulting streamlined workflow increases productivity and reduce human errors.

2) Unassisted RPA - Unassisted process automates a complete (sub) process from start to finish. The RPA bot is triggered through work queue. If the bot cannot complete the task it is moved to exception handling queue for a human to be processed. Completed work is placed in completed queue for the next sub-process to pick up the work.

3) Unstructured Data - RPA solutions traditionally relied on structured data(data stored in known locations with known definition and format). As the time progressed and when RPA combined with other technologies for better understanding of the real world around them. Examples are; connection with chat bot to help customers with simple transactions, understanding natural language(speech or written) and interpretation of customer sentiment. It will greatly increase the number of use cases for RPA, further reducing the need of human intervention in end to end business process.

4) Intelligent Automation - Current RPA solutions are based on pre-programmed business rules. The technology will evolve beyond the point when RPA & AI solution converge. RPA solutions can generate vast amounts of transaction data that can be fed into Machine Learning algorithms to recognize patterns and learn the business logic without explicitly being taught. It can further recommend optimization of business process by giving judgement based recommendations or decisions.

Types of RPA Tools:

Today in the real world we have different software & tools to automate any business process but the top software used in the market are as described below:-

1) Automation Anywhere - Consists of two main components i.e. Control room(manage & schedule bots/tasks) and Client(where all the coding/development takes place).

2) UiPath - Consists of three parts i.e. UiPath Studio, UiPath Robot, UiPath Orchestrator.

3) Blue Prism - Consists of two parts i.e. Process Studio and Object Studio.

Benefits of RPA:-

1) Cost Saving - Reduce operating cost and increase throughput.

2) Improved Productivity - Minimize manual, error - prone processes.

3) Significant process improvements - Get more done in less time and add/change processes as needed.

4) Improved customer service - Eliminate human errors to improve customer satisfaction.

5) Improved Compliance - All RPA steps are recorded for historical auditability. 

Limitations of RPA:-

1)   Not all processes are suitable for RPA means we can automate rule based, high volumes and that does not require judgmental decisions or human interventions.

2)  Bad processes should not be automated i.e. those processes which are unstable and prompt to change are not ideal candidate for RPA.

3) There is still need for human intervention as RPA doesn't respond well to exceptions and the human intervention is still required to correct those exceptions.

So, we have covered the brief understanding about the Robotic Process Automation , its evolution, types of software used, and it's benefits. Next will cover the installation process of Automation Anywhere. 

If you have any queries then please feel free to reach out to me with your queries and I will be more than happy to resolve your queries.